Common mistake the later (latter)
Understanding the Difference: "Later" vs. "Latter"
English can be a tricky language, especially when it comes to similar-sounding words. One common mistake that many people make is confusing the words "later" and "latter." While they may sound similar, these words have very different meanings and uses.
Later
The word "later" refers to a time that is in the future, after the present moment. It is often used to indicate that something will happen or be done at a later time or date. For example:
- "I will do my homework later."
- "Let's meet up later for coffee."
Latter
In contrast, the word "latter" is used to refer to the second of two things that have been mentioned. It is often used to compare or contrast two items or ideas. For example:
- "I can't decide between cake and ice cream. I think I'll have the latter."
- "Sarah is considering two job offers. She's leaning towards the latter option."
It is important to use these words correctly to avoid confusion and ensure clear communication. Mixing up "later" and "latter" can lead to misunderstandings and even change the intended meaning of a sentence.
Linguix grammar checker is a helpful tool that can assist you in identifying and correcting mistakes like these, ensuring that your writing is clear, precise, and grammatically correct.
the later (latter) mistake examples
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Incorrect:The former test was easy, but the later was difficult.Correct:The former test was easy, but the latter was difficult.
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Incorrect:The former is only used in relation to dates and temporal events, while the later is used to reference part of the sentence structure.Correct:The former is only used in relation to dates and temporal events, while the latter is used to reference part of the sentence structure.
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Incorrect:... and the later causes problems occasionally.Correct:... and the latter causes problems occasionally.
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Incorrect:... and the later very often causes problems.Correct:... and the latter very often causes problems.
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Incorrect:... because of the later actually causing more problems than we expected.Correct:... because of the latter actually causing more problems than we expected.
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Incorrect:I mention the later in passing, because it is not so important.Correct:I mention the latter in passing, because it is not so important.
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Incorrect:I mention the later because of what we both saw under a tree some distance from us.Correct:I mention the latter because of what we both saw under a tree some distance from us.
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Incorrect:Of course, the 1979 constitution subordinated the later to the former.Correct:Of course, the 1979 constitution subordinated the latter to the former.
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Incorrect:The President appoints the Prime Minister and, on the later's advice, the rest of the government.Correct:The President appoints the Prime Minister and, on the latter's advice, the rest of the government.
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Incorrect:The later is a bad idea.Correct:The latter is a bad idea.
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Incorrect:IE the later is simply a US branch.Correct:IE the latter is simply a US branch.
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Incorrect:The former has more uses than the later and is sometimes easier to digest.Correct:The former has more uses than the latter and is sometimes easier to digest.
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Incorrect:Among the later were the AGM-83 Bulldog, AGM-79 Blue Eye and AGM-80 Viper.Correct:Among the latter were the AGM-83 Bulldog, AGM-79 Blue Eye and AGM-80 Viper.
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Incorrect:I believe it should be the later based on your `.vm` fileCorrect:I believe it should be the latter based on your `.vm` file
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Incorrect:Details on the later of the agenda items above will be forthcoming.Correct:Details on the latter of the agenda items above will be forthcoming.
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Incorrect:Making the consent effective the later or signing or financing.Correct:Making the consent effective the latter or signing or financing.
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Incorrect:The later, probably a hundred years later than Ovid, is here the superior of the two.Correct:The latter, probably a hundred years latter than Ovid, is here the superior of the two.
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Correct:The former test was easy, but the latter was difficult.
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Correct:There were 2 trains to Sheffield; although I could have caught the 10:00 train, I got the later train.
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Correct:Francoist troops reached the Andorran border in the later stages of the war.
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Correct:Separation of the rare-earth elements is a step in the later processing.
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Correct:The later games in the series feature several males with effeminate characteristics.
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Correct:The later phases saw the Penal Laws punish Roman Catholic and nonconforming Protestants.
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Correct:With that team you usually should have no problem at the later levels.
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Correct:The Land Ordinance of 1785 established both the general practices of land surveying in the west and northwest and the land ownership provisions used throughout the later westward expansion beyond the Mississippi River.
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Correct:Its capability grew to 103,600 pounds (47,000 kg) for the later advanced lunar landings.
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Correct:During the later and weaker years of the Carolingian Empire...
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Correct:Early steel AK-47 magazines are 9.75 in (248 mm) long, and the later ribbed steel AKM and newer plastic 7.62×39mm magazines are about 1 in (25 mm) shorter.
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Correct:The Russians could advance into either Germany or Austria—they chose the later option.
