What is former? Pronunciation and usage in English

former means . Learn how to pronounce and use former through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of former

formeradjective

/ˈfɔːmə/
Definition & pronunciation of former

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "former." It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The Basic Pronunciation:

  • ˈfɔːrmər (This is the most common and generally accepted pronunciation in American English)

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  1. "for": This sounds like the word "for" as in "for you." A short, crisp "r" sound is very important here.

    • Pronounced: ˈfɔːr (The 'r' is a short, subtle 'r' – almost like a very quick 'uh' sound)

  2. "mer": This is where it gets tricky. It's not like the word "mere."

    • "m": Pronounced as you'd expect - a regular 'm' sound.
    • "er": This is the key part. It's a schwa sound, which is a very weak, relaxed vowel sound. Think of the "a" in "about" or the "u" in "sun." It's almost like you're barely saying anything here. It's often transcribed as /ə/ or /ɜː/.
    • Pronounced: ˈmɜːr (or ˈərm – the schwa sound is less clear in some accents).

Putting it all together:

Pronounce the "for" part clearly. Then, quickly and lightly say "mer," using the schwa sound.

Tips & Variations:

  • The "r" sound: Don't overemphasize the "r" sound. It's very subtle. Many people even add a slight "uh" sound after the "r" to blend it in.

  • Regional Differences:

    • British English: British pronunciation often rounds the "r" sound a little more and might pronounce the "mer" part as /ˈmɜːr/ with a trilled "r".
    • Other American accents: You might hear variations, but the ˈˈfɔːrmərˈ (with a more distinct 'r') is a good starting point.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

  • Google Translate: Type "former" into Google Translate and play the audio button. (https://translate.google.com/)
  • Forvo: Forvo (https://forvo.com/word/former/) This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce words from various regions.
  • YouTube: Search on YouTube for “how to pronounce former” – you’ll find many helpful videos.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of English are you learning (American, British, Australian, etc.)?

Usage and examples with the word former in English

Let's break down how to use the word "former" in English. It's a really common word, but it has specific rules and nuances.

1. Basic Meaning: Previously Belonging To

At its core, "former" means "previously belonging to" or "having belonged to." It indicates something or someone that used to be associated with something else, but is no longer.

2. Common Usage – People

  • "Former President": This is probably the most common usage. It refers to someone who was president but is no longer. Example: "Barack Obama was a former president of the United States."
  • "Former employee": Someone who used to work for a company but no longer does. Example: “She’s a former employee of Google.”
  • "Former spouse": A person’s ex-husband or ex-wife. Example: "They were former spouses, but they remain good friends."
  • "Former student": Someone who once attended a school but is no longer a student.

3. Common Usage – Objects/Places

  • "Former office building": A building that used to be an office building but is now something else (a restaurant, a residential building, etc.). Example: “The former office building has been renovated into a boutique hotel.”
  • "Former residence": A house or building that someone used to live in. Example: “This is the former residence of the famous writer.”
  • "Former military base": A military base that is no longer in use. “The former military base is being developed into a recreational park.”

4. Important Grammatical Points:

  • It precedes the current state. You always use "former" before what the thing is now. You wouldn't say "current former president."
  • It’s often followed by "of": "Former of company name" is very common. Example: “He was a former president of Microsoft.”

5. Using "Former" with Time Expressions

You can use "former" with specific time periods:

  • "Former student": Can also imply a specific time - “He was a former student at Harvard.” (Highlighting that he was there in the past).
  • "Former years": “He spent former years working overseas.” (Referring to a previous period of his life.)

6. Don't confuse it with "Previous”

  • "Previous" simply means “that came before.” It doesn't necessarily imply a complete change in state. Example: "The previous government implemented new policies." (The government is still in existence.) "He was a former employee" suggests a separation.

7. Alternatives:

Sometimes, words like "ex-" can be used interchangeably, especially with names and titles, but "former" is generally more formal and versatile. For instance: “Former President Biden” is common, “Ex-President Biden” is also acceptable.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you trying to use "former" in? (e.g., writing a story, a formal letter, a casual conversation?)
  • Can you provide an example sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word former

Idioms of the word former

be a shadow/ghost of your former self
to not have the strength, influence, etc. that you used to have
  • When his career ended, he became a shadow of his former self.

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