What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ex
Example
My ex and I used to go to that restaurant all the time. [ex: noun]
Example
I used to work for my ex-boss before starting my own business. [ex-: prefix]
Example
That phone model is now ex, and they have released a newer version. [ex: adjective]
past
Example
Let's forget about the past and move on. [past: noun]
Example
In the past, I used to play soccer every weekend. [past: adjective]
Example
That method is now in the past, and we need to find a new approach. [in the past: idiom]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Past is more commonly used than ex in everyday language. Past is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ex is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ex and past?
While ex is typically associated with an informal tone, past is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
