the latter position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the latter position" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the second of two previously mentioned options or arguments. Example: "While both arguments have merit, I find the latter position more compelling due to its emphasis on empirical evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(The latter position is taken in the Netherlands).

European Journal of Health Economics

The voting public won't buy the latter position.

The New York Times

Milton Keynes would have been advocates of the latter position.

Independent

Glenn Watkins will no doubt take the latter position when he lectures on Sunday afternoon.

The New York Times

Muslim theologian Riffat Hassan attacks the latter position in her essay in Women For Afghan Women.

The Guardian

In 1994 Sidney Blumenthal wrote a Letter from Washington about Panetta's appointment to the latter position.

The New Yorker

The latter position comes uncomfortably close to the discredited doctrine of preventive war.

The New York Times

In the latter position he opposed the Communists, ending their control of the unions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He resigned from the latter position to run for the U.S. Senate in 2013.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The latter position directly conflicts with that of the president-elect, and Mr. O'Neill has disavowed it.

The New York Times

The latter position made him new enemies in the establishment, including J Edgar Hoover, the head of the FBI.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the latter position" to avoid repetition and make your writing more concise when referring back to the second of two previously mentioned positions.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by making sure it's undeniably clear what two positions are being referenced. If there's any chance the reader might misinterpret which position is "the latter", rephrase for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the latter position" functions as a determiner phrase identifying a specific noun. It points to the second of two previously mentioned positions, acting as an anaphoric expression. As shown in Ludwig, this phrase helps maintain coherence in discourse by avoiding repetition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the latter position" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to refer to the second of two previously mentioned items, ideas, or positions. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is widely used in news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. To use it effectively, ensure that the two referenced positions are clear to the reader. Consider alternatives like "the second viewpoint" or "the latter argument" for variety. Avoid ambiguity by explicitly defining the two positions being compared. By following these guidelines, you can confidently incorporate "the latter position" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the second stance

Replaces "position" with "stance", emphasizing a held belief or opinion.

the latter viewpoint

Substitutes "position" with "viewpoint", highlighting a perspective or point of view.

the latter argument

Uses "argument" instead of "position", suitable when referring to a point made in a discussion.

the second alternative

Emphasizes the choice between two options, using "alternative" to replace "position".

the subsequent role

Focuses on a role that follows another, replacing "position" with "role".

the second option

Replaces "position" with the more general term "option", referring to a choice.

the concluding thought

Indicates a final idea in a sequence of thoughts, instead of "position".

the aforementioned position

This phrase is more formal and explicitly refers to the previously mentioned position.

that perspective

Uses "perspective" to denote a particular way of viewing something, instead of "position".

that alternative

Simply refers back to the second option with "that alternative".

FAQs

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

It refers to the second of two items, ideas, or positions that have been previously mentioned. For example, "We debated the merits of taxation and regulation; "the latter position" seemed more effective."

What phrases can replace "the latter position"?

You can use alternatives such as "the second option", "the second alternative", "the second stance", or "the latter viewpoint", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "the latter position" in formal writing?

Yes, "the latter position" is suitable for formal writing as long as the two positions being referenced are clearly defined and understood. It is a concise and grammatically correct way to refer to the second item.

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

"The former position" refers to the first item or idea mentioned, while ""the latter position"" refers to the second. They are used together to compare and contrast two distinct points.