“The Latter Two”: How To Correctly Refer To The Last 2 Items

We will often see the terms “former” and “latter” used when distinguishing the difference between a pair of people, animals, things, etc. However, the use of these terms is often considered confusing, especially when we are speaking or writing in terms of a grouping of three or more.

Is It Correct To Refer To The Last Two Items In A List As “The Latter Two”?

It is not correct to refer to the last two items in a list as “the latter two”. The terms “former” and “latter” are not meant to be used to distinguish the difference between a list of things – they’re only to be used when discussing the difference between a pair.

We use “former” to direct us to the first of two things, whereas “latter” is used to direct us to the second of two things. A very easy way for folks to remember how to accurately use these two terms is to remember the “F” in “former” will discuss the first thing, while the “L” in “latter” will discuss the last.

What Does “The Latter” Mean?

“The latter” is a term used in English to describe the second or last choice, option, etc., within a presented pair. We can also use this term to discuss something situated occurring nearer to the end of something, rather than the beginning.

As we can see when looking at Cambridge Dictionary, “the latter” is defined as the second or last of two people, things, or groups that have been previously mentioned. Therefore, “the latter” will always be the second option, the second presented fact, etc., within a sentence or statement.

Examples Of How Correctly Use “The Latter” In A Sentence?

We will now look over some examples of how to correctly use “the latter” in a sentence:

• Faced with two decisions, I chose the latter option.
• Between a penguin and a bat, the latter is capable of flight.
• She preferred the latter plan far more than the former.
• For the latter part of his life, he resided in Tofino.
• Of those two choices, I greatly prefer the latter.
• He called his brother and his uncle, with the latter being sick.
• The latter point is far more crucial to remember.
• I would unhesitatingly choose the latter option of the two.
• The celebration is planned for the latter part of July.
• He presented two solutions, of which the latter seemed more efficient.

Does “The Last Two” And “The Latter Two” Mean The Same?

“The last two” and “the latter two” do not have the same meaning, as “the latter two”, is a highly incorrect phrase to use. When we are referring to the last two items on a list or in a group, we will use the phrase “the last two”.

As previously mentioned, the correct phrase to use when referring to the last of two items or the second in a pairing is “the latter”. We would never use the phrase “the latter two”, as this is not the intentional or proper use for the term “latter”.

We will now look over a few examples that showcase the correct and incorrect use of these phrases:

• Correct: The last two items on the ice cream list sound quite favorable.
• Incorrect: The latter two items on the ice cream list sound quite favorable.

• Correct: Of all the options presented, the last two appeal the most to me.
• Incorrect: Of all the options presented, the latter two appeal the most to me.

• Correct: Of all the animals listed, only the last two are able to swim underwater.
• Incorrect: Of all the animals listed, only the latter two are able to swim underwater.

• Correct: The dinner options all sound amazing, but the last two piqued my interest.
• Incorrect: The dinner options all sound amazing, but the latter two piqued my interest.

• Correct: We had many options to choose from, but the last two were the best.
• Incorrect: We had many options to choose from, but the latter two were the best.

As we can see from the data presented by Google Ngram Viewer, “the last two” is used far more commonly than that of “the latter two”. This is because “the latter two” is incorrect, and the minuscule amount of usage that we see is highly inaccurate.

We can also note that the usage of “the last two” has fallen over the last few decades. This is because many folks utilize other terms like “the final two”.

Is It “The Latter Two” Or “The Latter Of The Two”?

As we should never use the phrase “the latter two” because it is incorrect, we should use “the latter of the two” instead. As “latter” describes the second or last of two options, saying “the latter of the two” is considered to be correct.

We will now look over some examples that highlight the correct way to use this phrase:

• Correct: I would prefer the latter of the two options.
• Incorrect: I would prefer the latter two options.

• Correct: The latter of the two choices appealed to me.
• Incorrect: The latter two choices appealed to me.

• Correct: If I’m being honest, I preferred the latter of the two flavors.
• Incorrect: If I’m being honest, I preferred the latter two flavors.

• Correct: I would have to go with the latter of the two.
• Incorrect: I would have to go with the latter two.

• Correct: My favorite donut flavor was the latter of the two.
• Incorrect: My favorite donut flavor was the latter two.

As we can see when we are looking at the Google Ngram Viewer findings, “the latter of the two” is far more uncommonly used, despite the fact that it is the correct and acceptable phrase. “The latter two” may be more frequently used, however, it is still an incorrect phrase.

“The latter of the two” is an acceptable phrase, but it will often be replaced by merely saying “the latter”, as “the latter” is shorter and has the same meaning. This makes the “of the two” portion of this phrase rather redundant – making it unnecessary to add on.

Is It Ever Correct To Use “The Latters”?

It is never correct to use “the latters”, as “latters” is not a correct word in the English language. “The latter” describes the last or second of two choices – making “the latters” entirely nonsensical. Therefore, we should never use this unnatural and incorrect phrase.

You may also like: 10 Better Ways To Say “Latter” For More Than Two Items