Are the two terms only meant for academic writing, or can it be appropriate in less formal writing too?
Read on to learn how to use former vs. latter in writing, and be a better writer…
The online dictionary defines the adjective former as, “having previously filled a particular role or been a particular thing.”
In each phrase, see how the word former refers to a previous or past version of oneself, place or position of employment, (in this case, the president).
Another understanding of the word former refers to the first person or first item of two that are mentioned in a sentence or clause.
See the sentences below that use former and latter as examples.
Keep in mind: latter and former are mostly used in technical writing, or in academic writing.
These English words asks the reader to reflect on both items listed; which could require the reader to pause and look back on what was referenced.
If these terms are overused in writing, it’s easy for readers to get confused since they may forget, and have to go back to check again on what was said.
In formal writing, the terms former and latter are useful and can help reduce repetition and enhance the clarity of writing. In casual conversation, or more informal writing these terms are less frequently used since they are easily confused, and can disrupt the flow of reading for the reader.
In other words, do not overuse former and latter, and make sure to use them suitably, when writing a sequence!
An easy trick to remember former vs latter is to think of the first part ‘former‘ as first (F is for first), whereas the latter part comes later (L is for later).
First and later: former refers to the first, and the latter refers to the later (or second item of what was written in the sentence).
Don’t use former and latter when more than two items are mentioned. Example:
Incorrect: “Sarah loves the spring, fall and summer seasons; but the former is her favorite.”
Correct: “Sarah loves the spring, fall and summer seasons; but the first is her favorite.”
If the items mentioned in a sentence are more than two or exceed two: do not former and latter because these phrases are only applicable when two items or things are referenced. If more than two people or concepts are referred to, this will confuse the reader.
The word latter is defined as referring to the second or later item mentioned in a sentence.
In sentences that refer to two words, items or groups, the latter is the second one listed.
Mormonism, also known as The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, uses latter to refer to the later part of Christianity, i.e., the morphology to latter Christianity, or current Christianity (according to Mormons,) i.e., Mormonism.
The word latter derives from the Old English lætra, meaning “slower.”
The word latter is a derivative of the adjective, late; which derives from the Old English læt, meaning “occurring after the customary or expected time.” (comparative form of “late”)
This understanding of late evolved from the Proto-Germanic lata, meaning”sluggish or lazy.”
Former originates from the Old English forma, meaning “first”.
Forma evolved from the Proto-Germanic, fruma, meaning forward, or “in front of, before, first.”
The following are antonyms for former, and mean the opposite of the word former:
The words former and latter are used in English to distinguish between two things, concepts or two groups mentioned in a sentence.
The former refers to the first of the two items, whereas the latter refers to the latter item, or second thing listed. An easy way to remember this rule of writing: former is first; latter is later.
Do not use former and latter when referencing more than two items or groups. In these cases, it’s better form to stick with first, second, third, and so forth (or fourth…)
Keep at it while you’re ahead!
When do you write breath vs. breathe? What about the difference between a city and a town, or village? Curious to learn the correct plural form of moose? What about when to use a comma before ‘but‘?
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About the author
Dalia Y.: Dalia is an English Major and linguistics expert with an additional degree in Psychology. Dalia has featured articles on Forbes, Inc, Fast Company, Grammarly, and many more. She covers English, ESL, and all things grammar on GrammarBrain.
