What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
predecessor
Example
My predecessor in this job was very experienced. [predecessor: noun]
Example
The predecessor of this computer was much slower. [predecessor: noun]
Example
The Renaissance was a predecessor to the Enlightenment. [predecessor: noun]
former
Example
The former CEO of the company retired last year. [former: adjective]
Example
The car's former owner didn't take good care of it. [former: adjective]
Example
In former times, people used to write letters by hand. [former: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Former is more commonly used than predecessor in everyday language. Former is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while predecessor is less common and more specific in its usage.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between predecessor and former?
Both predecessor and former can be used in formal and informal contexts, but predecessor may be slightly more formal due to its specific usage in certain fields such as business or politics.
