the latter which

USAGE SUMMARY

'the latter which' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to compare two things previously mentioned. For example, "We offer two types of tickets, economy and first class. The latter which is a more expensive option."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But it is the latter which may, in the long run, prove the most important.

The Guardian - Music

The latter, which was finished in 1891, is often called the first artistically successful modern skyscraper.

The New York Times

The latter, which won the grand prix at Cannes in 1979, was what attracted Hollywood.

The Guardian

We opted for the latter which is why I'm going at the end of August.

The Guardian - Film

The latter, which were not previously known to exist in Sinai, caused military analysts significant alarm.

The Guardian

He did the latter, which both honors him and ennobles the country.

The New Yorker

It is the latter which has been leading legal moves to evict the protesters.

The Guardian

Like James, he veered a little closer to the latter, which after all is safer.

The Guardian - Opinion

The latter, which the artist dubbed "paste-ups," are a gleeful blend of highbrow and kitsch.

The New Yorker

If the latter, which criteria do the paper's editors apply to select which writings are newsworthy?

The New York Times

It is the latter which is the largest driver of peak electrical loads.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse of "the latter which" in close proximity. If you refer to multiple pairs of items, consider using more direct language or rephrasing to avoid confusion.

Common error

A common mistake is using "the latter which" when more than two items have been mentioned. Always ensure that only two items are in scope; otherwise, rephrase for clarity. Avoid using this construction when the reference isn't immediately clear; consider rephrasing to specifically name the item you're referring to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the latter which" functions as a relative clause referring back to the second of two items previously mentioned. It introduces additional information or clarification about that second item. As evidenced by Ludwig, its purpose is to specifically identify and elaborate on the latter of the two options.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

35%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the latter which" is a grammatically correct and frequently employed phrase used to refer to the second of two previously mentioned items, as confirmed by Ludwig. Primarily found in news, media, and scientific contexts, its function is to add detail or clarification about that second item. While useful for clarity, one should avoid overusing it or employing it when the reference is ambiguous. Alternatives like "the second of which" or rephrasing can enhance readability and avoid repetition. Ludwig AI analysis validates the consistent usage and grammatical soundness of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the second of which

This alternative is more explicit and avoids potential ambiguity.

the latter of these

This option emphasizes that you are choosing between elements that were part of a set.

the latter mentioned

More concise, but might be less clear if the two items weren't recently mentioned.

of the latter

This is shorter and fits better in certain sentence structures where a preposition is needed.

the second one

Simplifies the language, suitable for less formal contexts.

the second alternative

Highlights that a choice is being made between two options.

that is the latter

Provides emphasis or clarification.

the concluding one

Emphasizes the position or sequence, implying it is the final item of two.

subsequently

Focuses on the order and time, suggesting what follows immediately after.

the other of these

Highlights there are only two, and you are pointing to the alternative to the first.

FAQs

How can I use "the latter which" in a sentence?

Use "the latter which" to refer to the second of two items or ideas you've already mentioned. For example, "We discussed option A and option B; "the latter which" requires more resources, is more viable in the long term."

What's a more concise alternative to "the latter which"?

Depending on the context, you could use "the latter", "the second", or rephrase the sentence for greater clarity. For example, instead of "item A and item B, the latter which...", you could say "item A and item B; the latter...". Or, specify item B directly.

Is "the latter which" always necessary for clarity?

No, sometimes it can be redundant. If the context makes it perfectly clear which of the two items you're referring to, "the latter" alone is sufficient. Only use ""the latter which"" if you need to add a relative clause to further define or explain the latter item.

What are common mistakes to avoid when using "the latter which"?

Avoid using ""the latter which"" when you've mentioned more than two items, or when it's unclear to which item you're referring. Ensure the reference is direct and unambiguous. Overusing it can also make your writing sound repetitive; vary your sentence structure.