for the former

USAGE SUMMARY

'for the former' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to something or someone that was previously mentioned. For example: "I have two dogs - a labrador and a chihuahua. My labrador is very loyal, but my chihuahua can be a bit naughty at times. For the former, I give him plenty of love; for the latter, I have to make sure I enforce the rules."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We opt for the former.

The Economist

Girardi went for the former.

The New York Times - Sports

As for the former Hewlett-Packard C.E.O.

The New Yorker

They will probably go for the former.

The Economist

Opt for the former, Mother Dear.

The New York Times

All bad news for the former president.

The Economist

Seems like he opted for the former.

The New Yorker

Let's hope for the former.

Yale University

We've opted for the former.

The Guardian - Business

I'd vote for the former.

The Guardian

Fingers crossed for the former.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for the former", ensure that the 'former' item is clearly and unambiguously defined in the preceding text. Avoid ambiguity by rephrasing if necessary.

Common error

Avoid using "for the former" when the items being compared are not immediately obvious to the reader, leading to confusion. Reiterate the items briefly for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for the former" functions as an anaphoric expression, referring back to the first of two previously mentioned items. It serves to clarify which of the two items is being discussed, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for the former" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to refer back to the first of two previously mentioned items. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is frequently found in news, scientific, and academic writing. Its main purpose is to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity. While it is generally neutral in register, ensure that the items being compared are clearly defined to avoid confusion. Consider alternatives like "regarding the first" for slight variations in tone. When in doubt, restating the original subject may offer greater clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding the first

Focuses on the initial element of a pair or group, emphasizing the subject of discussion.

with respect to the former

Adds a level of formality, explicitly stating that what follows pertains to the first item mentioned.

concerning the first

Similar to 'regarding the first', but can imply a deeper level of analysis or involvement.

as for the first

Introduces a topic shift to the first item, often used when contrasting it with a second.

in relation to the former

Highlights the connection between a statement and the first item, suggesting a comparative analysis.

on the subject of the former

Clearly indicates the topic of discussion, suitable for formal contexts.

when it comes to the former

Offers a more casual way to specify the topic, suitable for less formal writing.

as regards the former

A slightly archaic but still valid alternative, adding a touch of elegance.

in terms of the former

Specifies the scope of the discussion, focusing on a particular aspect of the first item.

pertaining to the former

Emphasizes the relevance of a statement to the first item, suitable for legal or technical writing.

FAQs

How do I use "for the former" in a sentence?

Use "for the former" after introducing two distinct subjects. For example: "We discussed cats and dogs. The veterinarian had a clear preference "for the former"".

What's a simple alternative to "for the former"?

Alternatives include "regarding the first", "concerning the first", or simply restating the subject to avoid ambiguity.

When should I avoid using "for the former"?

Avoid using "for the former" when the two subjects being compared are not immediately clear or are separated by a considerable amount of text. Clarity is key.

Is there a difference between "for the former" and "for the latter"?

Yes, "for the former" refers to the first item mentioned, while "for the latter" refers to the second item mentioned. They provide contrasting references within a comparison.