B2adverbhistory
US/ˈfɔːr.mər.li/
UK/ˈfɔː.mə.li/
in the past, before now
In context
Ho Chi Minh City was formerly called Saigon.
The cafe is in a building that was formerly a bank.
She was formerly a teacher, but now she runs a bakery.
Words that go with formerly
adverb + verb
- formerly known asThe company, formerly known as Facebook, is now called Meta.
- formerly calledThe street was formerly called Rue Catinat.
- formerly ownedThe house was formerly owned by a French doctor.
- formerly usedThe room was formerly used as a classroom.
adverb + adjective
- formerly part ofThis land was formerly part of a rubber plantation.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
Please dress formerly for the ceremony.Correct: Please dress formally for the ceremony.