picked the latter

USAGE SUMMARY

"picked the latter" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that someone has chosen the second of either two or more options they were presented with. For example: "She had the choice of joining the tennis team or the soccer team, but she picked the latter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

The reformists picked the latter.

The Guardian

I picked the latter, because Buddy MacMaster, 75, was performing.

The New York Times - Travel

On Sunday, Shariatmadari, faced with a choice between continued silence and condemnation, picked the latter.

The Guardian

I know a good deal when I see one, so I picked the latter.

The New Yorker

He said that Abramovich picked the latter route, and told Berezovsky that he had to sell his interests in Sibneft at a knockdown price.

The Guardian

Choosing between the uphill struggles of either guiding an asset management firm through the current market turmoil or climbing the highest mountain outside Asia, Roger P. Yates has picked the latter.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

(She picks the latter).

The New York Times - Arts

Who was picking the latter?

The Guardian

They'll pick the latter, as car manufacturers are learning.

The New York Times

By picking the latter option, she could ensure that her story survived the transition.

The Guardian - Film

If you're choosing between thunder and reinvention, you pick the latter, obviously.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "picked the latter", ensure there are only two distinct options clearly presented in the preceding context. Avoid ambiguity by restating the options if needed for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "picked the latter" when more than two options have been presented. "The latter" refers specifically to the second of two options, so using it in a context with multiple choices will confuse your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "picked the latter" functions as a concise way to indicate that a subject has selected the second of two previously mentioned options. This construct avoids repetition by referencing a prior statement, as Ludwig's examples demonstrate.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "picked the latter" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate that the second of two options has been chosen. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread in news, media, and other writing contexts. Ensure clarity by making the two options explicitly clear in the context. Alternatives like "chose the latter option" or "selected the second choice" can add further clarity depending on the situation. Avoid using the phrase when more than two options are presented to prevent confusion. The phrase has a neutral register making it suitable for many types of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chose the latter option

Replaces "picked" with "chose" and clarifies "latter" with "option".

selected the second choice

Substitutes "picked" with "selected" and replaces "latter" with "second choice" for increased clarity.

opted for the latter

Uses "opted for" instead of "picked", maintaining the meaning of choosing the second option.

favored the latter

Replaces "picked" with "favored", implying a preference for the second option.

preferred the second alternative

Substitutes "picked" with "preferred" and clarifies "latter" with "second alternative".

went with the latter selection

Replaces "picked" with "went with", indicating a choice for the second selection.

decided on the latter course

Uses "decided on" instead of "picked", specifying "latter" as "course" of action.

embraced the latter

Replaces "picked" with "embraced", implying a more enthusiastic acceptance of the second option.

settled on the latter preference

Substitutes "picked" with "settled on", indicating a decision for the second preference.

endorsed the latter proposal

Replaces "picked" with "endorsed", suggesting a formal approval of the second proposal.

FAQs

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

Use "picked the latter" when you want to state that someone has chosen the second option out of two. For example: "Given the choice between fame and fortune, she "picked the latter"."

What does "picked the latter" mean?

"Picked the latter" means that, faced with two options, a person or entity chose the second one. The term "latter" refers specifically to the second of two items that have been mentioned.

Which is correct, "picked the latter" or "picked the later"?

"Picked the latter" is correct when referring to the second of two options. "Picked the later" would refer to something chosen at a subsequent time, which is a different meaning altogether.

What can I say instead of "picked the latter"?

You can use alternatives like "chose the latter option", "selected the second choice", or "opted for the latter" depending on the context.