the latter one

USAGE SUMMARY

"the latter one" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to the second of two items you have previously mentioned. For example, "I'd like to visit both France and Italy on my next holiday, but if I have to choose just one, I think I'll go with the latter one."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The latter one depends on the scheme of the WF method.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Of course the latter one is based on compactly supported functions.

Computers & Mathematics with Applications

Both those robberies occurred in February, the latter one while many schools were on break.

The New York Times

The latter one can be classified as toxic due to its damage on reproductivity [5].

Environmental Sciences Europe

Two important games, with the latter one serving fans appropriately.

The New York Times

The latter one of the greatest, fiercest and emotionally overwhelming artists of any age.

The Guardian - Books

The latter, one of the most important Modernist works in Barcelona, is a joy.

The New York Times - Travel

Our algorithm uses the latter one.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Only the latter one constitutes the earthquake.

Geothermal Energy

The latter one is considered as a control vector.

Acta Astronautica

The latter one summarizes various supervised weighting schemes.

Data Science and Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, always introduce the items that will be 'the former' and 'the latter' in the same sentence or in close proximity. Keeping the subjects closely connected will make your writing easier to follow.

Common error

Avoid confusing "the latter one" with "later". "The latter one" refers to the second of two things, while "later" refers to a time in the future.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the latter one" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically an anaphoric expression. It refers back to the second of two entities previously mentioned in the discourse, acting as a substitute for the noun phrase it replaces. As Ludwig AI explains, this is a perfectly correct way to refer to the second of two items that you've previously mentioned.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

27%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the latter one" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that acts as an anaphoric expression, allowing writers and speakers to refer back to the second of two previously mentioned items with clarity and conciseness. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. Predominantly found in science and news contexts, this phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various communication styles. To use it effectively, ensure there are only two clear items in the context and be mindful not to confuse it with 'later'. By following these guidelines, you can seamlessly integrate "the latter one" into your writing and speech, enhancing the precision and efficiency of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the second option

Focuses on the choice aspect, highlighting that it's the second option among alternatives.

the latter case

Emphasizes that it's the second situation being referred to.

the second alternative

Similar to "the second option", stressing the choice from alternatives.

the subsequent item

Highlights the order of occurrence, referring to what comes after the first.

the second of these

Directly indicates the second item out of a specific group.

the last mentioned

Focuses on the order of mention, rather than the inherent order.

this second point

Highlights that it's the second specific point being discussed.

the second consideration

Emphasizes that it's the second aspect to take into account.

that latter item

Uses "that" to specify and refer back to the second item mentioned.

the concluding part

Highlights that it's the last part of the overall text or idea being mentioned.

FAQs

What does "the latter one" mean?

The phrase "the latter one" refers to the second of two things that have just been mentioned. It's used to avoid repeating the specific name of the second item.

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

First, mention two distinct items. Then, use "the latter one" to refer back to the second item. For example: "I enjoy both cats and dogs, but I prefer "the latter one"."

What are some alternatives to saying "the latter one"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "the second option", "the second alternative", or "the subsequent item".

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

Yes, it's incorrect if you haven't previously mentioned two distinct items, or if the context makes it unclear which two items you are referring to. Also, avoid using "the latter one" when referring to more than two items.