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Seagull Posted 11 years ago
Vocabulary

previous vs former

I'm wondering what the difference is between "previous" and "former."

I think that "my former husband" sounds natural, but "my previous husband" sounds a little strange. What do you think?

Also, "the former US President" can represent Bill Clinton, but "the previous US President" can only mean one man: George W. Bush. Is that right?
  

Top answer

"my previous husband" usually means the husband prior to the speaker's present husband (or prior to another husband who has already been mentioned). "former husband" does not have this connotation that another husband followed. seagull Also, "the former US President" can represent Bill Clinton, Yes.

— GPY

  • "my previous husband" usually means the husband prior to the speaker's present husband (or prior to another husband who has already been mentioned).
  • "former husband" does not have this connotation that another husband followed.
  • seagull Also, "the former US President" can represent Bill Clinton, Yes.
  • seagull "the previous US President" can only mean one man: George W.
  • Bush.
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2 Answers
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"my previous husband" usually means the husband prior to the speaker's present husband (or prior to another husband who has already been mentioned). "former husband" does not have this connotation that another husband followed.
seagullAlso, "the former US President" can represent Bill Clinton,
Yes.
seagull "the previous US
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I understand.
Thank you very much for your clear explanation, GPY.
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