Former and latter are words that show the order of two or more objects in a sequence. Former refers to the first thing mentioned in two or more objects, while latter refers to either second in a group of two objects or last in a group of several.
Moreover, it’s easy to remember the difference between the two: former means the first thing mentioned and latter means the last thing mentioned. Another tip is “F” for first and “L” for last.
Even though former and latter are often used in formal or academic writing, we can occasionally hear them in spoken English, especially in more formal settings like speech or during a business meeting.
Using Former and Latter for Three Objects
While some usage guides argue that former and latter can only be used for two objects, the words’ precise usages state otherwise. Despite more than three objects mentioned in a sentence, the ‘latter’ would still refer to the last, irrespective of how many objects were mentioned.
For example, in the sentence, “HP, Lenovo, and ASUS are the best computer brands. The latter is my favorite,” the latter here refers to “ASUS,” which is the last object mentioned.
When to Use Former
Former refers to the first thing or person mentioned in two or more objects in a sequence. It has three uses, and each use refers to something previous:
Referring to the First Object in a Sequence
The orange leaves in autumn and the smell of flowers in spring are two of my favorite things. However, I like the former better.
Of all the places suggested for the trip, the former seems appealing to me the most.
While there are four options we can do for the next task, the former option would be much more sensible.
Referring to Something in the Past
It’s a relief that this old town is returning to its former glory.
Because of financial issues, their restaurant has been reduced to half its former size.
We decided to move our facility into a former factory.
Showing a Previous Position or Condition
I gasped for air and found it hard to breathe properly when I saw my former abusive wife in town.
Niane was a former athlete who had many fans in their school.
Both current and former employees of Nieralel Resort are given the same benefits.
When to Use Latter
Latter refers to the last thing or person mentioned in two or more objects in a sequence. It has two uses:
Referring to the Second or Last Object in a Sequence
Of all the items on the menu, I’d go for the latter.
Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries are all healthy, but the latter is my least favorite.
Between the black and white dresses, the latter dress has the most fashionable design for my taste.
Acting as a Synonym for “Later”
During the latter minutes of my last class, I get sleepy and daydream.
The latter parts of the course are more complex and require more term papers.
For Sophie, the latter half of the year was fast.
Conclusion: Former vs. Latter: What’s the Difference?
Former and latter are two words used to refer to two previously mentioned objects. Former refers to the first object mentioned, while latter is the second or last object mentioned.
Cambridge Dictionary. (n.d.). Former. In dictionary.cambridge.org dictionary. Retrieved March 10, 2022, from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/former
Cambridge Dictionary. (n.d.). Latter. In dictionary.cambridge.org dictionary. Retrieved March 10, 2022, from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/latter
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Online. (n.d.). Former. Inhttps://www.ldoceonline.com/ dictionary. Retrieved March 10, 2022, from https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/former
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Online. (n.d.). Latter. In https://www.ldoceonline.com/ dictionary. Retrieved March 10, 2022, from https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/latter
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Former and Latter Usage. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved March 10, 2022, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/former-and-latter-usage
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Former. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved March 10, 2022, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/former
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Latter. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved March 10, 2022, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/latter
Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries. (n.d.). Former. In https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/ dictionary. Retrieved March 10, 2022, from https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/former_1?q=former
Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries. (n.d.). Latter. In https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/ dictionary. Retrieved March 10, 2022, from https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/former_1?q=latter
