“Later” vs. “Latter”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “later” and “latter”

  • The main difference between later and latter is their meaning and usage.
  • Later refers to time and the future, while latter is concerned with order or sequence.
  • While later can be used alone, latter is always paired with another word or phrase to make a comparison or contrast.
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What is the definition of “later” and “latter”?

Later
  • Later means a period of time that comes after a specific time or event.
  • It can also indicate something that will happen in the future.
  • This word can also refer to a person or thing that comes after another in order or sequence.
Latter
  • Latter means the second of two things or persons mentioned previously.
  • It can also indicate something that is nearer to the end of a list or sequence.
  • This word is often used to contrast two things or options, with the latter being the one mentioned last.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Later” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
Later
4,260,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. I'll call you later when I'm finished with work.
  2. Later in life, I realized the value of good health.
  3. I regret not studying harder earlier; it made me work later into the night.
Latter
934,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The latter part of the novel was more exciting than the first.
  2. She had to choose between the two options; she took the latter.
  3. The first politician was corrupt, and the latter one was trustworthy.
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