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howtowhyis
Joined: 18 Jun 2006
Posts: 32
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 Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2006 8:19 pm Post subject: Former and previous |
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What are the differences between 'former' and 'previous'? Can I say 'The previous manager was strict.' 'The previous house I lived in was small.'
When using former can I say 'The former book I read was interesting.' 'I'm looking for my former written assignments.'
Both words have the meaning of before but how do I use them correctly? |
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Mary W. Ng
Joined: 26 Jun 2006
Posts: 261
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| Posted: Tue Oct 17, 2006 4:40 pm Post subject: Re: Former and previous |
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| What are the differences between 'former' and 'previous'? |
According to Macmillan English Dictionary for Advanced Learners, "former" is used for describing someone or something that had a particular job, title, status, etc., in the past. So you would say:
1. The former manager was strict.
2. Bill Clinton is the former president of the United States.
3. He has published a book on the former Soviet Union.
"Previous" is used for describing something that happened before something else. So you would say:
1. The previous house I lived in was small.
2. She has two sons from a previous marriage.
3. I met the previous owner of the house.
| Quote: |
| When using former can I say 'The former book I read was interesting.' 'I'm looking for my former written assignments.' |
Which word, former or previous, do you think is more appropriate in these sentences?
_________________
Mary W. Ng
Helping students learn grammar
http:www.aimpublishing.com |
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varekai_
Joined: 18 Oct 2006
Posts: 6
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| Posted: Wed Oct 18, 2006 5:33 pm Post subject: |
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i would say "former" is usually used only to describe relationships or roles (not inanimate objects), and indicates ANY time in the past. it shows that one can BE something, and then not be it anymore. (e.g. "the musician is a former teacher")
"previous" is used for both animates and inanimates, but is used only for objects immediately preceding the current position. (e.g. "i like this book, but the previous one was better", or "bill clinton was the previous u.s. president")
cheers! |
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