latter category

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "latter category" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the second of two previously mentioned categories or groups. Example: "In the discussion of renewable energy sources, solar and wind power are often compared, with the latter category being more widely adopted in recent years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Put me in the latter category.

The New York Times

Sapsuckers falls into the latter category.

The New York Times

(Colgate falls into the latter category).

The New York Times

The N.S.A. was in the latter category.

The New Yorker

Wednesday night fell into the latter category.

The New York Times - Sports

David falls into the latter category.

The New Yorker

Harris fitted into the latter category.

The Guardian

Central banks fall into the latter category.

The Guardian - Business

France falls into the latter category.

The New York Times

Mr. Schwartz is in the latter category.

The New York Times - Style

Ida belonged to the latter category.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "latter category", ensure you've clearly established the first category to avoid ambiguity for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "latter category" if the two categories are not immediately clear or have been separated by a considerable amount of text. Reiterate the categories or use more specific terms for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "latter category" functions as a deictic expression, specifically an anaphoric reference. It points back to a previously mentioned category, allowing for concise reference without repeating the full description. Ludwig shows how this is commonly used to classify elements into pre-defined groups.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "latter category" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to the second of two previously mentioned categories, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science, demonstrating its versatility. For alternatives, consider "second group" or "second option" for simpler phrasing. Remember to clearly establish the two categories before using "latter category" to avoid ambiguity. In essence, "latter category" is a useful tool for classification and clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

second group

Replaces 'category' with 'group', a direct synonym, maintaining the same structure and implication.

latter option

Substitutes 'category' with 'option', focusing on the selection aspect rather than classification.

second type

Uses 'type' instead of 'category', which emphasizes the distinct classification being referenced.

second class

Similar to 'category', 'class' denotes a division or grouping, maintaining the formal tone.

latter division

Using 'division' in place of 'category', emphasizing the act of splitting into groups.

the subsequent classification

More formal, replacing 'latter' with 'subsequent' and 'category' with 'classification'.

the second set

Emphasizes a collection or arrangement, swapping 'category' for 'set'.

the last mentioned group

More verbose, but clarifies 'latter' by specifying 'last mentioned'.

the second alternative

Focuses on choice, 'alternative' highlights the option aspect more than categorization.

the concluding segment

Highlights the finality of the latter choice, replacing 'category' with 'segment'.

FAQs

How to use "latter category" in a sentence?

Use "latter category" when you've already mentioned two distinct categories and want to refer to the second one. For example, "We discussed options A and B; the "latter category" seems more viable."

What can I say instead of "latter category"?

You can use alternatives like "second group", "second option", or "second type" depending on the context.

Is "latter category" formal or informal?

"Latter category" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, but in very casual contexts, simpler terms like "second group" might be preferred.

How does "latter category" compare to "former category"?

"Latter category" refers to the second of two items, while "former category" refers to the first. They're used together to clearly distinguish between two previously mentioned options.