Former and Latter

Vocabulary Exercise with Former and Latter

What Does "Former" Mean?

"Former" refers to the first of two things or people previously mentioned. It is used to point back to the first item in a pair.

Examples:

• I like tea and coffee, but I prefer the former. (Here, "former" refers to tea.)

• Sarah and Emma went to the store. The former decided to buy a dress. (Here, "former" refers to Sarah.)

What Does "Latter" Mean?

"Latter" refers to the second of two things or people previously mentioned. It is used to indicate the last item in a pair.

Examples:

• Between cats and dogs, I find the latter more loyal. (Here, "latter" refers to dogs.)

• John and David applied for the job. The latter got the position. (Here, "latter" refers to David.)

How to Remember the Difference

• Former = First: Both "former" and "first" start with "F." Use "former" to refer to the first thing mentioned.

• Latter = Last: Both "latter" and "last" start with "L." Use "latter" to refer to the second (or last) thing mentioned.

Common Usage Scenario

Imagine you mention two things or people in a sentence:

• Example: Between pizza and pasta, I like the latter more.

In this case:

• "Former" refers to pizza (the first item).

• "Latter" refers to pasta (the second item).

Common Errors

1. Using "former" for the second item:

• Incorrect: I like apples and bananas, but I prefer the former (when you mean bananas).

• Correct: I like apples and bananas, but I prefer the latter.

2. Using "latter" for more than two items:

• Incorrect: We discussed apples, bananas, and oranges, but the latter was the best. (Latter only applies when discussing two items.)

• Correct: We discussed apples and bananas, and the latter was the best.

3. Using them for more than two items:

• Incorrect: Out of three options—A, B, and C—I prefer the latter.

• Correct: Use "former" and "latter" only when discussing two things.

Everyday Use

• Former: Use it when you want to refer to the first of two things or people.

• Example: He prefers history and science, but he finds the former more interesting.

• Latter: Use it when you want to refer to the second of two things or people.

• Example: She offered coffee or tea, and I chose the latter.

FAQ

Can "former" and "latter" be used for more than two items?

No, "former" and "latter" are used only when referring to two things. For more than two, you need to specify the item by name.

How can I remember the difference between "former" and "latter"?

Think of "former" as the first (both start with "F") and "latter" as the last (both start with "L").

Can I use "latter" at the beginning of a sentence?

"Latter" usually follows a sentence where two things have been mentioned already. It wouldn’t typically be used at the beginning.

Is "former" always used for people?

No, "former" can be used for people, objects, or concepts. It just refers to the first of two things.

Do "former" and "latter" have any other meanings?

Yes, "former" can also refer to something that happened earlier or a previous role (e.g., "a former president"). "Latter" can refer to the later part of something (e.g., "the latter half of the year").