Back when vs Formerly

Quando usar cada um em inglês, com significado, registro e exemplos.

Back when

Top 2000 (comum)

Formerly

FormalAcima de 10.000 (menos comum)B2adverb
Mais formal: FormerlyMais comum: Back when
 Back whenFormerly
Pronúncia🇬🇧 //bæk wɛn//🇺🇸 //bæk wɛn//🇬🇧 /["/ˈfɔːməli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈfɔːrmərli/"]/
SignificadoA phrase used to talk about a time in the past.in the past; before now
ExemploI remember back when we used to play outside until dark.Namibia, formerly known as South West Africa
RegistroNeutroFormal
Quão comumTop 2000 (comum)Acima de 10.000 (menos comum)
Nível CEFR-B2
Classe gramaticaladverb
Colocaçõesback when I was young, back when things were different, back when we had funformerly a leader, formerly known, formerly used
Antônimos-currently, now
Erros comunsUsing it with present tense instead of past., Omitting necessary context in sentences., Confusing it with 'back then' which may imply a longer time span.Confused with 'formally' — 'formerly' relates to the past, while 'formally' relates to official contexts., Omitting it when describing past roles or states, which can lead to ambiguity.
Notas de usoUsed in storytelling or reminiscing about past experiences. Avoid in formal writing; suitable in casual conversation.Use 'formerly' to describe something that was true in the past but is no longer the case. It is more formal than saying 'used to'. Avoid in casual conversations.

Perguntas frequentes: Back when vs Formerly

Qual é a diferença entre Back when e Formerly?

Back when: A phrase used to talk about a time in the past. Formerly: in the past; before now

Qual é mais formal: Back when e Formerly?

Formerly é a mais formal entre elas.

Qual é mais comum: Back when e Formerly?

Back when é a mais comum no inglês do dia a dia.

Pode mostrar um exemplo de cada?

Back when: I remember back when we used to play outside until dark. Formerly: Namibia, formerly known as South West Africa

Posso usar Back when e Formerly de forma intercambiável?

Nem sempre. Back when e Formerly são relacionadas e às vezes se sobrepõem, mas diferem em registro, frequência e uso, então trocar uma pela outra pode mudar o sentido ou o tom. Veja as diferenças acima antes de substituir.