What's the Difference Between 'Former' and 'Latter'?
In this blog post we look at when to use former and when to use latter.
'Former' or 'Latter'?
"Former" and "latter" are two words that are often used to distinguish between two things or people that have been previously mentioned.
While they are similar in that they both refer to something that has been mentioned before, they have different meanings and uses.
"Former" refers to the first of two things or people that have been mentioned.
For example, if you say "I have two siblings, a brother and a sister. My former sibling is the brother," you are using "former" to refer to the brother, who was mentioned first.
On the other hand, "latter" refers to the second of two things or people that have been mentioned.
Continuing the previous example, if you say "My latter sibling is the sister," you are using "latter" to refer to the sister, who was mentioned second.
It's important to note that "former" and "latter" are only used when there are only two items being compared.
If there are more than two items, you cannot use "former" or "latter" to distinguish between them. In that case, you would need to use specific terms or phrases such as "the first," "the second," "the third," etc.
Additionally, "former" can also be used to mean "previous" or "prior."
For example, you might say "My former job was in finance" to refer to a job that you used to have but no longer have. In this case, "former" is being used to mean "previous" or "prior."
Here are a few examples that show the difference between "former" and "latter", with explanations of the difference:
Example 1:
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I have two cars, a sedan and a convertible. My former car is the sedan. (In this example, "former" is used to refer to the first of the two cars mentioned, the sedan.)
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I have two cars, a sedan and a convertible. My latter car is the convertible. (In this example, "latter" is used to refer to the second of the two cars mentioned, the convertible.)
Example 2:
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I have two jobs, one as a teacher and one as a writer. My former job is as a teacher. (In this example, "former" is used to refer to the first of the two jobs mentioned, the job as a teacher.)
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I have two jobs, one as a teacher and one as a writer. My latter job is as a writer. (In this example, "latter" is used to refer to the second of the two jobs mentioned, the job as a writer.)
Example 3:
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I have two children, a son and a daughter. My former child is the son. (In this example, "former" is used to refer to the first of the two children mentioned, the son.)
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I have two children, a son and a daughter. My latter child is the daughter. (In this example, "latter" is used to refer to the second of the two children mentioned, the daughter.)
Examples of Former in a Sentence
Here are ten example sentences using the word "former":
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I have two options for my next phone, an iPhone or an Android. I'm going to go with the former because I'm more familiar with the operating system.
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The store offers two types of socks, cotton and wool. I'm going to go with the latter because they're warmer.
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The candidate has two campaign platforms, one to improve infrastructure and one to protect the environment. I'm going to vote for the latter because I care about the environment.
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I have two choices for breakfast, oatmeal or eggs. I'm going to go with the former because it's healthier.
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The scientist has two hypotheses about the cause of the disease, one involving bacteria and one involving a virus. I'm going to go with the latter because it's more likely.
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The athlete has two options for his next contract, one with a team in the United States and one with a team in Europe. I think he's going to go with the former because he has a family here.
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The company offers two types of warranties, one for one year and one for two years. I'm going to go with the latter because it provides more protection.
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I have two options for my next vacation, a trip to the Caribbean or a trip to Europe. I'm going to go with the former because it's warmer.
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The school has two options for lunch, a hot lunch or a cold lunch. I'm going to go with the latter because it's cheaper.
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The company offers two types of customer service, one by phone and one online. I'm going to go with the latter because it's more convenient.
Examples of Latter in a Sentence
Here are ten example sentences using the word "latter":
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I have two options for my vacation, a beach resort or a mountain cabin. I'm leaning towards the latter.
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The company offers two types of insurance policies, one for individuals and one for businesses. The latter is more expensive.
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The politician has two campaign promises, one to reduce taxes and one to improve education. The latter is more important to me.
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I have two choices for dinner, a salad or a burger. I think I'll go with the latter.
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The scientist has two theories about the origin of the universe, one that involves the Big Bang and one that involves the steady state theory. The latter is less widely accepted.
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The actor has two roles in the film, one as a heroic hero and one as a villainous villain. The latter is more challenging and more interesting.
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The company offers two types of customer service, one by phone and one online. The latter is more convenient.
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I have two options for my next car, a sedan or a sports car. I'm leaning towards the latter.
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The restaurant has two menus, one for lunch and one for dinner. The latter is more expensive.
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The politician has two campaign slogans, one that focuses on hope and one that focuses on fear. The latter is more controversial.
