complete the latter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complete the latter" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when referring to the second of two items previously mentioned, indicating that one should finish or elaborate on that item. Example: "In the discussion of the two proposals, I believe we should complete the latter to ensure all details are covered."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Now as I complete the latter half of this formative decade, I realize what an important time it's been as an artist and a human.

Huffington Post

The former was nearly complete, the latter half finished, when his life was shattered by a sudden and crushing blow.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Sante-Fe" was also included on the 2014 compilations The Basement Tapes Raw and The Bootleg Series Vol. 11: The Basement Tapes Complete; the latter album officially released a fourth batch of previously uncirculating Basement Tape songs.

Wikipedia

The two specimens of Tyrannosaurus rex modelled are MOR 555 (46% complete) and BHI 3033 (65% complete), the latter representing the second largest and second most complete specimen currently known.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Kant had just completed the latter task, in fact, in his Metaphysical Foundations of Natural Science, which had meanwhile appeared in 1786 (following the publication of the Prolegomena in 1783 and immediately preceding the publication of the second edition of the Critique in 1787).

SEP

The operating surgeons also completed the latter task.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Information on physician-diagnosed depression and physician-diagnosed pesticide poisoning was requested only in the supplemental questionnaire, so we included only those applicators who completed the latter in the present analysis.

Environmental Health Perspectives

They spoke about their attempts to balance illness work with everyday life work; they found that after completing the latter, "there wasn't a lot" of time or energy left for self-management of their disease, much less to use the website (Table  3; 1b).

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Here we briefly elaborate on the latter and complete the information in the main text on the model's quantitative predictions.

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

It is recommended to complete the translation process for the latter languages before using them in international studies.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

To complete this latter research, in the light that one of the outcomes of expansion is often to increase arch widths and achieve space gain [26 31], it could be useful to investigate whether differences in arch changes were present.

Progress in Orthodontics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be sure that completing the latter will not interfere with completing the former. Consider the consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "complete the latter" if you have not explicitly introduced two items or concepts. This can confuse the reader. Instead, directly specify what you are completing to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "complete the latter" is as a verb phrase used to describe the action of finishing or bringing to conclusion the second of two items that have been previously mentioned. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "complete the latter" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote finishing the second of two items already referenced. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable. The contexts in which it appears are mainly scientific, news-related, and encyclopedic, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure that there is a clear "former" and "latter" to avoid confusion. Alternatives like "finish the latter" or "conclude the latter" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

finish the latter

Focuses specifically on the act of ending or concluding the second item.

conclude the latter

Emphasizes bringing the second item to a definitive end.

finalize the latter

Highlights making the second item complete and ready.

accomplish the latter

Stresses the successful achievement or completion of the second item.

execute the latter

Focuses on carrying out or performing the second item.

develop the latter

Suggests expanding on or improving the second item, moving beyond simple completion.

elaborate on the latter

Indicates providing more detail or explanation for the second item.

flesh out the latter

Implies adding substance or detail to the second item to make it more complete.

perfect the latter

Focuses on refining the second item to achieve the highest possible quality.

realize the latter

Emphasizes bringing the second item into being or making it a reality.

FAQs

How can I use "complete the latter" in a sentence?

Use "complete the latter" to refer to finishing the second item of two previously mentioned items. For example, "We discussed two options; let's "complete the latter" proposal first."

What does "the latter" refer to when using "complete the latter"?

"The latter" refers to the second of two items, ideas, or options that have been mentioned. Ensure there's a clear "former" and "latter" in your context.

Is it better to say "complete the latter" or reiterate the item itself?

While "complete the latter" is grammatically correct, reiterating the specific item can enhance clarity, especially in complex texts. However, using the former will allow you to create good prose.

What are some alternatives to "complete the latter"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "finish the latter", "conclude the latter", or "finalize the latter". Choose the option that best fits the tone and clarity of your writing.