Former vs. Latter: How to Use Former and Latter Correctly
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Sep 23, 2021 • 2 min read
Learn how to use the terms former and latter in your writing to refer to items in a list with an easy trick for remembering the difference between them.
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Former vs. Latter: What’s the Difference?
The English words former and latter are often used in both informal and academic writing to refer to something mentioned earlier. An easy way to remember the difference is that former starts with the letter F, as in first, and latter starts with the letter L, as in last.
- Former: The word former refers to the first item in a list of two or more items. The word former comes from the Middle English word forme, meaning first.
- Latter: The word latter refers to the last item in a list of two or more items. The word latter comes from the Old English word lætra, meaning late.
3 Example Sentences Using Former
Use the word former to refer to the first item in a list, in situations where the word could be replaced with the phrase “the first one.” Former can also be used more generally to indicate something that came before something else, as in “former President” or “shadow of her former self.”
- 1. Joe debated whether to order pizza or a sandwich, eventually settling on the former to satisfy his pepperoni craving.
- 2. Although the zoo’s lions and penguins were both impressive, Sarah preferred the beautiful manes of the former.
- 3. When faced with the choice of sitting near the end of the table or closer to the front, Joe chose the former, to be polite.
3 Example Sentences Using Latter
In English grammar, the word latter is typically used to refer to the second of two items. In some cases, latter is used to refer to the last item in a longer list. It can also be used more generally to refer to something that comes after, such as a “latter-day Michelangelo.”
- 1. The dealership offered the car in both red and blue. She chose the latter because it reminded her of the sky.
- 2. Henry wanted to make either brownies or ice cream. He chose the latter when he remembered that the oven was broken.
- 3. The store sold both T-shirts and socks. Mary bought the latter so she could keep her feet warm.
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