What is difference between former and latter
by Yogi P - October 27, 2023
Difference Between Former and Latter | Former vs Latter
Confusion often arises when it comes to differentiating between the two words “former” and “latter”. The former refers to the first of two things mentioned, while “latter” refers to the second. They both act as adjectives and are used to differentiate two persons or objects from a group of other persons or objects.
Former
Former, which comes from the Latin forma, literally means “former, preceding”. As an adjective, it is used to refer to somebody or something that has previously been mentioned or accounted for. For example, between two countries, you may refer to the one as the “former” while the other is the “latter”.
It can also be used as a conjunction or adverb, in which case it is used to introduce a clause in a sentence, thus connecting two parts of a sentence. For instance, “he was there earlier, and former he went home”.
Latter
Latter, which comes from the Old French, literally means “last, hindmost”. As an adjective, it is used to describe the second of two people or objects already mentioned. For example, “She was wearing a pink dress over a white blouse, the former had a floral pattern while the latter had a polka dot pattern”.
It can also be used as a conjunction or adverb, just like “former”. An example of this would be: “it was a cloudy day and, latter, it rained”.
Table Summarising the Difference Between Former and Latter
| Word | Former | Latter |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Refers to the first of two people or objects. | Refers to the second of two people or objects. |
| Usage | As an adjective, adverb, and conjunction. | As an adjective, adverb, and conjunction. |
| Examples | He was there earlier, and former he went home. | It was a cloudy day and, latter, it rained. |
Examples of Difference between Former and Latter
Let’s look at examples to further clarify the difference between former and latter:
- She wore two scarves, the former was blue and the latter was red.
- I bought two tickets, the former to the zoo and the latter to the movie theater.
- It was a warm day and, former, I took a walk around the block.
Summarized table highlighting Former vs Latter
| Aspect | Former | Latter |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | “Former” refers to the first of two items or individuals mentioned. | “Latter” refers to the second of two items or individuals mentioned. |
| Sequence | – “Former” represents the earlier or first mentioned item or individual. – It precedes the “latter” in a sequence. | – “Latter” represents the later or second mentioned item or individual. – It follows the “former” in a sequence. |
| Examples | – In the morning, I have a meeting and in the afternoon, I have a dental appointment. The former is business-related, and the latter is personal. | – The company considered two candidates for the job. The former had more experience, while the latter had a fresh perspective. |
| Usage | – “Former” is used when you want to distinguish between two items or individuals mentioned. – It is used to provide clarity in a sequence. | – “Latter” is used to refer to the second item or individual in a pair or sequence. – It provides a clear reference to the later of the two. |
| Synonyms | – “Prior,” “earlier,” “first,” “preceding” are synonyms of “former.” | – “Later,” “second,” “last,” “subsequent” are synonyms of “latter.” |
Activity to Enhance Understanding
To further explore the parameters of using former and latter in context, readers can analyze their favorite novels or short stories to observe the use of these words. How have the authors employed these words to create meaningful connections? Practicing this activity will give readers a better understanding of the difference and usage of both words.
Conclusion
In conclusion, former and latter are two commonly confused words in English. Former is used to refer to the first of two people or objects, while latter is used to refer to the second of two individuals or objects. It is important to use these words accurately to prevent confusion and ensure clarity in communication.
