Latter Works Only With Exactly Two Things
Latter means the second of two. Using it for the last of three or more is a common error.
Latter means the second of two things mentioned. Its partner is *former*, and both require exactly two: with three or more items, you need *first* and *last*. Latter is also the comparative of *late* in its older sense, which survives in *the latter half of the year* and in the phrase *latter-day*.
- The second of two. *The latter option.*
- Later in a period. *The latter half.*
- Former — the first of two. *The former choice.*
- Latter-day — modern. *A latter-day hero.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Adjective | latter | The latter case. |
| Opposite | former | The former case. |
| Related | late | A late arrival. |
| Related | later | Later that day. |
| Related | last | The last item. |
How it is used in a sentence
- Tea or coffee? I prefer the latter.Two options only.
- The latter half of the century.The later part.
- With three options, say the last.Not the latter.
Using former and latter
- Two items only — former for the first, latter for the second
- Three or more — use first, second and last
- Clarity — repeating the noun is often clearer than either
- Latter-day — modern or recent
- Latterly — recently, or towards the end of a period
From Old English *lætra*, the comparative of *læt*, late. *Later* is a newer comparative formed on the same adjective.
Can you use latter with three things?
Not correctly. With three or more, use last. Latter is reserved for the second of exactly two.
Latter or later?
Latter means the second of two. Later means afterwards in time. Both descend from late.