if latter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if latter" is not correct or usable in written English.
Instead, you can use the phrase "if the latter" when you are referring to the second of two choices or possibilities. For example: "She could choose to take a bus or a train; if the latter, she would need to purchase a ticket."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The email goes on: "We've covered up with bofa and hopefully db and Doi but if latter two don't happen it's totally bad.

The Guardian - Business

Franklin D. Roosevelt and cabinet decided nine days before Pearl Harbor attack that U.S. would fight Japan if latter attacked British Malaya.

Britannica

The primers for cytochrome b amplification were from Shikano et al. [13] - for each individual, two overlapping sequences were amplified with primer pairs L14724+PP14959 and PP14896+Cb6Thr, or if latter failed PP15469 was used instead of Cb6Thr.

Plosone

If latter processes were operative, then they would be expected to add to the conformational heterogeneity of Tau fibril populations.

Biochemistry

In addition to cost savings and avoidance of dioxins and other toxic pollutants from incinerators, autoclave technology that enables the recovery and the second fusion of sterilized materials such as plastic, glass and metal, if latter are sorted in advance.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control

If latter is your pick, I would suggest that you do it WELL.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Mason Klein, the curator of the Rubinstein show, is aware that some museumgoers will not buy his premise, so he writes, "If latter-day feminist debates have focused on cosmetics as objectifying women, they were seen in the early twentieth century as a means of asserting female autonomy.

The New Yorker

Even if Latter-day Saints don't accept gay marriage right away, that could help break down barriers, Clark said.

Huffington Post

And if the latter, what was wrong if it wasn't diabetes mellitus?

The New York Times - Magazine

If you're the former, you may remain; if the latter, kindly leave".

The Guardian

If the latter were to be so, what would happen if we won?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use the correct phrase "if the latter" instead of "if latter" when referring to the second of two options to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity.

Common error

Avoid omitting the article 'the' before "latter". The correct phrase is "if the latter", as "latter" requires a determiner in this context to specify which of the two options is being referenced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if latter" functions as a conditional conjunction, attempting to introduce a condition based on the second of two previously mentioned options. However, Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically incorrect, requiring the article 'the' before 'latter'.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while "if latter" appears in a limited number of sources, it is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "if the latter", which should be used to refer to the second of two previously mentioned items or options. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, failure to include the article "the" constitutes a grammatical error, undermining clarity and detracting from credibility, particularly in formal or professional contexts. Always use ""if the latter"" to maintain grammatical correctness and clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if the latter is the case

Adds specificity by explicitly stating that the condition applies to the second option being a specific scenario.

should the latter occur

Implies a more formal and potentially less likely occurrence of the second option.

in the event of the latter

Similar to 'should the latter occur' but emphasizes preparation for a contingency.

if the second option applies

Replaces 'latter' with a more explicit reference to the 'second option'.

if the second choice prevails

Frames the second option as potentially more successful or dominant.

assuming the latter

Indicates an assumption about the validity or occurrence of the second option.

provided the latter holds true

Emphasizes a condition where the second option must be accurate or factual.

on the condition that the latter

Highlights that the second option is a mandatory requirement for something else to happen.

supposing the latter

Introduces a hypothetical consideration of the second option.

if that second possibility arises

Directly references the 'second possibility' making it clear and less ambiguous.

FAQs

How do I correctly use "if the latter" in a sentence?

Use "if the latter" to refer to the second of two options previously mentioned. For example: "You can drive or fly; "if the latter", book your ticket in advance".

What is the difference between "if former" and "if the latter"?

"If the former" refers to the first of two options, while ""if the latter"" refers to the second. Both phrases should always include the article "the".

Why is "if latter" considered grammatically incorrect?

The word "latter" requires a determiner (like "the") when used to refer to a specific item in a pair. Omitting "the" makes the phrase grammatically incomplete. It's like saying "I prefer apple" instead of "I prefer the apple".

What are some alternative ways to phrase "if the latter" for variety?

You can use alternatives like "in the second case", "if the second option applies", or "should the second scenario occur" for variety and emphasis.