Later vs. Latter: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 9, 2023
"Later" refers to a subsequent time; "Latter" denotes the second of two mentioned things.
Key Differences
"Later" is an adjective or adverb that points to a time that follows the current moment. "Latter" is an adjective indicating the second of two items or options previously mentioned.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
When someone says they will see you "later," they mean they will see you at a future time. When someone refers to the "latter" option, they are speaking about the second of two choices they've mentioned.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
"Later" is commonly used in everyday conversations to signify something happening after the present time. "Latter," although also used frequently, often appears in contexts where a speaker or writer has listed two items and wants to reference the second.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
If you're deciding between two movies to watch and choose the second one, you're picking the "latter" option. If you decide to watch that movie at a time subsequent to now, you're watching it "later."
Harlon Moss
Nov 09, 2023
Essentially, while "later" is all about timing, "latter" is about distinguishing between two mentioned subjects.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Pertaining to a subsequent time
Referring to the second of two things mentioned
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Later and Latter Definitions
Later
Later points to a subsequent event.
The sequel came out five years later.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Latter
Latter points to the end segment.
The project's success became apparent in the latter stages.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Latter
Latter can denote the more recent of two periods.
She was more active in the latter half of her life.
Harlon Moss
Oct 20, 2023
Later
Later signifies after the current moment.
She will arrive later than expected.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Latter
Latter distinguishes the second of two.
Between coffee and tea, I prefer the latter.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
Later
Later refers to the following part.
Find out what happens later in the story.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
Latter
Latter differentiates between two subjects.
Among apples and oranges, the latter is citrus.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Latter
Latter identifies the last mentioned.
In a comparison between cats and dogs, the latter are often seen as more loyal.
Harlon Moss
Oct 20, 2023
Later
Subsequently; afterward. Often used with on
She arrived on the ferry, and he came later. He later felt that he was wrong. Later on, we watched a movie.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Latter
Being the second of two persons or things mentioned
Regarding captain and major, the latter rank is higher.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Later
Afterward in time (used with than when comparing with another time).
My roommate arrived first. I arrived later.
I arrived later than my roommate.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Latter
Further advanced in time or sequence; later
A style that has been revived in latter times.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Later
At some unspecified time in the future.
I wanted to do it now, but I’ll have to do it later.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Later
Coming afterward in time (used with than when comparing with another time).
The Victorian era is a later period of English history than the Elizabethan era.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Later
Coming afterward in distance (following an antecedent distance as embedded within an adverbial phrase)
I felt some leg pain during the first mile of my run and I strained my calf two miles later .
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Latter
Later; more recent; coming or happening after something else; - opposed to former; as, the former and latter rain.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Latter
Of two things, the one mentioned second.
The difference between reason and revelation, and in what sense the latter is superior.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Later
Coming at a subsequent time or stage;
The future president entered college at the age of 16
Awaiting future actions on the bill
Later developments
Without ulterior argument
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Latter
Recent; modern.
Hath not navigation discovered in these latter ages, whole nations at the bay of Soldania?
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Later
At or toward an end or late period or stage of development;
The late phase of feudalism
A later symptom of the disease
Later medical science could have saved the child
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Later
Happening at a time subsequent to a reference time;
He apologized subsequently
He's going to the store but he'll be back here later
It didn't happen until afterward
Two hours after that
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Latter
The second of two or the second mentioned of two;
Tom and Dick were both heroes but only the latter is remembered today
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Later
At some eventual time in the future;
By and by he'll understand
I'll see you later
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Latter
Referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several);
In the latter case
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
FAQs
Is "later" related to future events?
Yes, "later" refers to a subsequent time or event.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
What does "latter" specify in a list?
"Latter" specifies the second of two items mentioned.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Can "later" be used to describe past events?
Typically no, "later" usually denotes a time after the current moment.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Is "latter" used for a list of more than two items?
No, "latter" specifically refers to the second of two items.
Harlon Moss
Nov 09, 2023
Can "latter" refer to the end part of something?
Yes, like "the latter part of the year."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Does "latter" only refer to previously mentioned items?
Yes, "latter" denotes the second of two things previously discussed.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Can "latter" be a synonym for "last"?
Only when differentiating between two items; "latter" is the second of two.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 09, 2023
Is "later" an adjective or adverb?
"Later" can function as both, depending on its use in a sentence.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
If someone says "See you later!", when are they implying?
They're implying a future meeting or interaction.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
How do I differentiate "later" and "latter" in usage?
Use "later" for time-related contexts and "latter" for distinguishing between two mentioned items.
Sara Rehman
Nov 09, 2023
In a choice between "apple" and "banana," which is the "latter"?
"Banana" is the "latter" choice.
Sara Rehman
Nov 09, 2023
How do I use "latter" to refer to two authors?
E.g., "Between Smith and Johnson, the latter wrote more books."
Harlon Moss
Nov 09, 2023
Does "later" always mean a long time after?
No, "later" can be used for short future intervals, like "later today."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Can "later" be synonymous with "afterwards"?
Yes, both can denote a time after a specific event.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 09, 2023
Is "latter" ever used in the context of time?
Yes, in cases like "the latter half of the year."
Harlon Moss
Nov 09, 2023
Can "later" be used in comparative forms?
Yes, like "He arrived later than she did."
Aimie Carlson
Nov 09, 2023
Is "latter" commonly used in English?
While "latter" is used in English, its usage is more specific than "later."
Harlon Moss
Nov 09, 2023
Can "latter" refer to the end stages of a project?
Yes, like "in the latter stages of development."
Janet White
Nov 09, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
