These words are often confused. Later is the comparative form of late. It refers to time. It is the opposite of earlier. Latter refers to position. It is the opposite of former.
- We will talk to you later.
- The latter part of the film was a bit boring. (= The second part of the film was a bit boring.)
Test your understanding of these adjectives with this grammar test.
Question 1
1. Most of us liked the ……………………………. suggestion.
Correct!
Wrong!
2. The former part of the film is more interesting than the ………………………………. part.
Correct!
Wrong!
3. You are …………………………….. than I expected.
Correct!
Wrong!
4. Bye! See you ………………………………
Correct!
Wrong!
5. She was happy when she got the job, but six months ……………………… she was fired.
Correct!
Wrong!
6. He said that he would finish the job ……………………….
Correct!
Wrong!
7. I am not hungry now. I will have lunch ………………………….
Correct!
Wrong!
Answers
1. Most of us liked the latter suggestion.
2. The former part of the film is more interesting than the latter part.
3. You are later than I expected.
4. Bye! See you later.
5. She was happy when she got a job but six months later she was fired.
6. He said that he would finish the job later.
7. I am not hungry now. I will have lunch later.