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Mon Nov 12, 2007 9:59 am former vs. ex |
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. As they stand, no difference in meaning; 'former' is generally more formal-- you wouldn't have, for instance, 'The Association of Ex-Students'. How about coming up with some problematic examples? There are probably many cases where they are not interchangeable, like 'I am a shell of my former self'. . _________________ Canadian-American native speaker who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's ESL cafe: Interview with Mr. Micawber |
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Mister Micawber Language Coach

Joined: 17 Jul 2005 Posts: 3976 Location: Yokohama, Japan
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Mon Nov 12, 2007 11:03 am former vs. ex |
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HI Mr. MM,
For example, I say 'ex-girlfriend'...Is it okay to say 'former-girlfriend'?
Thanks _________________ If you want to change the world, be one of the change. |
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Rosalisa I'm here quite often ;-)
Joined: 02 Aug 2006 Posts: 290 Location: Cambodia
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Mon Nov 12, 2007 11:29 am former vs. ex |
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. Yes, but don't hyphenate. 'Ex-' is a prefix, but 'former' is a word in itself. . _________________ Canadian-American native speaker who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's ESL cafe: Interview with Mr. Micawber |
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Mister Micawber Language Coach

Joined: 17 Jul 2005 Posts: 3976 Location: Yokohama, Japan
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Mon Nov 12, 2007 12:22 pm former vs. ex |
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Hi Rosalisa,
Just to add a little more on this topic - 'former ' tends very much to refer to a previous holder of a job/position/occupation rather than referring to personal relationships. 'Ex' on the other hand can be used for both formal and informal descriptions. It's perhaps worth noting than 'ex' has now been upgraded to a noun as when people are talking about their 'ex', they mean their 'former' husband/wife/partner/lover.
Alan _________________ English as a Second Language You can read my ESL story Read all about it |
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Alan Co-founder

Joined: 27 Sep 2003 Posts: 7278 Location: UK
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Tue Nov 13, 2007 17:15 pm former vs. ex |
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Hi teachers, "Former" can't go alone, isn't it?
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rebecca You can meet me at english-test.net

Joined: 11 Nov 2007 Posts: 55 Location: Vietnam
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| The record was to be played on a Saturday morning to a group of sales people. | phrase "to sit by oneself" |