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What does the latter mean exactly?
The former is less expensive than the latter, while the latter is less dangerous. The words former and latter are used to set apart two things. The first of these two things is pointed out to us by former, and the second (or final) is pointed out to us by latter. If you are writing about more than two topics, avoid using the words former or latter.When referring to the second of two items or people that have been mentioned, use latter. Use last if there have been more than two mentions.A used to distinguish the second or second mentioned of two things from the first.Latter is a definition of an adjective. It means the second item on a list of two things, the opposite of the first.
What word(s) pairs well with latter?
Observe the letters they begin with to remember the distinction between former and latter: former denotes the first item on the list, while latter denotes the last item. The adjective latter has two typical applications. You’ll make a reference to a final person, place, or thing.Latter refers to something that happens more recently, most recently, or late than it does at the beginning. Latter and first are opposites.When referring to the second of two items in English grammar, the word latter is frequently used. Sometimes, the word latter is used to describe the final item on a longer list. A latter-day Michelangelo is an example of how it can be used more broadly to describe something that comes after.
Is the word “latter” formal?
In formal or technical writing, first and last are frequently used. Either word is seldom used in everyday speech. As you mentioned, former and latter are taken to refer to two items. It will be less confusing if you avoid using former and latter when you have more than two items. The last item in a list of three or more is just that—the last. The following or preceding last, etc.When something is referred to as latter, it is either last in a group of many or second from last in a group of two.The phrase the latter two refers to the last two or most recent two in a set of items. The phrase and the former two literally means THE earlier two, so if it’s unclear, use another construction.