“Formally” and “formerly” are two words that sound similar but have different meanings. “Formally” means in a traditional or official manner, while “formerly” means in the past. This lesson will define each word and provide examples to illustrate their proper usage.
Formally
Definition:
“Formally” means in a traditional or official manner, often following specific rules or customs.
Examples of use:
Celeste and Daniel are dressed formally for the occasion.
The board meeting was conducted formally, with strict adherence to the agenda.
The couple was formally introduced to the guests at the reception.
Formerly
Definition:
“Formerly” means in the past or previously.
Examples of use:
Jesse Ventura was formerly known as “The Body.”
The building was formerly a school before being converted into apartments.
She was formerly the CEO of the company before her retirement last year.
“Formally” refers to doing something in an official or traditional manner, while “formerly” refers to something that happened in the past. Understanding these distinctions helps in using the correct word based on the context, ensuring clear and accurate communication.
