Later means afterwards: later today, two days later. The latter means the second of two things just mentioned: a lecture or a workshop? The latter, meaning the workshop. The latter part means the final part: the latter part of the year. Its partner is the former, the first of two. They sound different: later has the vowel of late, latter the vowel of cat.
later or latter — can you pick the right one?
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later today; at a later date; the latter of two; the latter part of something
- I will send the revised timetable later today.
- We considered a lecture and a workshop; the latter would allow more interaction.
- The latter part of the report focuses on practical recommendations.
What changed
First versionI will explain the new process latter this afternoon.
RevisionI will explain the new process later this afternoon.
A double t looks like a small detail. But this sentence is about time, explain afterwards, and that's later with one t. Latter points to the second of two options and almost always comes with the.
The former is the first of two, the latter the second: Tea or coffee? The former, please means tea. With more than two options, it's clearer to name the one you mean. Later chapters are the ones that come next; the latter half is the second half.
Your turn
We can travel by coach or train. I prefer the ___, meaning the train.
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latter — The train is the second of the two options, so it's the latter. Later is about time, not about choosing.
Compare two options for a trip or a purchase and choose the second one. Use the latter.
We could print a brochure or create a short video; the latter would show the workshop more clearly.
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