Is it formally or formerly?
These words are often typed into documents the wrong way around.
Frequently, these days, if you start typing, software can finish off the words for you – yet choosing the wrong one or you do not spot that the wrong word has been adopted.
Formally
This means in accordance with convention/etiquette or done in an official way.
- He was dressed formally for the occasion.
- She asked her formally for her resignation.
Formerly
This means in the past; in earlier times.
- He was formerly the head of the household.
- Formerly, he would have known the answer to that grammar query, but not now.