In short, yes, “the latter of the two” is grammatically correct. Though technically a repetition since “latter” inherently implies “the second of two,” using the phrase for clarity or emphasis in a sentence where the two items being referenced were mentioned some time ago, doesn’t create an error.
Here’s everything you need to know about “the latter,” when “of the two” should be added to a sentence, and common errors with “the latter.”
How I Learned this Rule the Hard Way
One of my mistakes as a college student involved group presentations and “the latter.” I proudly, definitively, said, “When looking at the third of the proposed solutions, the latter presents challenges.”
To my embarrassment, the presenter paused and said, “The latter?
Are we still using just two for that?”
That mistake mortified me and for some reason made me exceptionally proud once it was clear, so from that day on, I have been meticulous.
Meaning of ‘the Latter’
The former of the two things previously discussed. This is the complete contrast for the formerly mentioned person or object as the latter is the second item in the phrase. It can also refer to a thing just stated.
Sam offered me tea or coffee.
I asked for the latter (tea). ‘Latter’ as it refers to the latter of two nouns or adjectives has to have “the.”
“Is ‘The Latter of the Two’ Grammatically Correct?”
This phrase technically does no new informing. ‘The latter’ by definition denotes the latter of two mentioned persons or things-the latter already implies ‘the latter of the two,’ or ‘the latter of whatever,’ which signifies second. Writers include the two for more emphasis and clarity: The second of the two flight deals, namely that on Delta airline, is about a dollar more but a shorter, direct flight than the one on Southwest, and that latter has a greater time commitment.
‘The Latter’ vs ‘The Former’
To clarify these and for all instances of comparing just two things together, remember the definition:
– The Former refers to the first-mentioned.
– The Latter refers to the latter mentioned.
Between the two: I like my current position, but prefer my previous one to it? A. The first-mentioned one. B. The latter is mentioned. A works best here for a more accurate explanation, but technically ‘both of the two’ would also indicate the entire issue discussed, and more accurately.
It all comes down to which you intend to express. Do you favor the first item (using The Former/First) or the latter? This is the standard use.
Using either works well in formal essays or speeches.
Use sparingly to convey clear comparisons.
“The Latter” is Used for Only Two Things
That is one of the absolute rules governing the use of ‘latter’. When describing a third item it has no place.
How often have students thought that it implies third?
Many it would seem, or else they don’t consider and try to use it, as my tutor thought, for three or perhaps for many items of comparison.
So when referring to more than three articles you shouldn’t use the word, ‘latter.’ Instead of the latter mention an ordinal or just the specific name like ‘the three of which are… The third being’ or simply say the name like bananas being the sweetest of the fruit patience vs patients difference.
Is “The Latter” Singular or Plural?
The latter is singular when its antecedent refers to a single entity and plural when its antecedent is plural. However, most sources mention that “the latter” is only ever used for items. Therefore, only the singular aspect makes sense. Most often though, ‘the former’ and ‘the latter’ are written as singular regardless. But ‘the latter’ may indeed be written out as a phrase like.
When I went for the job I met the manager and assistant manager. One interview was conducted by the latter and the other by the former; so by the time that I returned from work I no longer cared as I knew that I would not get it anyway. I do not however ever intend to hear again “What about other members who will be discussing this like the chief secretary who has not mentioned his views but thinks something else entirely”.
Other common usage:
To express agreement or confirmation with any of the pre-described, that something is indeed, so will have be written after and in line with, whatever was before it. “Of the two courses they are taking on it, the former is not particularly interesting. The latter they find much more engaging”. And the latter does not need ‘of the two’.
