latter term

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "latter term" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the second of two items mentioned previously in a discussion or text. Example: "In the debate between freedom and security, I find myself leaning towards the latter term."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The latter term seems literally to mean "preeminent hero".

Encyclopedia Britannica

The latter term identifies the music as much as it does the milieu and delivery system.

The Guardian - Music

They are mob artists, they are majoritarians or – translating the latter term into Russian – Bolsheviks.

The Guardian

(That latter term includes things other than fiction: songs, for example, and comics, and remixed video).

The New Yorker

But he eventually stuck with the latter term to avoid confusion.

Harvard University

The latter term meant "religion" in both its objective and subjective senses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The latter term reflects the effects of bar yielding penetration in the support of columns.

Engineering Structures

The latter term (like "structuralism") has been used in a variety of senses in linguistics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The latter term refers to officers being better informed about incidents on the ground before they arrive at the scene.

The Guardian

In contemporary usage, "coelenterate" generally refers only to cnidarians, but the latter term is used in order to avoid ambiguity.

Britannica

In 2002, Republican consultant Frank Luntz wrote a memo arguing that Republicans start using the latter term.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "latter term", ensure that the two items being compared are clearly defined and easily identifiable in the preceding text to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "latter term" when referring to more than two items. If there are three or more, consider rephrasing or using ordinal numbers (e.g., "the third term").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "latter term" functions as a linking device within a text. It allows the writer or speaker to specifically reference the second of two items previously mentioned, creating cohesion and avoiding repetition. As Ludwig AI explains, it is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

22%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "latter term" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to refer to the second of two items or concepts already mentioned. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's commonly found in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts, making it suitable for formal and neutral registers. When using "latter term", ensure that there are only two items being referenced and that they are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "second term" or simply "the latter" can be used depending on the context. Remember to clearly identify the two terms being referenced to ensure clarity for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

second term

Changes the adjective, offering a more direct synonym.

subsequent term

Replaces "latter" with a synonym that also implies sequence.

latter concept

Substitutes "term" with a broader term for an idea.

second expression

Uses "expression" as an alternative to "term".

latter phrase

Substitutes "term" with "phrase".

second designation

Replaces "term" with a synonym that implies naming or identifying.

the latter

Uses an elliptical construction, relying on context for understanding.

the second option

Specifies that it is one option of two.

subsequent designation

Replaces "latter" and "term" with synonyms that also implies sequence and naming or identifying.

second alternative

More explicitly identifies that is not the first one.

FAQs

How is "latter term" used in a sentence?

The phrase "latter term" is used to refer to the second of two things that have just been mentioned. For example: "We discussed cats and dogs; the "latter term" refers to dogs."

What's an alternative to saying "latter term"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "second term", "subsequent term", or simply "the latter".

When is it appropriate to use "latter term"?

Use "latter term" when you want to specifically refer back to the second item in a pair of items that you've already introduced in your writing or speech.

Is "latter term" formal or informal?

"Latter term" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is more common in written communication and academic discourse. In extremely informal speech, simpler alternatives might be preferred.