Have you seen “formally” and “formerly” and wondered which one means “in the past”? You are not alone! These two words look almost identical but mean very different things. Today, we will explain exactly what formally vs formerly means, with a simple trick to remember it forever.

What Is the Simple Difference?

Formally is an adverb — in an official, proper, or polite way.

Formerly is an adverb — in the past, or before now.

• Formally = officially (proper manners).
• Formerly = previously (in earlier times).

Think of it this way: you dress formally for a wedding, but you formerly lived in another city.

Formally: Officially and Properly

Formally means following official rules, or in a serious and polite manner.

• “They were formally introduced at the ceremony.”
• “Please dress formally for the dinner.”
• “The agreement was formally signed on Monday.”

If it means officially or politely, it is formally — from “formal” (proper).

Formerly: In the Past

Formerly means at an earlier time, or under a previous name or role.

• “This street was formerly called Mill Road.”
• “He was formerly a teacher, now he is a writer.”
• “The company, formerly known as ABC, is now XYZ.”

If it means “before” or “in the past,” it is formerly — from “former” (previous).

The Easy Trick to Remember

• Formally comes from formal (proper, official) — formal + ly.
• Formerly comes from former (previous) — former + ly.

Formal = proper → formally. Former = previous → formerly. Just check the root word! That is the whole trick!

Example Pairs

• Formally: “She was formally welcomed.” / Formerly: “He was formerly the captain.”
• Formally: “Dress formally, please.” / Formerly: “The town was formerly a fishing village.”
• Formally: “The treaty was formally approved.” / Formerly: “She formerly worked in Paris.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Writing “formally” for the past.

• Wrong: “He was formally a doctor.”
• Right: “He was formerly a doctor.”

Mistake 2: Writing “formerly” for official.

• Wrong: “They were formerly introduced.”
• Right: “They were formally introduced.”

Mistake 3: Mixing up “former” and “formal” themselves. Former = previous (ex-). Formal = proper (suit-and-tie). Fix those two, and the -ly forms follow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “formerly known as” mean? It means “previously called” — used when a person, place, or company changed its name.

Can “formally” mean “in a formal document”? Yes — “formally requested” means requested through official channels, not casually.

How do you pronounce them? Formally is “FOR-mul-lee”; formerly is “FOR-mur-lee.” Very close — the middle sound (L vs R) is the clue!

Mini Quiz: Test Yourself

Choose the best answer for each question.

• 1. Guests must dress ______ for the gala.
• 2. This building was ______ a school.
• 3. Which word comes from “formal”?
• 4. True or false: “formerly” means officially.
• 5. “Formerly known as” means previously called or officially called?

Answers: 1. formally 2. formerly 3. formally 4. False — formerly means in the past 5. Previously called

Quick Recap

• Formally = officially, properly (from formal).
• Formerly = in the past, previously (from former).
• Trick: check the root — formal → formally; former → formerly.
• They look nearly identical — the root word is the only difference.

Conclusion

So, formally vs formerly: formally is proper and official, formerly is previous and past. Remember formal and former, and you will never mix them up again!