Formely vs. Formerly — Which is Correct Spelling?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on March 25, 2024
Formely is an incorrect spelling, while "Formerly" means "in the past" or "previously." Use "Formerly" to indicate a prior state or condition.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Formely or Formerly
How to spell Formerly?
Formely
Incorrect Spelling
Formerly
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Relate "Formerly" to "previously" – both are correctly spelled with an "r" before the "ly."
Remember "Former" + "ly" = "Formerly."
"Formerly" has the word "former" in it, signifying the past.
Think of the word "form" as incomplete, just like "Formely."
Picture a sign saying "Former Business" to remember the "former" root.
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How Do You Spell Formerly Correctly?
Incorrect: The building was formely a school.
Correct: The building was formerly a school.
Incorrect: He was formely known as a great athlete.
Correct: He was formerly known as a great athlete.
Incorrect: She formely worked in the finance sector.
Correct: She formerly worked in the finance sector.
Incorrect: This area was formely a dense forest.
Correct: This area was formerly a dense forest.
Incorrect: The company was formely under different management.
Correct: The company was formerly under different management.
Formerly Definitions
Referring to a prior period or era.
The tool was formerly essential for builders.
Indicates a name or state that was previously held.
The building, formerly a bank, is now a restaurant.
Formerly means at a previous time; in the past.
She was formerly known as Jane Smith.
Used to describe an earlier situation or status.
That's the artist formerly recognized for abstract work.
Highlighting a transition from one state to another.
He was formerly a skeptic but now believes.
At an earlier time; once.
At some time in the past
Xenia Robertson, formerly known as Xenia Isaamov, is from Ukraine.
Previously; once
This ranch was formerly owned by slaveholders.
In time past, either in time immediately preceding or at any indefinite distance; of old; heretofore.
At a previous time;
Once he loved her
Her erstwhile writing
Formerly Meaning in a Sentence
The park was formerly a private estate before it was donated to the city.
The museum's collection was formerly owned by a private collector.
The hotel was formerly a mansion built in the 19th century.
She was formerly known as a competitive swimmer before she became a coach.
The artist was formerly associated with abstract painting, but now focuses on sculpture.
He was formerly the CEO of the company before he retired.
This law firm was formerly located in the downtown area before moving to its current location.
The country was formerly a colony before gaining independence.
The restaurant was formerly a popular nightclub in the 1980s.
The festival was formerly a small community event before it gained national attention.
The area was formerly known for its steel industry, which has since declined.
The neighborhood was formerly a busy industrial zone, but now it's known for its art galleries.
The building that is now a library was formerly a bank.
The building was formerly used for manufacturing but has been converted into lofts.
He was formerly an avid mountain climber before he moved to the city.
This location was formerly a battlefield during the civil war.
The country was formerly divided into several independent states before unification.
The organization was formerly focused on research but now prioritizes public education.
The island was formerly uninhabited until it was developed for tourism.
The school was formerly an all-boys institution before becoming coeducational.
He was formerly a journalist before turning to politics.
She was formerly a member of the national orchestra before she started teaching music.
This street was formerly named after a local politician before it was changed.
The bridge was formerly a toll bridge until the fees were removed.
The university was formerly a small college before it expanded.
Formerly Idioms & Phrases
Formerly known as
Previously called or known by another name.
The artist formerly known as Prince was a legendary musician.
Formerly occupied
Previously held or used by someone or something.
The office formerly occupied by the CEO is now a conference room.
Formerly of
Previously a member or part of something.
She was formerly of a famous rock band before starting her solo career.
Formerly known for
Previously recognized or famous for something.
The town was formerly known for its vibrant fishing industry.
Formerly a staple
Something that was once a regular or important part of something.
Coal was formerly a staple of the region's economy.
Formerly a secret
Something that was once not revealed or kept hidden.
The recipe was formerly a secret, passed down through generations.
Formerly a tradition
Something that used to be a customary practice or habit.
Family gatherings on Sundays were formerly a tradition in many households.
Formerly synonymous with
Once closely associated or identified with something.
The brand was formerly synonymous with luxury and quality.
Formerly the site of
The previous location of an event, structure, or landmark.
The park was formerly the site of a historic battle.
Formerly under
Previously under the control, influence, or management of someone or something.
The company was formerly under different ownership before the merger.
Common Curiosities
Which vowel is used before Formerly?
The letter "e" is used before the "ly" in "Formerly."
What is the root word of Formerly?
The root word is "former."
What is the verb form of Formerly?
Formerly is an adverb, not a verb. It doesn't have a verb form.
Why is it called Formerly?
It is called "Formerly" because it denotes a prior state or condition.
What is the pronunciation of Formerly?
It's pronounced as "fawr-mer-lee."
What is the plural form of Formerly?
Formerly does not have a plural form.
Which conjunction is used with Formerly?
Any conjunction can be used, depending on the context. E.g., "She was formerly an actress, but now she's a director."
Is Formerly an adverb?
Yes, "Formerly" is an adverb.
Which preposition is used with Formerly?
Various prepositions can be used with "Formerly," such as "formerly of" or "formerly in."
Is the word Formerly is imperative?
No, "Formerly" is not imperative.
What is another term for Formerly?
Another term is "previously."
What is the opposite of Formerly?
An opposite could be "currently" or "now."
What is the singular form of Formerly?
Formerly is an adverb, so it doesn't have a singular or plural form.
Is Formerly a negative or positive word?
Formerly is neutral; it neither conveys a positive nor negative meaning by itself.
Is Formerly a countable noun?
Formerly is not a noun.
How many syllables are in Formerly?
There are three syllables in "Formerly."
How do we divide Formerly into syllables?
It's divided as For-mer-ly.
What is a stressed syllable in Formerly?
The stressed syllable is "For."
What part of speech is Formerly?
Formerly is an adverb.
Which determiner is used with Formerly?
Determiners like "the" or "a" can be used depending on the context.
Which article is used with Formerly?
Typically, "formerly" can be used with both "a" and "the," depending on the sentence.
What is the first form of Formerly?
Formerly is an adverb, so it doesn't have verb forms.
How is Formerly used in a sentence?
"The building, formerly a school, has been converted into apartments."
Is Formerly a noun or adjective?
Formerly is an adverb.
Is Formerly an abstract noun?
No, "Formerly" is not an abstract noun.
Is Formerly a vowel or consonant?
Formerly is a word, not a letter. Thus, it consists of both vowels and consonants.
Is Formerly a collective noun?
No, "Formerly" is not a collective noun.
Is the Formerly term a metaphor?
No, "Formerly" is not a metaphor.
What is the second form of Formerly?
Formerly doesn't have verb forms.
What is the third form of Formerly?
Formerly doesn't have verb forms.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.