the latter question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the latter question" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It is used to refer to the question that was posed most recently out of several questions. For example: "The first question concerned the impact of the new laws on businesses, while the latter question was about how it affects individuals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The answer to the latter question is "no".

The Guardian

The answer to the latter question almost certainly lies with one company, Sony.

The Guardian - Tech

And the latter question, to be fair, is one that roughly divides liberals and conservatives.

The Economist

The latter question was quickly answered: the date 1957 is on the painting itself, inscribed with the artist's signature.

The Guardian

Though the perpetrators of the Sept. 11 attacks were quickly revealed, the latter question still haunts us.

The New York Times - Books

The latter question leaves Maura at a loss: she is told to get to know her body.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Four years later, Ms. Thibodeau of Westbrook and others across the state are grappling with the latter question.

The New York Times

In considering the latter question, researchers keep coming back to the same question: What do poor people really want?

The New Yorker

I guess I don't really need to ask the latter question after reading your article.... Allison Elias Peoria, Ill.

The New Yorker

The latter question is really beside the point in Washington, the capital of smart people doing dumb things.

The New York Times

The latter question was included for the first time in the last UK census, but not in Scotland.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the latter question" when you've presented two clear questions and want to specifically address the second one without repeating it.

Common error

Avoid substituting "later question" for "the latter question". "Later" refers to time, while "latter" refers to the second of two items.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the latter question" functions as a determiner phrase specifying which of two previously mentioned questions is being referenced. It is commonly used to maintain clarity and avoid repetition, as evidenced by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the latter question" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to refer to the second of two questions, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its primary function is to provide a concise reference, thereby enhancing clarity in discussions and analyses. While appropriate for neutral to formal contexts, it's essential to differentiate it from "later question", which concerns time. The phrase sees widespread use in news, scientific, and formal business domains. Ludwig provides ample examples showcasing its correct usage, assisting users in mastering this practical expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the second question

Directly identifies the question by its numerical position.

the final question

Indicates the last question of a series.

the subsequent question

Refers to the question that follows another.

the concluding question

Emphasizes that it's the question that ends a series of questions.

the latter part of the inquiry

More formal and verbose, referring to the latter segment of a query.

the second inquiry

Uses the term "inquiry" instead of question for a formal tone.

the last point raised

Focuses on the substance of the query, referring to it as a point.

the issue at hand

Shifts the focus from the question to the problem or topic being discussed.

that particular question

More generic and can refer to any question, not necessarily the second.

the second item

Uses "item" to broadly reference a question as part of a list.

FAQs

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

Use "the latter question" to refer back to the second of two questions you have already posed. For example, "We discussed the budget and the timeline; "the latter question" is more pressing."

What's an alternative to saying "the latter question"?

You can use phrases like "the second question", "the final question", or "the subsequent question" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the later question" instead of "the latter question"?

No, "later" refers to time, while ""the latter question"" refers to the second of two previously mentioned items. Using "later" in this context would be grammatically incorrect.

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

"The former question" refers to the first of two questions, while ""the latter question"" refers to the second. They are used to distinguish between two items previously mentioned.