Formerly vs. Formally
“Formerly” means in the past or previously. “Formally” means officially or in a serious, correct, or ceremonious manner. The spelling difference is small, and some accents reduce the pronunciation contrast, so substitution by meaning is the safer diagnostic.
Use “formerly” when you mean previously or in the past. Use “formally” when you mean officially or in a formal/serious manner.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning | Use | Substitute |
|---|---|---|
| in the past / previously | formerly | previously |
| officially | formally | officially |
| in a serious/correct manner | formally | in a formal way |
Use meaning rather than sound if your accent makes the forms close.
Quick tests
Previously-or-officially test
Can you substitute “previously/in the past,” or “officially/in a formal way”?
If yes: Previously/in the past → formerly. Officially/in a formal way → formally.
If no: Read the full sentence for the intended meaning.
Caveat: Pronunciation varies by accent; this test is semantic, not pronunciation-based.
Examples
The building was formerly a bank.
Formerly means in the past.
The agreement was formally approved.
Formally means officially.
Further guidance
Formally
Cambridge defines formally as officially and also as in a serious/correct way.
Formerly
Cambridge defines formerly as in the past, with synonyms such as previously.
Pronunciation Boundary
The written distinction is more reliable than accent-dependent sound alone; use the meaning substitution test.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Formerly — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Formerly meaning and pronunciation
- Formally — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Formally meanings and pronunciation