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 āthings,ā 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. Hereās 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 ātheā (e.g., āthe formerā, āthe latterā).
Itās incorrect to use an indefinite article, such as a or an, since the former and the latter stand in the place of something specific previously mentioned.
Sentences with ‘the former’ and ‘the latter’
| Word | Example Sentences |
|---|---|
| former |
While shellfish and salmon are both technically seafood; Judaism nevertheless forbids the former and not the latter.
The former president is running for election again. We were offered tea and coffee; I chose the former. |
| latter |
He chose the latter option.
The latter point is the most important. Weāll go in the latter half of the year. |
A quick and easy tip for remembering theĀ formerĀ and theĀ latterĀ is to associate theĀ formerĀ withĀ firstĀ (since both start with “f”) and the 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, not more.
Meaning of the word “former”
Originating from the Old English āformaā, meaning āfirst”, former is mainly 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 was 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:
| Word | Example Sentences |
|---|---|
| former |
This fine ruin was, in former times, a royal castle.
This beautiful old building has been restored to its former glory. the 41-year-old former world champion the former president/prime minister former South African president Nelson Mandela both current and former employees |
“former” and “latter,” associate “former” with “first” (both start with F) and “latter” with “last” (both end with R).
Meaning of latter
From Old English lƦtra 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 ināi.e., with the former, to specify the second or last thing mentioned.
- Latter can also refer to a later period of time, such as “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. |
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. |
Similar words
| Word | Synonyms |
|---|---|
| latter | following, subsequent, ensuing, second, later, last, closing, final, last-mentioned |
| former | first, previous, preceding, aforementioned, aforesaid, earlier, past, above, before |
Read about other misused words
Worksheet: Former vs. Latter
Between tea and coffee, I prefer the ______.
Both Paris and Rome are beautiful, but the ______ is my favorite.
Cats and dogs are popular pets; the ______ are known for their loyalty.
Of the two cars, the ______ is more fuel-efficient.
She was offered a job in London and Paris; she chose the ______.
Yash, D. "How to Use Former vs. Latter, Explained, With Examples." Grammarflex, Aug 24, 2025, https://grammarflex.com/former-vs-latter-explained/.
