latter topic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "latter topic" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the second of two topics mentioned previously in a discussion or text. Example: "In our discussion about climate change and renewable energy, I believe the latter topic is crucial for our future."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

A chapter on the latter topic focuses tendentiously on the family.

The Guardian - Books

On the latter topic, Lin spoke as extensively and candidly as he has about the possibility that his appearance caused scouts to overlook him at every step of his career.

The New York Times - Sports

(The latter topic is then the total focus of attention in his long article, "The Probabilistic Argument from Evil").

SEP

The latter topic was rather complex since the limitations, in terms of measurement, made the results very vulnerable to criticism.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

We already discussed one aspect of the former topic, the issue of protocols, in the previous section; let's here turn to the latter topic.

SEP

The latter topic hits close to home as John and I both have young children that are surrounded by the latest gadgets.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

But on those latter topics, Carly Fiorina is all but mute.

Forbes

In each of these latter topics, words showing people emerging to attack or being attacked in cars, lending much behavioral and situational nuance to gun violence.

Crime Science

And just as our pre-scientific theories on the latter topics were shown to be radically wrong by scientific cosmology and physics, so also will folk psychology, which is essentially still pre-scientific, be overthrown by scientific psychology and neuroscience once they have advanced far enough.

SEP

The paradigmatic public intellectual, Russell wrote prolifically in the latter topics to a wide and receptive audience.

Wikipedia

Arens concurred that these latter topics would interest his students to a greater extent than those which he was then lecturing on, and so undertook an investigation into the prior accounts of cannibalism in the anthropological record.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "latter topic", ensure the first topic is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Clear antecedents make your writing precise.

Common error

Avoid using "latter topic" when more than two topics have been discussed, as it can cause confusion. In such cases, rephrase for clarity or use specific labels.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "latter topic" functions as a referential expression, pointing back to the second of two previously mentioned subjects. This usage helps maintain coherence and avoids repetition. Ludwig shows this phrase used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

24%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "latter topic" is a phrase used to refer to the second of two subjects previously mentioned. It's grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in science and news media. Ludwig confirms the phrase is usable in written English. For clarity, it's best to use "latter topic" only when exactly two subjects have been discussed. If more than two subjects are involved, using more specific labels or identifiers is recommended. Related alternatives include "second subject" and "second theme". Remember to define the topics clearly to avoid any ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

second subject

Replaces "topic" with "subject", maintaining the same meaning and sequence reference.

second theme

Substitutes "topic" with "theme", implying a more general subject of discussion.

latter point

Uses "point" instead of "topic", focusing on a specific idea within a discussion.

subsequent issue

Replaces "latter" with "subsequent" and "topic" with "issue", indicating a follow-up subject.

latter area

Employs "area" instead of "topic", suggesting a broader field of discussion.

second matter

Uses "matter" in place of "topic", referring to a specific concern or subject.

second item

Replaces "topic" with "item", focusing on a specific element in a list or sequence.

second question

Uses "question" instead of "topic", referring to a specific inquiry.

second aspect

Substitutes "topic" with "aspect", focusing on a particular feature or element.

subsequent theme

Combines "subsequent" and "theme", suggesting a following subject of discussion with a broader implication.

FAQs

How is "latter topic" used in a sentence?

"Latter topic" is used to refer to the second of two subjects mentioned previously. For example: "We discussed climate change and renewable energy; the "latter topic" is essential for our future."

What's a synonym for "latter topic"?

Synonyms for "latter topic" include "second subject", "second theme", or "latter point" depending on the context.

When should I use "latter topic" instead of "former topic"?

Use "latter topic" to refer to the second subject mentioned, and "former topic" to refer to the first subject mentioned. Ensuring clear and direct reference is key.

Can I use "latter topic" if I've discussed more than two topics?

While grammatically correct, using "latter topic" when more than two subjects have been discussed can cause confusion. For clarity, it's better to rephrase or use more specific identifiers.