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Former/ex

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Latest post Wed, Oct 7 2009 3:57 PM by Anonymous. 4 replies.
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Anonymous  +  929411 Mon, 05 Oct 09 08:57 PM
Hi,

I'm confused about the use of 'former' and 'ex-', what's the difference between them? For example:

 

Susan's boyfriend is Robert now and he's Susan's third boyfriend. John is Susan's second boyfriend and Tom is Susan's first boyfriend.

 

Can I say "John and Tom are Susan's former/ex-boyfriends"?

 

Can the two terms only be used for the immediate past?

Thanks.
Anonymous
, ,
khoff  +  929587 Mon, 05 Oct 09 11:37 PM
"John and Tom are Susan's former/ex-boyfriends" is fine.  There's really no difference between "former" and "ex" here, except that maybe "ex-" is more informal.
khoff
Joined on Sun, Mar 6 2005
Senior Member 3,267
Native speaker of American English (but not a grammar expert)
Related discussions
Anonymous, 47 days ago
Thanks, khoff for your answer.

Do I use 'former' and 'ex' in the sentences below correctly?

 

Bill Clinton is an ex-President of the United States.

 

George W. Bush  is a former/ex-President of the U.S.

 

khoff  +  931411 Wed, 07 Oct 09 05:21 AM
I think those are both okay.  "Former" is better for any sort of formal writing.
khoff
Anonymous, 46 days ago
Thanks a lot, khoff. 
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