with the latter

USAGE SUMMARY

"with the latter" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when referring to the second of two items that have been mentioned previously. For example: "I have two options for dinner - a salad or a hamburger. With the latter, I can add fries and a drink to make it a combo meal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Start with the latter.

Harvard Business Review

We agree more with the latter statement.

Independent

I'll go with the latter.

The Guardian - Business

Spotify helps hugely with the latter.

The Guardian - Opinion

I mostly side with the latter group.

The New York Times

Babbo, blessedly, hangs with the latter crowd.

The New York Times - Food

I'm firmly with the latter lot.

The Guardian - Music

How did you cope with the latter?

Harvard Business Review

This work is concerned with the latter.

Digital Signal Processing

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

The New York Times

Clinton is running much stronger with the latter demographic.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "with the latter", ensure there are only two items previously mentioned to avoid ambiguity. If there are more than two, clarify which of the preceding items you are referring to.

Common error

Avoid using "with the latter" if the connection between the current sentence and the previously mentioned items isn't immediately clear. Always ensure the context makes the reference unambiguous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with the latter" functions as a cohesive device, creating a connection to a previously mentioned item. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage to refer to the second of two items. This phrase helps to avoid repetition and maintain clarity in writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "with the latter" is a commonly used phrase that serves to reference the second of two items previously mentioned. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. As highlighted by examples from sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and Forbes, the phrase is prevalent in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. When using "with the latter", ensure that the context is clear and unambiguous to maintain effective communication. Alternatives such as "regarding the second option" and "concerning the latter point" can provide variations in tone and formality, but always ensure clarity and proper reference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as for the latter

Introduces the second item, creating a distinct separation.

when it comes to the latter

Focuses the discussion specifically on the latter item.

concerning the latter point

More formal and emphasizes a specific point or argument.

on the subject of the latter

Clearly indicates the topic is the second item mentioned.

in respect to the latter

More formal and emphasizes consideration of the second item.

in terms of the latter

Highlights that the discussion is specifically about the latter item.

pertaining to the latter

More formal and indicates relevance to the second item.

regarding the second option

More formal and specific, focusing on a choice between options.

considering the latter aspect

Highlights that the discussion is specifically about the second aspect.

referring to the second

Direct and explicit about referencing the second item.

FAQs

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

Use "with the latter" to refer to the second of two things you've already mentioned. For example: "I considered a car and a bike; "with the latter", parking is never an issue."

What's a good alternative to "with the latter"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "regarding the second option", "concerning the latter point", or "as for the latter".

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

It's incorrect if you haven't already mentioned two distinct items, or if it's unclear which of the previous items you're referring to. Clarity is key when using "with the latter".

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

"With the former" refers to the first of two things, while "with the latter" refers to the second. Make sure you use the correct phrase to avoid confusing your reader.