the latter course

USAGE SUMMARY

"the latter course" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the second of two options or choices that have been mentioned. Example: "The committee debated two options for solving the budget deficit, the first being to increase taxes and the latter course being to reduce spending on government programs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Jogaila chose the latter course.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Egyptians chose the latter course.

The Economist

Britain has chosen the latter course.

The New York Times

I decided on the latter course.

The New York Times

And we obviously took the latter course".

The Guardian

Once again, he chose the latter course.

The New York Times - Magazine

But I think I shall stick with the latter course.

The Guardian

Clinton's campaign is surely hoping he pursues the latter course.

The New Yorker

Springsteen, for whatever the reason, has chosen the latter course.

The New York Times

Trump, not surprisingly, has advocated the latter course.

The New Yorker

The Junkers, like the Japanese, chose the latter course.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the latter course", ensure that the two options being referred to are clearly defined and easily understood by the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "the latter course" when the two options are not immediately clear or have been separated by intervening text. This can cause confusion and force the reader to search for the original choices.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the latter course" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically pointing to the second of two previously mentioned options, actions, or strategies. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly employed to succinctly refer to a choice without reiterating it.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the latter course" is a versatile phrase used to denote the second of two options, primarily in formal and neutral contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. Its high frequency in news and media sources indicates its prevalence in reporting decisions and strategies. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by establishing the two options explicitly. Alternatives like ""the second option"" offer subtle variations in emphasis. Understanding these nuances will refine your writing and enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the second option

Replaces "course" with the more direct "option", maintaining the reference to the second choice.

the latter choice

Substitutes "course" with "choice", which emphasizes the act of selecting between alternatives.

the second alternative

Uses "alternative" instead of "course" to highlight that it's one of two possibilities.

that path

Employs "path" metaphorically to indicate a direction or decision, slightly more abstract than "course".

that route

Similar to "path", suggesting a planned or chosen direction, but may imply a more concrete sequence of steps.

this approach

Focuses on the method or strategy being adopted, shifting the emphasis from the selection itself.

this strategy

Similar to "approach", but more explicitly refers to a deliberate plan of action.

the subsequent action

Highlights that the choice leads to a specific action, changing focus on what happens after the decision.

the resulting decision

Emphasizes the decision itself, and it's final.

the ensuing action

Highlights the consequences of the first decision. It changes focus on what happens next.

FAQs

How is "the latter course" used in a sentence?

Use "the latter course" to refer to the second of two options previously mentioned. For example: "We could either invest in new equipment or hire more staff; we chose "the latter course" because it offered a more immediate return".

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

You can use alternatives like "the second option", "the latter choice", or "the second alternative" depending on the context.

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

It's appropriate to use "the latter course" when you want to succinctly refer back to the second of two choices you've already presented to avoid repetition. Ensure the context makes it clear which options you're referencing.

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

"The former" refers to the first of two things, while "the latter course" refers to the second. Always use them in conjunction when presenting two clear alternatives.