of the latter

USAGE SUMMARY

'of the latter' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to refer to the option that was mentioned second in a list or to something that was mentioned in a previous sentence. For example: We had the option of going to the beach or to the park; of the latter, I chose to go to the beach.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He disapproved of the latter.

The New Yorker

Karas' place is of the latter type.

The New Yorker

Many of the latter face closure.

Independent

The boy was of the latter sensibility.

The New Yorker

How many of the latter are there?

The New Yorker

Phillips is one of the latter.

The New Yorker

Mr Obama is one of the latter.

The Economist

Evidence of the latter is growing clearer.

The Economist

Ours was one of the latter.

The New Yorker

I was one of the latter.

The New Yorker

Some of the latter wear Islamic headscarves.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "of the latter" primarily in formal writing or when a more sophisticated tone is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "of the latter" if the two items being compared are not immediately clear in the preceding context. This can confuse the reader and disrupt the flow of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of the latter" functions as a post-modifier, specifically a prepositional phrase, used to pinpoint one of two previously mentioned things or concepts. This is confirmed by Ludwig's AI which states that it refers to something mentioned in a previous sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "of the latter" is a prepositional phrase used to refer to the second item in a previously mentioned pair. As Ludwig's AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in formal writing. This phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, making it suitable for professional reports, academic papers, and news articles. To use it effectively, ensure the reference is clear and avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "regarding the latter" exist, "of the latter" offers a concise and sophisticated way to connect ideas in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

referring to the second

This alternative explicitly states that it's referring to the second item mentioned.

with respect to the latter

This phrase adds a formal tone while referencing the second item.

regarding the latter

This option is slightly more concise and directly references the second item.

concerning the latter

This alternative has a similar meaning to "regarding the latter" but may sound slightly more formal.

in reference to the latter

This phrase is a more verbose way of saying "regarding the latter".

pertaining to the latter

This option introduces a more formal and legalistic tone.

as to the latter

This is a more concise and direct way to refer to the second item.

the second of these

This phrase is a more explicit and less ambiguous way to refer to the second item.

the second mentioned

This option clarifies that it's referring to the second item that was mentioned previously.

that which was last mentioned

This alternative is a more descriptive and less direct way of referencing the second item.

FAQs

How do I use "of the latter" in a sentence?

Use "of the latter" to refer to the second item or idea in a pair that you have already mentioned. For example, "We discussed cats and dogs; "of the latter", dogs are generally considered more loyal".

What's a simple way to rephrase "of the latter"?

For simpler phrasing, consider using "the second" or "the second option". For example, instead of "of the latter", you could say "the second option". Both options work depending on the context, but "of the latter" is more suited to formal writing.

Is it ever incorrect to use "of the latter"?

It's incorrect if there are not two distinct items or ideas previously mentioned, or if the reference is ambiguous. Make sure your reader can clearly identify what "the latter" refers to before using the phrase.

What is the difference between "of the former" and "of the latter"?

"Of the former" refers to the first item in a pair, while ""of the latter"" refers to the second. Ensure you use the correct phrase to avoid confusing the reader about which item you are discussing.