“Formerly” vs. “formally” helps English speakers avoid confused words by understanding context and choosing the correct word every time. English learners and anyone mastering English often notice these homophones because they sound alike, have similar words, have similar-sounding words, have identical pronunciation, and have nearly identical spelling with just one letter and a letter apart. Even so, their distinct meanings, different meanings, and sentence meaning become clear once you focus on word choice, phrases, phrase usage, contextual meaning, and the overall difference.
The easiest way to remember the distinction is to link Formerly with time, previous, previously, previous state, past reference, and anything that refers to the past, such as a former position in a company where someone served as CEO. Formally, by contrast, describes manner, an official action, official actions, an official way, an official procedure, official language, formal language, professional behavior, professional standards, a professional setting, proper manners, rules, a rule, or strict rules. Whether you write emails, prepare academic papers, update resumes, or speak in everyday conversations, the correct meaning, proper usage, and the function of each word matter.
Many learners also mix up “role call,” “roll call,” and “role call vs. roll call,” even though role and roll have completely different meanings. In schools, checking attendance through an attendance list or attendance roll during meetings, gatherings, or calling out present names always requires Roll Call. A grammar guy may explain that role is a noun describing a part a character plays in a movie, while roll can be a verb, a dinner roll, a roll of wrapping paper, wrapping paper, a rolling stone, or something with roundness and circularity. These tricky pairs often look superficially correct, become substituted in different versions, appear floating online, and confuse people, but every instance is another chance for careful learning.
Formerly vs Formally: The Difference at a Glance
Although formerly and formally look alike, they answer different questions in a sentence.
- Formerly answers “When?” It refers to an earlier time or a previous identity.
- Formally answers “How?” It describes something done in an official, proper, or ceremonial way.
Here’s a quick comparison.
| Feature | Formerly | Formally |
| Meaning | Previously; in the past | Officially; according to formal rules |
| Part of Speech | Adverb | Adverb |
| Focus | Time | Manner |
| Common Context | Previous names, jobs, identities | Meetings, ceremonies, approvals, communication |
| Example | The company was formerly called ABC Tech. | The proposal was formally approved yesterday. |
A single sentence shows the difference clearly.
- The restaurant was formerly a bank.
- The restaurant was formally opened by the mayor.
The first sentence tells you what it used to be.
The second sentence tells you how the opening happened.
Quick Rule to Remember
If you can replace the word with previously, use formerly.
If you can replace it with officially or properly, use formally.
| Replace With | Correct Word |
| Previously | Formerly |
| Earlier | Formerly |
| Officially | Formally |
| In an official manner | Formally |
| Properly | Formally |
This simple test works in most situations.
What Does “Formerly” Mean?
Formerly means previously, at an earlier time, or before now. It tells readers that something was true in the past but is no longer true today.
It comes from the adjective former, which refers to something that existed earlier.
Because formerly describes when something was true, it functions as an adverb of time.
Definition and Part of Speech
Formerly is an adverb.
Definition:
Formerly means previously, once, or in the past before a change occurred.
It modifies verbs, adjective phrases, or entire clauses by placing an action or state in an earlier period.
Examples:
- She was formerly a teacher.
- The city was formerly the nation’s capital.
- This building was formerly a theater.
Each sentence points to an earlier situation that has changed.
When to Use “Formerly”
Use formerly whenever you describe:
- Previous names
- Old occupations
- Past ownership
- Earlier locations
- Previous identities
- Historical facts
- Rebranding
- Organizational changes
For example:
- Twitter was formerly known as Twitter before becoming X.
- The museum was formerly a train station.
- He was formerly the company’s CEO.
- This district was formerly farmland.
Notice that every example looks backward in time.
Common Sentence Patterns with “Formerly”
Native English speakers often use formerly in predictable patterns.
| Pattern | Example |
| Formerly known as | The artist was formerly known as Prince. |
| Formerly called | The company was formerly called Green Energy Ltd. |
| Formerly owned by | The house was formerly owned by a local judge. |
| Formerly located in | The office was formerly located downtown. |
| Formerly served as | She formerly served as director. |
| Formerly employed by | He was formerly employed by a software company. |
These expressions appear frequently in journalism, business, history, and biographies.
Everyday Examples of “Formerly”
Learning grammar becomes easier when you see realistic examples instead of textbook sentences.
Here are several natural examples.
- Our neighborhood was formerly an industrial area.
- She formerly worked as a nurse.
- The actor was formerly a professional athlete.
- That shopping mall was formerly a factory.
- My school was formerly an all-boys academy.
- This airline was formerly called Air Midwest.
- He was formerly my supervisor.
Each example shows a situation that existed before another one replaced it.
Business, Historical, and News Examples
Business writing uses formerly constantly because companies change names, ownership, and leadership.
Examples include:
- Meta Platforms was formerly known as Facebook, Inc.
- Andersen Consulting was formerly the consulting division of Arthur Andersen.
- Dunkin’ was formerly called Dunkin’ Donuts.
History books also rely on the word.
For example:
- Istanbul was formerly called Constantinople.
- Myanmar was formerly known as Burma in many English-language sources.
- St. Petersburg was formerly named Leningrad during the Soviet era.
Journalists also use formerly when introducing people.
Examples:
- The witness was formerly employed by the company.
- The senator was formerly governor of the state.
- The athlete was formerly ranked number one.
The word helps readers understand someone’s background without writing lengthy explanations.
Common Phrases That Use “Formerly”
Some expressions have become standard in English.
| Common Phrase | Meaning |
| Formerly known as | Previous name |
| Formerly called | Earlier name |
| Formerly owned by | Previous owner |
| Formerly employed | Previous workplace |
| Formerly married | Previous marriage |
| Formerly located | Previous location |
| Formerly operated | Earlier business operation |
| Formerly served | Previous role |
You’ll often see these phrases in newspapers, company websites, LinkedIn profiles, legal documents, and history books.
Why Native Speakers Prefer “Formerly”
Native writers choose formerly because it quickly explains change over time.
Instead of writing:
The building used to be a library before becoming a museum.
They often write:
The building was formerly a library.
The second sentence is shorter and more polished.
That efficiency explains why professional writers use formerly so often.
Case Study: A Corporate Rebranding
Imagine a software company named Bright Cloud Solutions changes its brand to Nova Cloud.
A press release might say:
Bright Cloud Solutions, formerly known as Bright Cloud Technologies, announced its new global brand identity today.
Here, formerly tells readers about the company’s earlier name. It provides historical context without distracting from the announcement.
If the company wrote:
Bright Cloud Solutions, formally known as Bright Cloud Technologies…
the sentence would be incorrect because the company isn’t describing an official procedure. It’s describing a previous identity.
That single letter changes the meaning completely.
Quick Tips for Using “Formerly”
Remember these simple guidelines.
- Use it for past identities.
- Use it for previous names.
- Use it for historical facts.
- Use it for career history.
- Think before now every time you see the word.
If previously fits naturally, formerly is probably the correct choice.
What Does “Formally” Mean?
Unlike formerly, the word formally has nothing to do with the past.
Instead, it describes how something happens.
It means officially, according to rules, in a proper manner, or with ceremony.
Whether someone formally accepts an invitation, formally announces a decision, or formally introduces a guest, the focus stays on the manner of the action, not the timeline.
Definition and Part of Speech
Formally is also an adverb.
Definition:
Formally means officially, properly, according to accepted rules, or in a ceremonial or professional way.
It modifies verbs by explaining how an action takes place.
Examples:
- The board formally approved the proposal.
- She formally introduced the keynote speaker.
- The agreement was formally signed yesterday.
- He formally apologized during the meeting.
In every sentence, formally describes the method or style of the action.
When to Use “Formally”
Use formally whenever something happens:
- Officially
- Professionally
- According to procedures
- Respectfully
- Ceremonially
- Legally
- In an organized manner
Examples include:
- The president formally addressed the nation.
- The company formally announced the merger.
- She was formally appointed director.
- The contract was formally executed after review.
- The guests were formally welcomed at the ceremony.
Unlike formerly, these sentences don’t refer to the past. They describe how each action occurred.
Common Sentence Patterns with “Formally”
Professional English relies on several recurring patterns.
| Pattern | Example |
| Formally approved | The proposal was formally approved. |
| Formally announced | The company formally announced the acquisition. |
| Formally introduced | She formally introduced the new manager. |
| Formally invited | All members were formally invited. |
| Formally recognized | The organization was formally recognized. |
| Formally appointed | He was formally appointed chairman. |
| Formally accepted | The offer was formally accepted. |
These expressions appear regularly in business, law, government, education, and corporate communication.
Formerly vs Formally: Side-by-Side Comparison
Even though formerly and formally differ by only one letter, they serve completely different purposes in English. One points to the past, while the other describes an official or proper manner. Understanding this distinction makes your writing clearer and more professional.
The comparison below highlights the most important differences.
| Feature | Formerly | Formally |
| Meaning | Previously; in the past | Officially; according to rules or custom |
| Part of Speech | Adverb | Adverb |
| Describes | Time | Manner |
| Answers the Question | When? | How? |
| Common Contexts | Previous names, jobs, ownership, locations | Meetings, legal actions, ceremonies, professional communication |
| Easy Replacement | Previously | Officially |
| Example | She was formerly a journalist. | She formally accepted the award. |
| Opposite Idea | Currently | Informally |
Here are two nearly identical sentences that show the difference.
- The company was formerly called Sunrise Media.
- The company formally announced its new name yesterday.
The first sentence talks about the company’s old identity.
The second explains how the announcement happened.
Quick Comparison Examples
| Incorrect Sentence | Correct Sentence | Why |
| The museum was formally a train station. | The museum was formerly a train station. | It refers to the past. |
| The mayor formerly opened the ceremony. | The mayor formally opened the ceremony. | It describes an official action. |
| She was formally known as Sarah. | She was formerly known as Sarah. | It refers to a previous name. |
| The proposal was formerly approved. | The proposal was formally approved. | Approval is an official process. |
A quick replacement test can save you from almost every mistake.
- If previously sounds right, choose formerly.
- If officially sounds right, choose formally.
Formerly vs Formally in Grammar
Grammar isn’t just about definitions. It’s also about understanding how words function inside a sentence.
Both formerly and formally are adverbs, yet they belong to different categories because they modify different ideas.
Knowing that difference helps you place them naturally in your writing.
Why Both Words Are Adverbs
An adverb modifies a verb, adjective, another adverb, or sometimes an entire clause.
Both words modify actions, but they answer different questions.
- Formerly answers When?
- Formally answers How?
Examples:
- He formerly lived in Chicago.
- She formally introduced the guests.
In the first sentence, the adverb tells when the action was true.
In the second, it tells how the introduction happened.
How Each Adverb Modifies a Sentence
Let’s compare similar sentences.
| Sentence | Function |
| The company formerly operated from New York. | Describes an earlier situation. |
| The company formally opened its new headquarters. | Describes an official action. |
| She formerly worked in finance. | Refers to past employment. |
| She formally accepted the position. | Describes the manner of acceptance. |
Although both words modify verbs, they add completely different information.
Sentence Position Rules
English allows adverbs to appear in different positions.
Most often, formerly appears before the main verb or after a linking verb.
Examples:
- He formerly taught chemistry.
- The hotel was formerly a courthouse.
- She was formerly the department manager.
Formally follows similar placement rules.
Examples:
- The committee formally approved the proposal.
- They formally announced the partnership.
- She was formally introduced during the conference.
Both words sound most natural when placed close to the verb they modify.
Punctuation Tips
Neither formerly nor formally requires commas simply because it appears in a sentence.
Correct:
- The school was formerly a church.
- The agreement was formally signed.
However, introductory phrases may require commas.
Example:
- Formerly a military base, the property is now a public park.
The comma belongs to the introductory phrase, not to the word formerly itself.
Formerly vs Formally: Key Differences Explained
The easiest way to master these words is to compare their core meanings.
Instead of memorizing definitions, think about the type of information each word communicates.
Time vs Manner
This is the biggest distinction.
Formerly relates to time.
Formally relates to manner.
Compare these examples.
- The athlete was formerly a swimmer.
- The athlete was formally inducted into the Hall of Fame.
One describes a previous career.
The other describes an official ceremony.
Past Identity vs Official Procedure
Many grammar mistakes happen because writers confuse these two ideas.
Past identity examples:
- formerly called
- formerly owned
- formerly employed
- formerly located
Official procedure examples:
- formally approved
- formally recognized
- formally introduced
- formally accepted
Notice how the first group describes history, while the second describes process.
Previous State vs Professional Style
Sometimes formally also describes behavior or appearance.
Examples include:
- dressed formally
- speaking formally
- writing formally
- greeting someone formally
These examples have nothing to do with the past.
Instead, they describe a professional or respectful style.
By contrast:
- formerly married
- formerly licensed
- formerly independent
These refer to an earlier condition that has changed.
Historical Reference vs Formal Communication
History books frequently use formerly.
Examples:
- The city was formerly the capital.
- The castle was formerly a royal residence.
Business communication often uses formally.
Examples:
- The CEO formally welcomed investors.
- Management formally announced the restructuring plan.
Recognizing the context often reveals the correct word immediately.
Why People Confuse Formerly and Formally
The confusion isn’t surprising.
The words share nearly the same spelling, have similar pronunciation, and often appear in professional writing.
Let’s look at the main reasons people mix them up.
Similar Spelling
Compare them carefully.
- Formerly
- Formally
Only one letter separates them.
When typing quickly, it’s easy to skip or replace the letter e.
That tiny change completely changes the meaning.
Similar Pronunciation
In fast conversation, both words sound alike.
Many learners hear the sounds correctly but choose the wrong spelling afterward.
Reading more professionally written English helps reinforce the difference.
One Missing Letter Changes the Meaning
Notice the connection.
- Former → formerly
- Formal → formally
The root word tells you everything.
If the root is former, think before.
If the root is formal, think official.
Typing and Autocorrect Errors
Spell checkers verify spelling.
They usually don’t verify meaning.
For example:
The contract was formerly approved.
Every word is spelled correctly.
Unfortunately, the sentence is still grammatically wrong because formerly doesn’t fit the meaning.
Only careful proofreading catches this type of mistake.
Reading Too Quickly
Readers often recognize the beginning of a familiar word and move on.
Professional editors avoid this habit by slowing down whenever similar-looking words appear.
Even experienced writers occasionally overlook these mistakes during early drafts.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Understanding common errors helps prevent them.
Here are the mistakes editors encounter most often.
Using “Formally” Instead of “Formerly”
Incorrect:
The restaurant was formally a hotel.
Correct:
The restaurant was formerly a hotel.
The sentence refers to a previous identity.
Therefore, formerly is correct.
Using “Formerly” Instead of “Formally”
Incorrect:
The committee formerly approved the proposal.
Correct:
The committee formally approved the proposal.
Approval happens through an official process.
Therefore, formally fits.
Mixing Both Words in the Same Sentence
Sometimes both words appear together correctly.
Example:
The company, formerly known as TechCore, was formally launched under its new brand during yesterday’s ceremony.
This sentence works because each word serves a different purpose.
- Formerly explains the old name.
- Formally explains the official launch.
Many writers incorrectly swap the two, creating confusing sentences.
Editing Tips to Catch the Error
Before submitting your work, ask yourself a simple question.
Am I talking about time or manner?
If you’re talking about the past, choose formerly.
If you’re talking about an official action, choose formally.
Another useful editing trick is substitution.
Replace the word with previously.
If the sentence still makes sense, formerly is correct.
Replace it with officially.
If the meaning stays the same, choose formally.
Professional editors use this method every day because it’s quick and remarkably accurate.
Real-Life Examples Across Different Contexts
Understanding grammar becomes much easier when you see authentic situations.
The following examples show how native speakers naturally use formerly and formally in different fields.
Corporate Name Changes
Companies frequently change names during mergers, acquisitions, or rebranding campaigns.
Examples:
- Google’s parent company was formerly called Google Inc. before becoming Alphabet Inc.
- The business was formerly known as Central Logistics.
- The CEO formally announced the new brand strategy during the annual conference.
Notice the difference.
The previous company name requires formerly.
The official announcement requires formally.
Job Titles and Resumes
Resumes often describe previous employment.
Examples:
- She was formerly Director of Marketing.
- He was formerly employed by a multinational bank.
- The hiring manager formally offered her the position after the interview.
One discusses career history.
The other describes the hiring process.
Legal Documents
Legal writing depends heavily on precise vocabulary.
Examples:
- The agreement was formally executed by both parties.
- The judge formally accepted the settlement.
- The property was formerly owned by the city government.
Legal professionals choose these words carefully because a single mistake can alter meaning.
Government Announcements
Public institutions frequently use both words.
Examples:
- The agency was formerly known by another name.
- The governor formally declared a state of emergency.
- The commission formally adopted the revised regulations.
Government writing values clarity above everything else.
Choosing the correct word prevents confusion among readers.
Academic Writing
Researchers often discuss historical information.
Examples:
- The species was formerly classified in another genus.
- The university formally adopted the revised academic policy.
- The department was formerly part of the Faculty of Science.
Academic writing rewards precision, making the distinction especially important.
News Reporting
Journalists use these adverbs almost every day.
Examples:
- The athlete was formerly ranked first in the world.
- Police formally charged the suspect on Tuesday.
- The company, formerly known as Horizon Energy, unveiled a new logo.
- Officials formally confirmed the results during a press conference.
Clear reporting depends on choosing the correct word for the correct situation.
Professional Emails
Business communication provides another excellent example.
Incorrect:
We formerly approve your application.
Correct:
We formally approve your application.
Another example:
Our company, formerly called BluePeak Consulting, appreciates your continued support.
Professional emails often include both words, but each serves a completely different purpose.
Formerly vs Formally in American and British English
Many English learners wonder whether formerly and formally have different meanings in American English and British English. The answer is simple: they do not. Both varieties of English use these words in the same way, and their definitions remain consistent across dictionaries and style guides.
Whether you’re writing for readers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, or Australia, the grammar rules stay the same.
Is There Any Difference?
No. The meaning of each word remains unchanged.
- Formerly always refers to a previous state, identity, or time.
- Formally always refers to something done officially, professionally, or according to accepted rules.
Examples that work in both American and British English:
- The building was formerly a courthouse.
- The agreement was formally approved.
Neither sentence changes based on the country.
Usage Frequency
Although the meanings are identical, the contexts where these words appear most often can vary slightly.
| Context | Formerly | Formally |
| News Articles | Very Common | Very Common |
| Business Writing | Very Common | Very Common |
| Academic Papers | Common | Very Common |
| Legal Documents | Common | Extremely Common |
| Everyday Conversation | Occasional | Occasional |
Most people don’t use either word in casual conversation every day. Instead, you’ll see them more often in:
- Newspaper articles
- Government publications
- Business reports
- Corporate websites
- Academic journals
- Legal documents
- Professional emails
Style Guide Recommendations
Major English style guides encourage writers to choose the word that matches the intended meaning rather than relying on appearance or pronunciation.
A simple editing habit helps.
Ask yourself:
Am I describing the past or describing an official action?
That single question usually leads to the correct answer.
Synonyms and Similar Words
Expanding your vocabulary improves both writing and speaking. However, synonyms aren’t always perfect substitutes. Context still matters.
Synonyms of “Formerly”
These words can often replace formerly.
| Synonym | Best Use |
| Previously | General writing |
| Earlier | Everyday English |
| Once | Informal writing |
| In the past | Conversational English |
| Before | General reference |
| At one time | Historical writing |
| Once upon a time | Storytelling only |
Examples:
- The company was previously called Horizon Tech.
- She once worked as an architect.
- The hotel was earlier owned by a local family.
Among these options, previously is usually the closest match.
Synonyms of “Formally”
Several words carry a similar meaning to formally, although each has its own nuance.
| Synonym | Best Use |
| Officially | Government and business |
| Properly | Everyday English |
| Professionally | Workplace situations |
| Ceremonially | Public events |
| Respectfully | Etiquette |
| Legitimately | Legal contexts |
| According to procedure | Administrative writing |
Examples:
- The board officially approved the proposal.
- The ambassador was ceremonially welcomed.
- She professionally handled the complaint.
Choose the synonym that best fits your audience and context.
Words You Should Not Confuse with Either
Several English words resemble formerly or formally but have unrelated meanings.
| Word | Meaning |
| Former | Previous |
| Formal | Official or proper |
| Format | Arrangement or layout |
| Formation | Process of forming something |
| Formulate | To create or develop |
| Formidable | Inspiring respect or fear |
| Informally | In a casual manner |
Learning the root word often makes the meaning obvious.
For example:
- Former → Formerly
- Formal → Formally
This connection provides a useful mental shortcut.
Memory Tricks to Remember the Difference
Sometimes grammar rules feel overwhelming. Fortunately, these two words become easy to remember once you use a few simple memory techniques.
“Former” Means Before
Focus on the first six letters.
Former already means previous.
Therefore:
Former → Formerly → Previously
Example:
- He was formerly a firefighter.
Think:
He was previously a firefighter.
The sentence still makes perfect sense.
“Formal” Means Official
Now look at the other word.
Formal describes professional behavior, official events, or proper etiquette.
Therefore:
Formal → Formally → Officially
Example:
- The proposal was formally accepted.
Think:
The proposal was officially accepted.
Again, the sentence keeps the same meaning.
A One-Second Memory Hack
Many students remember the difference using only two keywords.
| Keyword | Correct Word |
| Before | Formerly |
| Official | Formally |
That’s all you need.
If your sentence talks about before, use formerly.
If your sentence talks about officially, use formally.
This trick works surprisingly well during exams, interviews, and professional writing.
Formerly vs Formally: Practice Quiz
Now it’s time to test your understanding.
Try answering each question before checking the solutions.
Choose the Correct Word
Select formerly or formally.
- The company was ________ known as GreenTech Solutions.
- The committee ________ approved the proposal.
- She was ________ employed by a large publishing company.
- The ambassador was ________ welcomed at the ceremony.
- The theater was ________ a train station.
Fill in the Blanks
Complete each sentence.
- The university ________ announced its new president.
- This building was ________ a hospital.
- Our manager ________ introduced the new employee.
- He was ________ captain of the soccer team.
- The agreement was ________ signed yesterday.
Rewrite the Sentences
Correct the mistakes.
- The company was formally called Bright Labs.
- She formerly accepted the award.
- The building was formally a courthouse.
- The judge formerly approved the settlement.
- He was formally employed by IBM before retirement.
Answer Key with Explanations
| Question | Correct Answer | Explanation |
| 1 | Formerly | Previous company name |
| 2 | Formally | Official approval |
| 3 | Formerly | Previous employment |
| 4 | Formally | Official ceremony |
| 5 | Formerly | Earlier use of the building |
Fill-in-the-blank answers:
- formally
- formerly
- formally
- formerly
- formally
Sentence corrections:
- The company was formerly called Bright Labs.
- She formally accepted the award.
- The building was formerly a courthouse.
- The judge formally approved the settlement.
- He was formerly employed by IBM before retirement.
If you answered most of these correctly, you’ve already mastered one of the most commonly confused word pairs in English.
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
Keep this table handy whenever you write.
| If You Mean… | Use… |
| Previously | Formerly |
| Earlier | Formerly |
| Before now | Formerly |
| Old name | Formerly |
| Past job | Formerly |
| Officially | Formally |
| Properly | Formally |
| According to rules | Formally |
| Professional manner | Formally |
| Ceremonial action | Formally |
One-Minute Decision Guide
Before choosing either word, ask yourself:
- Is this about the past? → Formerly
- Is this about an official action? → Formally
If you still aren’t sure, substitute another word.
- Replace it with previously.
- Replace it with officially.
Whichever replacement sounds natural gives you the correct answer.
This editing technique works in almost every situation.
Conclusion
Understanding “formerly” vs. “formally” becomes much easier once you connect each word with its core idea. Formerly always points to the past, while formally describes something done in an official, proper, or professional way. Although the words look and sound similar, they are never interchangeable because each serves a different purpose in English.
When you write emails, academic papers, business documents, or everyday messages, choosing the correct word improves clarity and makes your writing more natural. A simple memory trick is to think of “formerly” as “previously” and “formally” as “officially.” With regular reading, practice, and careful proofreading, you’ll avoid this common mistake and use both words with confidence.
Q1. What is the difference between formerly and formally?
Formerly means previously or in the past. “Formally” means officially, properly, or according to established rules. The first refers to time, while the second refers to manner.
Q2. Is it formerly known as or formally known as?
The correct phrase is “formerly known as” because it refers to a previous name or identity. Use formally only when describing an official action or procedure.
Q3. Why do people confuse “formerly” and “formally”?
Many people confuse them because they have similar spellings and pronunciations. However, they have different meanings, so paying attention to the context helps you choose the correct word.
Q4. Can “formerly” and “formally” be used interchangeably?
No. They cannot be used interchangeably. “Formerly” refers to a past state, while “formally” describes something done in an official or professional manner.
Q5. How can I remember the difference between “formerly” and “formally”?
Use this simple trick: “Formerly” = “Previously” = “Past,” and “Formally” = “Officially” = “Properly.” If your sentence talks about an earlier time, use formerly. If it talks about an official action or proper behavior, use formally.
