the latter case

USAGE SUMMARY

"the latter case" is an idiomatic expression that can be used in written English.
It is typically used as a contrast between two or more possibilities. For example, "The first option was too expensive, so I chose the latter case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was the latter case".

The Guardian - Tech

The latter case is far stronger.

The Guardian - Opinion

The latter case was subsequently dropped.

The Guardian

(Google did not admit guilt in the latter case).

The Guardian

In the latter case, the culprits have just been jailed.

The Guardian - Opinion

In the latter case, the suit was lost forever.

Harvard University

In the latter case, true, the federal government lacks jurisdiction.

Harvard University

In the latter case, the self parameter is bound automatically.

University of California, Berkeley

In the latter case generous welfare policies help families.

The Guardian

In the latter case they sometimes instinctively pressed the button.

Harvard Business Review

In the latter case fancy yarn mixtures are obtained.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the latter case", ensure there are clearly two distinct cases or situations previously mentioned to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the latter case" if the context doesn't explicitly establish two distinct situations or options. This can confuse the reader and weaken your argument. Consider rephrasing for clarity or explicitly restating the two cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the latter case" functions as a referential expression, specifically an anaphoric reference. It points back to the second of two items, situations, or arguments previously mentioned in the discourse. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the latter case" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to refer to the second of two previously mentioned items or situations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted in written English. It appears frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, although it can be found across various domains. For clarity, always ensure that two distinct cases are clearly defined before using this phrase. If you want to avoid sounding repetitive, you can explore alternatives like "the second scenario" or "the second instance". To avoid confusion, ensure there is a direct and clearly defined relationship between the initial cases and the latter reference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the second scenario

Replaces 'case' with 'scenario', emphasizing a hypothetical situation.

the second instance

Substitutes 'case' with 'instance', highlighting a specific occurrence.

the latter situation

Replaces 'case' with 'situation', focusing on a set of circumstances.

the latter option

Substitutes 'case' with 'option', framing it as a choice between possibilities.

the second alternative

More explicitly refers to the second of two alternatives.

the second possibility

Highlights one of two potential outcomes.

in the second event

Replaces 'case' with 'event', focusing on an occurrence.

regarding the latter

A more concise way to refer to the second item previously mentioned.

as for the latter

Introduces the second item when comparing two things.

concerning the latter

Focuses attention on the second item or situation.

FAQs

How do you use "the latter case" in a sentence?

"The first proposal seemed risky, but in "the latter case", there was a guarantee of success."

What's a good alternative to "the latter case"?

Consider using phrases like "the second scenario" or "the second instance" to convey a similar meaning.

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

Use "the latter case" when you've presented two clear and distinct situations or options, and you want to refer specifically to the second one.

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

"The former case" refers to the first of two things mentioned, while "the latter case" refers to the second. They are used together to compare and contrast two distinct situations.