Many English learners feel confused when they see the words formerly and formally because they look almost the same. They have only one small spelling difference, but their meanings are completely different. This small difference can create big mistakes in writing and speaking Formerly vs Formally.
These two words are especially confusing because both words are related to the idea of something being “official” or “connected to a situation.” However, one talks about the past, while the other talks about proper behavior, rules, or official situations.
Understanding the difference between formerly vs formally is important because these words are common in news articles, professional emails, introductions, resumes, and everyday conversations.Formerly vs Formally.
For example, if someone says, “He was formerly the manager,” it means he was the manager before but is not now. On the other hand, “He was formally introduced” means he was introduced in an official or proper way.
After learning this topic, you will understand the meaning of both words, know when to use each one, avoid common mistakes, and confidently choose the correct word in your sentences.Formerly vs Formally.
What Does “Formerly” Mean?
Formerly means in the past or previously. It describes something that was true before but is no longer true now.Formerly vs Formally.
The word comes from former, which means “old,” “previous,” or “earlier.” When we add -ly, it becomes an adverb that explains a past situation.Formerly vs Formally.
When to use “formerly”
Use formerly when you talk about:
- A previous name
- A past job or position
- A previous condition
- Something that existed before but changed later
The main idea behind formerly is:
“It was true before, but it is different now.”
Grammar rule
Formerly + verb phrase
or
Subject + was/were + formerly + noun/job/name
Examples:
- The company was formerly called Green World Ltd.
Meaning: The company had another name in the past.
- She was formerly a teacher before becoming a writer.
Meaning: Teaching was her previous profession.
- This building was formerly a hospital.
Meaning: It used to be a hospital, but it is not one now.
- John, formerly the team captain, now works as a coach.Formerly vs Formally.
Meaning: John was captain before.
- The restaurant was formerly owned by my uncle.
Meaning: My uncle owned it in the past.
- He was formerly known as a famous actor.
Meaning: People knew him by that identity before.
- The street was formerly called King Road.
Meaning: The street had another name earlier.
- She formerly lived in Canada but now lives in Australia.
Meaning: Canada was her previous home.
Common learner confusion
Many students think formerly means “officially” because it sounds similar to “formally.” This is incorrect.Formerly vs Formally.
Remember:
- Formerly = before / in the past
- Formally = officially / properly
A simple question can help:
“Am I talking about something from the past?”
If yes, formerly is probably the correct choice.
What Does “Formally” Mean?
Formally means in an official, proper, or serious way. It describes actions that follow rules, traditions, or accepted behavior.
The word comes from formal, which means proper, official, or suitable for serious situations.
When to use “formally”
Use formally when talking about:
- Official events
- Professional communication
- Polite behavior
- Proper procedures
- Serious introductions
The main idea behind formally is:
“It was done in an official or proper manner.”Formerly vs Formally.
Grammar rule
Formally + verb
Examples:
- The new president was formally introduced at the ceremony.
Meaning: The introduction happened officially.
- She formally accepted the job offer.
Meaning: She accepted it in an official way.
- The rules were formally announced yesterday.
Meaning: The announcement was official.
- He was formally dressed for the wedding.
Meaning: His clothes were suitable for a special occasion.Formerly vs Formally.
- The students were formally welcomed by the principal.
Meaning: The welcome followed a proper process.
- The company formally apologized for the mistake.Formerly vs Formally.
Meaning: The apology was official.
- They were formally invited to the event.
Meaning: They received an official invitation.
- The agreement was formally signed by both parties.
Meaning: The signing was official.
Common learner confusion
Learners often choose formally when they want to talk about something that happened earlier.
For example:
❌ She was formally the manager.
This sounds like she was officially the manager, but the meaning is unclear.
If you mean she was the manager before:
✅ She was formerly the manager.
If you mean the appointment was official:
✅ She was formally appointed as the manager.Formerly vs Formally.
Difference Between Formerly and Formally
Although these words look and sound similar, their meanings are different.
| Word | Meaning | Main Idea | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formerly | Previously, in the past | Something changed from before | He was formerly a doctor. |
| Formally | Officially, properly | Something is done according to rules | He was formally appointed. |
Usage difference
Formerly talks about time
It answers the question:
“What was true before?”
Example:
The shop was formerly a bookstore.
Meaning: It used to be a bookstore.
Now:
The shop is something else.Formerly vs Formally.
Formally talks about manner
It answers the question:
“How was something done?”
Example:
The winner was formally announced.Formerly vs Formally.
Meaning: The announcement was made officially.
Grammar logic difference
Formerly = past situation
It often connects with words like:
- was
- were
- used to be
- previously
- once
Example:
The building was formerly a school.Formerly vs Formally.
Formally = official action
It often connects with words like:
- announced
- invited
- accepted
- introduced
- approved
- recognized
Example:
The decision was formally approved.Formerly vs Formally.
Sentence structure difference
Formerly structure:
Subject + was/were + formerly + previous identity
Example:
She was formerly the CEO.
Formally structure:
Subject + verb + formally + action
Example:
They formally announced the results.
Grammar Rules You Must Remember
Rule 1: Use “formerly” for past identities or situations
When something was true before but changed later, use formerly.Formerly vs Formally.
Example:
✅ The company was formerly known as Bright Tech.
The company has a different name now.
Rule 2: Use “formally” for official actions
When something happens in a proper or official way, use formally.
Example:
✅ The students were formally welcomed.
The welcome followed a proper process.
Rule 3: “Formerly” often connects with changes
Look for a change from past to present.
Example:
✅ This place was formerly a library.
Past: library
Present: something different
Rule 4: “Formally” often connects with ceremonies and professional situations
Use it for events, announcements, agreements, and official communication.
Example:
✅ The contract was formally signed.
The signing was official.
Common Mistakes Students Make
Mistake 1: Using “formally” for the past
Wrong:
❌ He was formally the owner of the company.
Correct:
✅ He was formerly the owner of the company.
Why?
Because ownership happened in the past.
Mistake 2: Using “formerly” for official actions
Wrong:
❌ The manager formerly announced the decision.
Correct:
✅ The manager formally announced the decision.
Why?
The announcement was official, not related to the past.
Mistake 3: Confusing “former” and “formal”
These two words have different meanings.
Former = previous
Example:
My former teacher lives abroad.
Meaning: My previous teacher.
Formal = official or proper
Example:
I wore formal clothes to the event.
Meaning: Clothes suitable for a serious occasion.
Easy correction tip
Ask yourself:
Is it about “before”?
Use:
✅ Formerly
Is it about “proper or official”?
Use:
✅ Formally
Easy Trick to Remember the Difference
A simple memory trick can help:
Formerly has “former” inside it.
Former = previous
So:
Formerly = previously
Example:
She was formerly a nurse.
(She was a nurse before.)
Formally has “formal” inside it.
Formal = official or proper
So:
Formally = officially
Example:
They formally accepted the invitation.
(They officially accepted it.)
Think about the letters:
Formerly → Former → Before
Formally → Formal → Official
This small connection makes the difference easier to remember.
Daily Life Examples
Here are some natural examples from everyday English:
- My school was formerly a small village building.
Meaning: It had another purpose before.
- The new employee was formally introduced to the team.
Meaning: The introduction was official.
- This restaurant was formerly a clothing store.
Meaning: It was a clothing store in the past.
- The company formally announced the new policy.
Meaning: The announcement was official.
- She was formerly my neighbor, but she moved away.
Meaning: She was my neighbor before.
- The guests were formally invited to the ceremony.
Meaning: They received an official invitation.
- The website was formerly called another name.
Meaning: Its old name was different.
- The teacher formally thanked the parents.
Meaning: The thanks were given in a proper way.
- He formerly worked at a bank.
Meaning: He worked there before.
- The agreement was formally completed yesterday.
Meaning: The process was officially finished.
Practice Section
Choose the correct word: formerly or formally
- The company was ______ known as Star Electronics.
- The manager ______ apologized to the customers.
- She was ______ a lawyer before becoming a writer.
- The award was ______ presented at the event.
- This building was ______ a factory.
Answers:
- Formerly
- Formally
- Formerly
- Formally
- Formerly
FAQs
What is the difference between formerly and formally?
Formerly means something happened in the past or was true before. Formally means something was done officially or properly.
Can we use formerly in questions?
Yes. It can be used in questions when asking about a previous situation.
Example:
Was this building formerly a school?
Is formally a formal word?
Yes. The word formally is often used in professional, academic, and official situations.
Example:
The letter was formally written.
Is formerly related to the word former?
Yes. Formerly comes from former, which means previous or past.
Example:
Former employee = previous employee.
Can formally and formerly be used in the same sentence?
Yes, but they have different meanings.
Example:
The company was formerly called ABC and was formally registered last year.
Formerly = old name
Formally = officially registered
Which word should I use for an old job?
Use formerly.
Example:
She was formerly a manager.
It means she had that job before.
Conclusion
The difference between formerly vs formally becomes simple when you focus on their main ideas. Formerly is connected with the past. It tells us that something was true before but has changed. Formally is connected with official actions, proper behavior, and serious situations.
Remember the easiest rule:
Formerly = before
Formally = officially
These words may look almost identical, but their meanings are completely different. Many English learners make mistakes with them because of their similar spelling, but a little practice can make the difference clear.
Try noticing these words while reading news articles, emails, and conversations. The more you see them in real situations, the easier it becomes to choose the right one.
Good grammar is built through small steps, and understanding confusing word pairs like this helps you become a more confident English speaker and writer.
Hi, I’m Isabella Foster, an English language writer passionate about making grammar, vocabulary, and communication skills easy to understand. At EnglishVistor, I create clear, practical, and engaging learning resources to help learners improve their English with confidence.
