latter
/ˈlætə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈlætər/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈla-tər/ (ame, mw) · /ˈlæt.ər/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈlæt̬.ɚ/ (ame, ipa)
latter — adjective
- latterpositive
- latterercomparative
- latterestsuperlative
1. situated in the section close to the finish of a time span, event, or ongoing ac
situated in the section close to the finish of a time span, event, or ongoing activity, as opposed to its early or central portion.
The latter stages of the project required everyone to work late.
collocation: latter stages
Dahlia spent the latter part of her career teaching literature at a university in Kyoto.
collocation: latter part of [period]
The latter half of the film focuses on the main character's childhood memories.
In the latter years of his life, Mert devoted himself to community gardening projects.
文法句型
the latter + noun (latter half / latter part / latter stages)
用法筆記
Only used before a noun (attributive position). Cannot be used after a linking verb — compare 'later' (adverb): 'the latter chapters' ✓ but 'the chapters are latter' ✗.
常見錯誤
2. happening or existing at a point closer to the present than an earlier period al
happening or existing at a point closer to the present than an earlier period already mentioned or understood from context.
The artist's latter paintings feature bold colours and abstract shapes.
collocation: latter paintings / latter works
Christopher's latter novels were shorter and drew on personal travel experiences.
Lien joined the company in the latter part of the 1990s, just before the expansion.
During the latter decades of the 20th century, digital technology changed everyday life dramatically.
- later
more common in everyday speech ('later editions'); 'latter' sounds slightly more formal
- more recent
equivalent in meaning but periphrastic; 'latter' is more concise in attributive position
文法句型
the latter + noun (latter years / latter works / latter decades)
用法筆記
Frequently paired with a time reference (decade, century, career) that has already been mentioned or is obvious from context. Distinguish from sense 1 (TOWARDS THE END), which focuses on the endpoint of a process regardless of when it occurred — this sense emphasises recency relative to something older.
常見錯誤
3. pointing to the second option from a pair of people, items, or choices that have
pointing to the second option from a pair of people, items, or choices that have just been named in the same discussion.
Between the red dress and the blue one, Jisoo chose the latter option.
pattern: the latter + noun referring to a choice
The doctor considered both treatments and recommended the latter approach.
David was offered a teaching job and a research position; he took the latter offer.
The committee studied two proposals and voted to support the latter plan.
- second
simpler and more neutral; 'latter' is preferred in formal or contrastive writing
- second-mentioned
explicit about the discourse order, but less common
- former
direct counterpart referring to the first of two items just mentioned
文法句型
the latter + noun (the latter option / the latter approach / the latter choice)
用法筆記
Must appear with 'the' (the latter). Always follows an earlier sentence or clause that names exactly two items. Frequently paired with 'former' in the same sentence: 'the former … the latter …'.
常見錯誤
latter — noun
1. the person, thing, or group that comes second when exactly two have been named o
the person, thing, or group that comes second when exactly two have been named or described in the conversation or text.
Obi was offered coffee or tea and chose the latter without hesitation.
the latter as direct object
The manager presented two strategies: cut costs or hire more staff; the board chose the latter.
Diya compared two apartments near the station; the latter had better light but a higher rent.
Some prefer traditional classes while others like online learning; the latter suits Zola's schedule better.
- the second one
more conversational; 'the latter' is more formal and concise
- the second-named
very explicit about discourse order, but rare in everyday use
- the former
direct counterpart: the first of two items just mentioned
文法句型
the latter (standing alone as subject/object)
用法筆記
Functions as a noun phrase on its own (always with 'the'). The two items it refers to must have been stated explicitly in the preceding context — not merely implied. Frequently contrasted with 'the former' in the same sentence.
常見錯誤
2. the final person or thing among three or more items that have just been listed i
the final person or thing among three or more items that have just been listed in sequence within the same discussion.
Noor visited Paris, Rome, and Berlin — the latter suited her artistic taste best.
the latter referring to the third of three cities
The author wrote novels, essays, poetry, and short stories; the latter became his main focus.
Sari bought apples, oranges, pears, and bananas, and the latter quickly went bad in the heat.
The scholarship supports undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students; the latter receive full tuition.
- the last
preferred in modern usage for three or more items; clearer and less formal
- the last-named
very formal and explicit about discourse order, used in legal or academic writing
- the first
refers to the initial item in any list, regardless of length
- the former
only correctly used for the first of exactly two
文法句型
the latter (standing alone, referring to the final item in a list of three or more)
用法筆記
Some style guides (e.g. Oxford, Fowler's) restrict 'latter' to exactly two items. Using it for three or more is accepted in informal and general written English but may be considered imprecise in strict formal contexts. When clarity matters, prefer 'the last' or 'the last-named' for lists of three or more.