avoid the latter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "avoid the latter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing two or more options and you want to indicate that you prefer not to choose the second option mentioned. Example: "When deciding between a short-term investment and a long-term one, I would recommend you avoid the latter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

They are determined to avoid the latter.

The Economist

So, what can you do to avoid the latter?

The Guardian

If a campaign can supply the former and avoid the latter, it is doing fine.

The New Yorker

Plus, the alcohol and food – mostly Indian and Chinese staples (though we recommend you avoid the latter) – is pocket friendly.

The Guardian - Travel

They told Deamer & Phillips to find their inspiration in the former and, please, to avoid the latter.

The New York Times

The idea of cohorts is similar to that of generations, although some writers avoid the latter term because it also has other connotations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

I narrowly avoided the latter while attempting the former.

The Guardian - Travel

He was talking off the top of his head in answer to a question and, on reflection, may wish he had avoided the latter comment.

The Guardian

If at all possible, we must interpret the Act in a way that is consistent with the former, and avoids the latter.

The New Yorker

Goulding makes up this year's vanguard of electro-pop princesses alongside Marina Diamandis, though avoids the latter's obvious overtones of Kate Bush.

Independent

History is likely to say that Bush & Baker, after helping to create the conditions in which a new world order might develop, steered clear of the enterprise They studiously separated foreign-policy "winners" from "losers," avoiding the latter.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "avoid the latter", ensure that the "former" and "latter" are clearly defined in the preceding context to prevent ambiguity.

Common error

A common mistake is using "avoid the latter" without clearly establishing what the "former" and "latter" refer to. Always ensure the context makes the reference unambiguous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "avoid the latter" functions as a directive, advising against choosing the second option from a previously mentioned set of choices. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

36%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "avoid the latter" is a useful construct for expressing a preference against a previously mentioned option. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically sound and commonly used across diverse fields like news, science, and general writing. When using this phrase, ensure that both the "former" and "latter" are clearly defined to maintain clarity. Alternatives such as "shun the latter" or "steer clear of the latter" can provide stylistic variations. By adhering to best practices and avoiding ambiguity, you can effectively incorporate the phrase "avoid the latter" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shun the latter

Replaces "avoid" with "shun", implying a more deliberate act of rejection.

steer clear of the latter

Uses a more metaphorical expression to convey avoidance.

evade the latter

Suggests a more strategic approach to avoidance.

sidestep the latter

Implies skillfully moving out of the way of something undesirable.

bypass the latter

Suggests going around or circumventing the second option.

refrain from the latter

Emphasizes conscious self-restraint from choosing the second option.

eschew the latter

Uses a more formal word for avoiding something, suggesting a moral or aesthetic aversion.

reject the latter

Indicates a firm refusal of the second option.

decline the latter

Implies politely refusing the second option.

opt out of the latter

Suggests choosing not to participate in or select the second option.

FAQs

How do you use "avoid the latter" in a sentence?

You use "avoid the latter" when you have presented two options and want to express a preference for the first option over the second. For example, "Consider both approaches, but strive to "avoid the latter"."

What is a good alternative to "avoid the latter"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "shun the latter", "steer clear of the latter", or "refrain from the latter".

What does "the latter" refer to in the phrase "avoid the latter"?

"The latter" refers to the second of two things that have just been mentioned. It's crucial to have established two clear options before using this phrase.

Is it always necessary to explicitly mention the "former" when using "avoid the latter"?

While not strictly necessary, explicitly mentioning both the "former" and the "latter" improves clarity. If the context makes it obvious, you can omit the "former", but be sure the meaning is unmistakable.