a former (something)

"Former" is used just like the word "current", but it means "before". A "former business executive" is someone who used to be a business executive. Use the word "former" to talk about:

  • former presidents
  • the former Soviet Union (This is the country that used to be called "The Soviet Union" and is now Russia and several other countries.)
  • the former director of (some organization)
  • your former employer

This phrase appears in these lessons: