What is the usage error in the following sentence and what is the correct usage?
-They formally lived in Detroit.
The problem is the misuse of the word "formally." It should be "formerly."
http://www.answers.com/formally
http://www.answers.com/formerly
The usage error in the sentence "They formally lived in Detroit" is the incorrect use of the word "formally." The correct word to use in this context is "formerly."
To rectify the error and make the sentence grammatically correct, you should replace "formally" with "formerly," resulting in the sentence: "They formerly lived in Detroit."
If you are unsure about the correct usage of a word, you can consult a dictionary or a reliable online resource to confirm the proper meaning and spelling.