| Kenneth G. Wilson (1923–). The Columbia Guide to Standard American English. 1993. |
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| formerly, currently, formally (advs.) |
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| Formally means both “in a formal way or manner” and “according to or with regard to form”: He formally welcomed them to the meeting. The document is formally correct but substantively flawed. Formerly means “earlier,” “some time ago,” as in She formerly lived here. Some commentators insist that once or used to be would be more explicit in this example: She once lived [used to live] here. Whichever you choose, make sure it fits the style you have in mind. Currently means “now, at present,” as in We currently reside in the country, but many commentators consider it pretentious and overformal, preferring the simpler now, these days, and the like. See also PRESENTLY. | 1 |
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| | | The Columbia Guide to Standard American English. Copyright © 1993 Columbia University Press. |
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