latter half

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'latter half' is correct and can be used in written English.
It typically refers to the second half of a period of time or to the last of two or more things. For example, "In the latter half of the 20th century, computers became more widely available."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Generally, the latter half of last year was gloomy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the latter half of 1862, something remarkable happened.

The New Yorker

And that month is April, especially the latter half.

The New York Times

Thankfully, the latter half of the episode was much better.

Independent

The others belong to the latter half of that century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Two brand new programs were introduced in the latter half of this decade.

Harvard University

The bulk of the material is from the latter half of his career.

Columbia University

There were also some good solos in the latter half of the program.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

heavier half-time kicks and occasional dulcet bass pulses in the latter half.

Stanford University

Readings will be drawn primarily from the latter half of the twentieth-century analytic tradition.

Stanford University

The latter half of the hike will be in dusk and then true darkness.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a specific period, ensure the context clearly defines the timeframe, like "the latter half of the year" or "the latter half of the game".

Common error

Avoid using "latter half" when referring to something that isn't clearly divided into two parts. Instead, use alternatives like "final part" or "end portion" for more general references.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "latter half" functions as a determiner and noun phrase to specify the second part of something, usually a period of time or a sequence. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Science

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "latter half" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to the second portion of something, especially time periods or sequences. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and encyclopedias. While "latter half" is suitable for most situations, remember to use it when there is a clear division into two parts and consider alternatives like "second portion" or "final segment" for variety. Use "latter half" to precisely indicate a particular period or part, ensuring clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

last part

Uses simpler vocabulary, replacing "latter" with "last" and "half" with "part".

second portion

Replaces "half" with "portion", emphasizing a part or share of something.

last phase

Emphasizes the concluding segment or stage.

final segment

Substitutes "latter" with "final" and "half" with "segment", highlighting the concluding part.

latter stage

Replaces "half" with "stage", indicating a point in a process or development.

subsequent period

Replaces "latter half" with a more formal phrase, indicating a time frame following another.

closing section

Replaces "latter" with "closing" and "half" with "section", referring to the end part of a text or event.

terminal phase

A more technical substitute, suitable in scientific or formal contexts.

second division

Implies splitting something into two and referring to the second part.

final stretch

Informal way of referring to the end portion of a period of time.

FAQs

How can I use "latter half" in a sentence?

You can use "latter half" to refer to the second part of a period or event, such as "In the "latter half" of the 20th century, significant technological advancements occurred."

What's the difference between "first half" and "latter half"?

"First half" refers to the initial portion of something, while ""latter half"" indicates the concluding portion or the second of two parts.

Which is correct, "last half" or "latter half"?

Both "last half" and ""latter half"" can be correct, but "latter half" is generally preferred when referring to the second of two defined parts. "Last half" is more commonly used for the final portion in a sequence or duration.

What are some alternatives to saying "latter half"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "second portion", "final segment", or "last part".