latter vs last

Both 'latter' and 'last' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Latter' refers to the second of two things mentioned, while 'last' refers to the final one in a series or sequence.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 1291 views

The term 'latter' is correct and commonly used in English to refer to the second of two things mentioned.

"latter"

Use 'latter' when you are referring to the second of two things mentioned in a sentence or context.

Examples:

He can choose between a bike and a car; he chose the latter.
There are two options: the red shirt and the blue one; I prefer the latter.

Show examples from the web [+]

The latter later withdrew its application.
The latter could undermine social cohesion.
The latter figure is very low.
The latter market failure is addressed specifically by the creation of a capacity mechanism.
It is therefore proposed to take over this latter procedure in the general directive.
I think the correct answer is the latter.
This latter scheme was notified to the Commission on 18 January 2002.
The latter issue is addressed in section 24 C..3.3.(2).
That latter element highlights an important difference as regards systemic effects between deposits and cooperative shareholdings.
The latter audit uncovered several areas where collaboration between the responsible national authorities needs to be improved.
The latter is purely about the financial allocation of costs between the different operators.
The latter type of travel arrangements does not require the level of protection designed for consumers.
The latter aspect may assist supplier compliance with third party standards and retailer-defined criteria.
The latter proceedings are currently pending.
This latter fishery is conducted by industrial purse seiners and is difficult to justify.
The latter may be settled via inter-institutional agreement.
Most Swedes, especially parents, are in favour of the latter approach.
He or she replaces the Director during the latter's absence.
The latter also applies to cancelled and delayed flights.
Choosing the latter option would have devastating consequences.

Alternatives:

second
second mentioned
second one
second option
second choice

The term 'last' is correct and commonly used in English to refer to the final one in a series or sequence.

"last"

Use 'last' when you are referring to the final one in a series or sequence of items.

Examples:

I have read three books this month, and the last one was my favorite.
She was the last person to arrive at the party.

Show examples from the web [+]

Financial market integration is the last of the reallocation policies.
We discovered it on his last physical.
The last working group focused on the new institutional set-up.
Mothers with kids get the last bed.
My husband killed himself last Christmas.
First thing I learned last semester.
This was likely the last episode of Defying Gravity...
This is our last couples vacation together.
That means Lucy probably died last.
You never finished your last semester at Berkeley.
The last thing Miami needs is another serial killer.
Jesse hasn't stopped working his last assignment.
From a triple murder he committed last November.
The last commission we earned from you was in WWII.
I think people have forgotten my last embarrassment.
I thought our last date was pretty fun.
My last victim was Detective Alexander Black.
Dying organisms struggle for their last breath.
The last Derek I trusted tried to kill me.
His last invention was an Evil Lasagna.

Alternatives:

final
final one
final option
final choice
end

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latter vs last

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