the latter three

USAGE SUMMARY

"the latter three" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the last three items in a list. For example, "The first five students performed brilliantly, but the latter three struggled."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The latter three aggravations are the topic of his "Three Ways of Spilling Ink" (1966).

SEP

(The latter three are now extinct).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The latter three were also teams in the original N.A.S.L.

The New York Times

The latter three drugs have no recorded cases of toxicological fatalities.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the latter three teams stumbled, opening a path for the Hawks.

The New York Times - Sports

The latter three, particularly Davis, will have to provide the same this postseason, perhaps more so.

The New York Times - Sports

The latter three have been unable to return to Egypt following the court action.

The Guardian

The latter three form a trilogy of fictionalized accounts of the New Zealand Wars.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The real contenders are the latter three.

SEP

The latter three games were all announced after the Meetup.

TechCrunch

Rural respondents came equally from the latter three Regions.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the latter three", ensure the context clearly establishes what the phrase refers to. Ambiguity can arise if the list or series is not immediately apparent.

Common error

Avoid using "the latter three" if the reader might misinterpret which items are being referenced. If there's any potential for confusion, restate the items explicitly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the latter three" functions as a determiner phrase modifying a noun (implicitly "items", "elements", etc.). It identifies a specific subset of a previously mentioned group, selecting the final three elements. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage for this purpose.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

29%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the latter three" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to refer to the last three items in a list or series. Ludwig AI supports this assessment with numerous examples across diverse fields. While its versatility makes it suitable for various contexts, clarity is paramount. Ensure the reader can easily identify the referent to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "the final three" or "the last three mentioned" can be used for similar effect. Predominantly featured in scientific, news, and encyclopedic sources, "the latter three" serves as a useful tool for concise referencing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the last three mentioned

Emphasizes the recency and order of mention of the three items.

the final three items

Focuses on the position of the items as being at the end.

the concluding three

Highlights that these three bring something to a close.

the three most recent

Stresses the timeliness or currency of the items.

the last three in order

Clarifies that the items are considered in a specific sequence.

the concluding trio

Uses a more concise and slightly more formal tone.

the terminal three

Emphasizes the end position, can sound more technical.

these last three

Uses "these" to create a more direct and immediate reference.

those last three

Emphasizes the items are slightly removed or distanced from the speaker.

the aftermost three

A less common but technically precise way to specify the final three.

FAQs

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

"The latter three" is used to refer to the last three items mentioned in a list or series. For example, "We considered apples, bananas, oranges, grapes, peaches, and plums; the latter three were the most expensive."

What's a synonym for "the latter three"?

Alternatives to "the latter three" include "the last three mentioned", "the final three items", or "the concluding three". These options provide similar meaning while varying the phrasing.

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

Yes, "the latter three" is appropriate for formal writing. However, ensure the context is clear, and the referent is easily identifiable. In some cases, explicitly stating the items might enhance clarity.

When should I avoid using "the latter three"?

Avoid using "the latter three" if the list is extensive or complex, or if there is a risk of ambiguity. In such cases, it is better to explicitly name the three items you are referring to, or use a phrase like "the last three mentioned" for clarity.