When to Use ‘Former’ and ‘Latter’, With Examples

By WR!TERS@WORK

Many students dread the typical way they think about learning English – that the English language is simply a collection of mathematical grammar rules. However, learning how to use grammar rules and sentence structures are an invaluable part of learning the English language. WRITERS AT WORK is an education centre offering some of the best English tuition courses for primary and secondary school students in Singapore, and today we are going to learn how to use “former” and “latter”.

What Do “Former” and “Latter” Mean?

The words “former” and “latter” are used to differentiate between two things mentioned in a sentence. The word “former” refers to the first of the two things mentioned, while the word “latter” refers to the second of those two things in a sentence. To avoid confusion, you should not use “former” and “latter” in a sentence when you are writing about more than two things.

When Should You use “Former” and “Latter”

“Former” and “latter” are used to refer to one of two people, places, or things which are mentioned in a sentence. Both are noun phrases which are used to stand in for a previously mentioned noun – the word “the” should be used before “former” and “latter”. You should use “former” when you are referring to the first of the two things, and “latter” when you are referring to the second of the two things. If there are more than two things mentioned, simply use the words “first”, “second”, and “third” instead of “former” and “latter”.

Examples of “Former” in a Sentence

When given a choice between reading my first draft or my second draft, I chose the former.

The former teacher was stricter than our current teacher.

I like both reading and playing tennis; the former is my preferred activity.

Examples of “Latter” in a Sentence

If I had to choose between going to the park and going to the mall, I’d go with the latter.

I like the stories in the latter half of the book.

We could do this the easy way or the hard way. I don’t think you want the latter.

Can We Use “Former” and “Latter” as Adjectives?

Yes, you can! As an adjective, “former” can mean “previous” or refer to a past state. You could hear someone refer to their ex-coworkers as their “former coworkers” or talk about restoring their favourite sports team to their “former glory”. The word “latter” can refer to a later period of time, like how Christmas is in the “latter part of the calendar year”.

Master the English Language with WRITERS AT WORK!

English is a compulsory subject which all students must undertake. However, mastering the English language is not something which happens overnight – it takes consistent practice and effort to learn the nuances of the language. Students must read more and practice writing to gradually improve. Cramming for a language subject nearer to the exams is an impossible feat. After all, Rome was not built in a day! Attaining such a skill will have positive implications for not only your child’s education in school, but also employment prospects in future.

At WRITERS@WORK, we are committed to providing the smoothest learning experience for your child sitting for their English exams. With our carefully curated methods of teaching your child how to write well, your child will learn how to present their thoughts and arguments in a coherent and concise manner. W@W reinforces your child’s language skills and provides a strong foundation for their academic success, keeping up with all aspects of their progress both inside and outside of the classroom to nurture them holistically. For more information about how W@W makes a difference, feel free to explore our website and watch our YouTube videos!

If you are interested in our primary English tuition and secondary English tuition in Singapore, WRITERS@WORK has expanded to 9 convenient locations. To find the nearest location that suits your needs, please explore our options. If you have any inquiries regarding our range of programs or class schedules, please feel free to contact WRITERS@WORK!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

1. Is Creative Writing Good for Kids?

Creative writing is good for children as it teaches them how to use their imagination. Children have a vivid imagination and will enjoy coming up with different storylines and characters. Through the use of creative writing, children can express themselves using the English language, which is also good for their emotional development and maturity.

2. What are Good Creative Writing Topics?

A good start is to write about what you know. Students can start by writing about things that are familiar to them, such as school or family. Then, students can move on to more complex topics, requiring them to use their imagination about events which would be unlikely to happen in real life, such as a fairytale or an adventure story. Older students can write descriptive essays about being in a situation or about more abstract concepts, such as regret.

3. How to Begin a Story?

A good story should have just the right amount of exposition to illuminate the setting and the characters for the reader without giving away the entire plot. The story should begin where it is relevant, and the general gist of the situation should be outlined. The writer should know how to move the plot along from where they start easily, and the story should flow logically.

4. What are the Basic Steps in Creative Writing?

A good first step would be to plan out the story – it is important that the story follows a Plot Curve which has a logical sequence of events and a clear conclusion. The main and supporting characters should be clear – there should not be a whole village of characters – just enough to further the plot. Moreover, the central conflict of the story should be clear.