during the latter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'during the latter' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that happened during the second of two events or times. For example, "During the latter half of the semester, the students worked on their final projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There, too, you had someone who could have left, at least during the latter stages.

The New York Times

Certainly, during the latter interview, Jerry claimed to be done with pleasing men.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Worker productivity declines during the latter part of long work shifts.

The New York Times

Medical treatment for the elderly was also restricted during the latter years of the Ceaușescu era.

Britannica

His chairs, popular during the latter half of the 19th century, are still made.

Britannica

Yet Hemingway was not a healthy man during the latter phases in his life.

The New York Times

Angelo's descendants were still operating the school during the latter half of the 19th century.

Britannica

Systolic and diastolic blood pressures and heart rate were more stable during the latter procedure.

American Journal of Kidney Diseases

Little is known about Pythagorean activity during the latter part of the 5th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nevertheless, during the latter centuries of the Zhou, Chinese mythology began to undergo a profound transformation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The letter was composed sometime during the latter half of the 1st century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "during the latter" with specific time references (e.g., "during the latter half of the year") to provide greater precision and context.

Common error

Avoid using "during the latter" when you simply mean "later". "Latter" requires a clear reference to two previously mentioned items or periods, while "later" refers to a point in time after the present or after a specific event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during the latter" functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the timing of an action or event. It indicates that something happened within the timeframe of the second of two previously mentioned items. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

22%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Science

18%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "during the latter" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase employed to indicate that an action or event occurred within the timeframe of the second of two previously mentioned items. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a reliable tool for establishing a temporal sequence and adding precision to writing. While versatile, ensure 'latter' is used only when there are two clear referents to avoid ambiguity. It appears most commonly in news, encyclopedias, and wiki contexts, reflecting its broad applicability. When you need clarity and precision in your writing, "during the latter" is a strong and useful choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the second instance

Replaces 'latter' with a more explicit reference to the second of two instances.

in the subsequent period

Focuses on the period following the initial one.

later on

A simpler, more informal way of indicating a point in time after another.

in the concluding phase

Emphasizes the final stages of an event or process.

in the second stage

Explicitly refers to the second stage of a process.

in the aftermath

Highlights the period immediately following an event.

subsequently

A formal adverb indicating something that follows.

thereafter

Similar to 'subsequently' but slightly more formal.

in due course

Indicates that something will happen at a suitable time in the future.

in the sequel

Refers to what comes after the initial event or action.

FAQs

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

Use "during the latter" to specify that something occurred in the second of two previously mentioned things. For example, "We discussed the budget and the marketing plan; during the latter, we focused on social media strategies."

What's a more formal alternative to "during the latter"?

A more formal alternative to "during the latter" is "in the subsequent period" or "subsequently". These phrases maintain a formal tone while conveying the same meaning of something happening after a previous event.

Is it correct to say 'during the latter time'?

While grammatically sound, 'during the latter time' can be redundant. "During the latter" already implies a specific time, so adding 'time' is usually unnecessary. A better phrasing might be "during the latter part of the period".

What's the difference between "during the former" and "during the latter"?

"During the former" refers to something happening in the first of two things mentioned, while "during the latter" refers to something happening in the second. For example, "We considered option A and option B; "during the former", costs were higher, but "during the latter", implementation was simpler."