more the latter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more the latter" is not correct in standard written English.
The correct expression is "the latter" or "more of the latter," which is used to refer to the second of two options previously mentioned. Example: "When given the choice between coffee and tea, I prefer the latter."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

More the latter.

The Guardian - Books

More the latter if you ask me.

The Economist

"It's more the latter," he says, determinedly.

The Guardian - Tech

"And I think it's more the latter".

The New York Times

And perhaps it is more the latter than the former.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I'd say the answer is a lot more the latter".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

But now, work is encroaching more and more on the latter two.

The Guardian - Opinion

The former group comprised more women, the latter more men.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Indeed, for every species, the more elaborate the latter were, the more elaborate were the former.

The Economist

They may hear more of the latter because somehow bad stories are much more memorable.

The Guardian - Opinion

More likely the latter.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two options, clarify which one you favor by stating, "I prefer the latter". Ensure both options have been clearly introduced beforehand for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "more the latter" as it's grammatically unconventional. Instead, opt for "more of the latter" or simply "the latter" to clearly indicate your preference for the second option.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more the latter" functions as a comparative, aiming to express a preference for the second of two options. However, according to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically questionable. Examples illustrate its use in expressing inclinations or judgments between choices.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "more the latter" is used to express a preference for the second of two options. However, it's important to note that, according to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically questionable. While it appears across various contexts, including News & Media and Science, it's advisable to opt for more precise alternatives like "more of the latter" or simply ""the latter"", especially in formal writing. This ensures clarity and avoids potential grammatical errors. Remember to always clearly introduce the two options before using ""the latter"" to maintain context and coherence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more of the latter option

Specifies that the preference is for the second option with explicit mention of "option".

prefer the latter

Directly states a preference for the second choice, removing "more".

inclined toward the latter

Indicates a tendency or leaning towards the second option.

leaning towards the latter

Similar to 'inclined', suggesting a direction of preference.

the latter is preferable

States that the second option is better or more suitable.

the latter is more appealing

Focuses on the attractiveness of the second option.

opt for the latter

Indicates a decision to choose the second option.

choose the latter

Simply suggests choosing the second one.

the second choice

A very basic way to describe the latter one.

the second of the two

Highlights that it's part of a choice or dilemma.

FAQs

How can I properly use "the latter" in a sentence?

Ensure you've presented two distinct options or ideas first. Then, use "the latter" to refer to the second one. For instance, "I enjoy both tea and coffee, but I prefer "the latter" (coffee)."

What is a more grammatically correct alternative to "more the latter"?

Instead of "more the latter", you can say "more of the latter" or, more simply, ""the latter"".

When is it appropriate to use "the latter" in writing?

Use "the latter" when you want to succinctly refer back to the second item in a previously mentioned pair, avoiding repetition and maintaining clarity. Ensure the context makes the reference unambiguous.

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

"The former" refers to the first item in a pair, while ""the latter"" refers to the second. They are used together to compare or contrast two distinct elements in a discussion.