in early times vs at former times

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'In early times' is commonly used to refer to a period in the past, while 'at former times' is less common and may sound a bit more formal or old-fashioned.

Last updated: March 27, 2024 • 938 views

in early times

This phrase is correct and commonly used to refer to a period in the past.

This phrase is used to describe a period in the past, usually a long time ago. It is commonly used in historical contexts or when discussing ancient civilizations.

Examples:

In early times, people used to communicate through letters.
In early times, there were no smartphones or computers.

Show examples from the web [+]

In early times, horses infected with it were placed in the enemy's cavalry to destroy it.
So, the way of treating these diseases in early times was to, in some way or other, exorcise those evil spirits, and this is still going on, as you know.
So, way back in the early times of the universe,
So, way back in the early times of the universe, we believe it was very simple and understandable.
And on the phone also, as I did with you, in the early times.
Data according to the new regulation will be reported for the first time in early 2003.
It's too early in his time stream.
In fact, when the Greeks, in these early times, think about their gods, one way of trying to understand it is that they see their gods as being a lot like you and I, just really, really big.
I am also pleased that this House is once again dedicating some of its time to road safety, and particularly at this early time in the morning, at last, rather than at night.
While recognising the need for simplification and clear priorities the Commission obviously hesitates to take a stand at this early point in time.
Coping with the burden is necessary at an early point in time.
Mr VINALL, for instance, claims in WE 43 that he contacted the FSA in early 2001 at a time when the solvency problems faced by ELAS became apparent and were widely reported in the press throughout the UK.
Anyway, I'll get up early tomorrow in time for breakfast
I met Mr Seifert early on in my time as European Commissioner, just after he launched the tentative takeover by Frankfurt of the London Stock Exchange.
What's exciting about studying comets is that you're seeing the material out of which our whole Solar System, including the Earth, was made - Flash-frozen at an early time in the Solar System's evolution.
Nº 88/2008 by Felix Naumann (German), on unjustifiably early check-in times for inter-European flights
At early times, those hundred billion galaxies were squeezed into a region about this big - literally - at early times.
Nuremberg's location at the intersection of two important trade routes meant that oriental spices were available in Nuremberg for making sausages from an early time.
And, give me a bottle of that Early Times while you're back there, junior.
Keeping the universe very, very smooth at early times is not easy; it's a delicate arrangement.

Alternatives:

in ancient times
in the past
in earlier times
in bygone days
in days of yore

at former times

This phrase is correct but less commonly used. It may sound more formal or old-fashioned.

This phrase can also be used to refer to a period in the past, but it is less common than 'in early times'. It may sound more formal or old-fashioned.