of the latter type

USAGE SUMMARY

"of the latter type" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to two items and want to specify that you are referring to the second item. For example, "I like the first type of sandwich, but I much prefer sandwiches of the latter type."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Karas' place is of the latter type.

The New Yorker

Passages of the latter type are, admittedly, tentative and fleeting.

The New Yorker

My choices are all of the latter type, but the civilians are advocates of the former style.

The Guardian

There must have been plenty of the latter type of master, as running away was common.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An example of the latter type is seen in the gastrulation of amphibians.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A well-known scam of the latter type is Google Treasure Chest, which offers people a cheap DVD that will teach them how to prosper placing Google ads.

The New York Times - Tech

A survivor of the latter type is the old part of the Saxon church (1013) at Greenstead, Essex, England.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rules of the latter type also govern in Latin American countries (e.g., Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Mexico).

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I love playing earnest characters, and I love characters who are super-boring but don't realise it," he says (his appearance in The Office: An American Workplace as the deeply dull Deangelo Vickers is an example of the latter type).

The Guardian - Film

Effects of the latter type are known as idiosyncratic effects and include some very severe reactions, such as sudden cardiovascular collapse or irreversible suppression of blood cell production.

Encyclopedia Britannica

All machines of the latter type and all others that are neither prime movers, generators, nor motors may be classified as operators.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "of the latter type", ensure there are only two items or types being referenced. If there are more than two, consider rephrasing for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "of the latter type" when referring to more than two items. This can cause confusion. Instead, specify "the third type", or "the last type" if there are more than two.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of the latter type" functions as a post-modifier, specifically a determiner phrase, that points back to the second item in a previously established set of two. As Ludwig confirms, it's a correct and usable element for explicitly referencing the latter of two entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

23%

Encyclopedias

22%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "of the latter type" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to refer to the second of two items previously mentioned. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity. The phrase sees its highest usage in scientific, news, and encyclopedia contexts. When using it, ensure you've clearly established two items for reference. Alternatives include "the latter of the two", "the second option", and "the second kind". Avoid using this phrase when referring to more than two items to prevent confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the latter of the two

More explicit about the two-item limitation.

the second option

Focuses on choice or selection.

the second alternative

Highlights the idea of options.

the second kind

Emphasizes categorization.

the second sort

Similar to 'kind' but slightly less formal.

the latter category

Suitable for contexts involving classifications.

the latter group

Suitable when referring to entities grouped together.

the second instance

Highlights a specific occurrence.

the second element

Often used when discussing components.

the second part

Highlights division into sections.

FAQs

How can I use "of the latter type" in a sentence?

Use "of the latter type" to refer to the second of two items previously mentioned. For example, "We discussed direct and indirect marketing; our focus will be on strategies "of the latter type"".

What's a simpler way to say "of the latter type"?

Alternatives include "the latter of the two", "the second option", or "the second kind". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

Yes, it's incorrect if you're referring to something that isn't the second item of only two items. Ensure your sentence clearly establishes two preceding items for the phrase to refer back to.

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

"Of the former type" refers to the first of two things, while "of the latter type" refers to the second. They are used together to clearly distinguish between two options or categories.