The former and the latter
Former vs. latter (when used as a pair) are terms that specify something previously mentioned in a list of two (or sometimes more) things. By “things”, I mean whichever object, person, option etc., is presented by the person speaking or writing.
We use the former when we refer to the first of two things mentioned, and the latter to refer to the second or last thing mentioned. Here’s a sentence that illustrates the correct usage of the former and the latter:
I have a grey horse and a black horse; take the former, and send the latter to my brother.
Together, former and latter create a noun phrase, and invariably follow the definite article “the”; (e.g., “the former“, “the latter“).
It’s incorrect to use an indefinite article, such as a or an, since the former and the latter stand in the place of something specific that’s been previously mentioned.
To learn more about definite and indefinite articles, you can read our guide on articles in grammar.
Sentences with the former and the latter
While shellfish and salmon are both technically seafood; Judaism nevertheless forbids the former and not the latter.
Both natural ability and a strong work ethic are required for success. Between the two, I’d pick the latter over the former.
The Sopranos and Game of Thrones are both outstanding shows, but I prefer the former to the latter.
A quick and easy tip to remember the former and the latter is to associate the former with first (since both start with “f”), and latter with “later” or second.
Note: there are varying opinions on whether to use the former and the latter when mentioning more than two things. Some sources strongly recommend that we only use them in lists of two, whereas other style guides say it’s acceptable to use the former and the latter in lists of three or more.
To avoid any confusion, and because there are opposing views, our recommendation is to reserve the use of the phrase when you mention two things, and not more.
Meaning of the word “former”
Originating from the Old English “forma”, meaning “first”, former is mostly used as an adjective, and means “first or earliest in time or order”. Former appears in different albeit related contexts:
- To specify the “first in order of two or more things cited or understood”; e.g., “of the two spellings, the former is more common“.
- Former also appears as an adjective to describe something someone had been previously, such as filled a particular role (e.g., “the former president“, “her former high-school crush“), or had been a particular thing (e.g., “my former self”, “my former school”).
Sentences with former
As in something that existed at an earlier or past time:
This fine ruin was, in former times, a royal castle.
This beautiful old building has been restored to its former glory.
In her former life as a Russian ballerina
As in having filled a particular position or role:
the 41-year-old former world champion
the former president/prime minister
former South African president Nelson Mandela
both current and former employees
Meaning of latter
From Old English lætra meaning “slower,” the use of latter to mean “what’s been mentioned second of two or last” is first seen in the 1550s. These days, this is the sense in which the adjective mostly appears in—i.e., with the former, to specify the second or last thing mentioned.
- Latter can also refer to a later period or time; e.g., “in his latter and more contemplative years“.
Sentences with latter
Meaning the second of two things or people mentioned:
He chose the latter option.
The latter point is the most important.
We’ll go in the latter half of the year.
Meaning closer to the end of a period of time, as opposed to its beginning:
the latter half of the year…
during the latter stages of the tournament…
The latter half of the twentieth century saw huge growth in air travel.
Synonyms of latter
- Following
- Subsequent
- Ensuing
- Second
- Later
- Last
- Closing
- Final
- Last-mentioned
Synonyms of former
- First
- Previous
- Preceding
- Aforementioned
- Aforesaid
- Earlier
- Past
- Above
- Before
