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 / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| previously or in the past | formerly | Use “formerly” for an earlier state or identity. |
| officially, ceremonially, or in a formal manner | formally | Use “formally” for official or formal action. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Do you mean “previously/in the past”?
If yes: Use “formerly.”
If no: Use “formally” when the meaning is officially or in a formal manner.
Caveat: The words are close in spelling and can sound similar in some accents, so meaning is the reliable diagnostic.
Examples
The building was formerly a bank.
“Formerly” means previously or in the past.
The agreement was formally approved.
“Formally” means officially or in a formal manner.
The artist formerly worked under a different name.
The adverb refers to an earlier period.
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