latter

USAGE SUMMARY

"latter" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to the second of two people or things that have been mentioned previously. For example: "My brother likes to play chess, but I prefer the latter - checkers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Probably the latter).

The New York Times

Asked if the London mayor was a statesman or a twat, he replied: "A bit more of the latter".

The Guardian

In light of all the gun violence we have seen in recent months, I have come to believe that in the very worst scenario – the US becoming a dystopian dictatorship with food riots, total censorship, zombies and Sarah Palin – it is the latter that has a better chance of saving my life and less likelihood of getting me killed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cotterill's 13th-minute shot, from the edge of thearea, looped off Cook and behind for a corner after the latter had been caught in possession.

The Guardian - Sport

Had Arsène Wenger been able to ask for a view of the latter incident he would probably have succeeded in having the goal chalked off for offside – the foul was less clear-cut – and that would have been justice.

The Guardian - Sport

The former certainly looks like a prizefighter who has been battered senseless by a meaner, leaner opponent; the latter has endured an equally bruising encounter in the ring but has walked away bleeding badly but still standing after a 12-round points draw.

The Guardian

The noise echoed around all corners of the loch, where fans had positioned themselves on grassy knolls and by big screens along the latter stages, and even the swans moved aside for the beginning of the race.

The Guardian - Sport

The satirical poet Dmitry Bykov even penned verses comparing the effects of war, propaganda and tub-thumping patriotism on the Russian currency and a penis: as the latter gets harder and more excited with Russia's conquests, the former falls to new lows.

The Guardian

One pair of these birds made their appearance at the latter end of February, and, after cautiously surveying the place, began to construct a nest with branches which they very dextrously broke from the trees.

The Guardian

He describes the latter as "an incurious 'presentism' – combining a lack of historical sense, a pervasive contempt for the wisdom of the past, a fascination with novelty simply because it is new and a propensity to over-react to every ephemeral focus group finding or tabloid whim".

The Guardian - Opinion

On the latter, the present plan is for four new submarines, which the military claims is necessary to maintain at least one submarine on patrol at all times.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "latter", ensure there are only two previously mentioned items to avoid ambiguity. If there are more than two, rephrase for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "latter" when referring to more than two items. This creates confusion. Instead, restate the noun or use a more specific identifier.

Linguistic Context

The word "latter" functions as an adjective, specifying that something relates to the second of two items or concepts previously mentioned. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across numerous examples, highlighting its role in creating concise references.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "latter" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective for referring to the second of two previously mentioned items. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to avoid repetition and provide clarity. While generally neutral, it's more common in formal and news contexts, as evidenced by the prevalence of examples from sources like The Guardian and The New York Times. To ensure clarity, avoid using "latter" when more than two items have been mentioned. Instead, rephrase or restate the specific noun. By following these best practices, you can effectively use "latter" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the second of the two

More explicitly defines which item is being referred to.

the last mentioned

Similar meaning, but emphasizes the recency of the mention.

second mentioned

Emphasizes the order of mention rather than a comparison between two items.

the second alternative

Similar to "the second option", but emphasizes a choice between alternatives.

the second option

Specifically used when referring to a choice between two options.

the subsequent one

Focuses on the sequence or order following the first item.

the remaining one

Highlights that only one item remains after the first is accounted for.

the final one

Indicates the last item in a sequence of two, often implying conclusion.

the other

A more general term when only two items are under consideration.

that one

A simpler and more direct way of referring to the second item.

FAQs

How is "latter" used in a sentence?

The term "latter" refers to the second of two items or people previously mentioned. For example, "I enjoy both classical and jazz music, but I prefer the "latter"."

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

"Former" refers to the first of two things mentioned, while "latter" refers to the second. They are used together to clearly distinguish between two subjects.

Can I use "latter" if I've mentioned more than two things?

It's best to avoid using "latter" when referring to more than two items. This can cause confusion. Instead, try rephrasing to be more specific or restate the noun you are referring to.

What can I say instead of "latter"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "second mentioned", "the second of the two", or "the last mentioned".