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
She was an ex-employee of the company before starting her own business. [ex: prefix]
Example
Let's do some exes to warm up before the workout. [exes: noun]
previous
Example
I had a meeting with the previous manager, but now there's a new one. [previous: adjective]
Example
The previous owners of the house left some furniture behind. [previous: adjective]
Example
She worked at a previous company before joining this one. [previous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Previous is more commonly used than ex in everyday language, especially in professional contexts. Ex is more informal and is typically used in personal contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between ex and previous?
Previous is more formal than ex, which is often used in casual or conversational settings. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context.
