Later vs. Latter — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 5, 2023
"Later" refers to a subsequent time, while "Latter" means the second of two things mentioned. E.g., "I'll see you later," versus "Between coffee and tea, I prefer the latter."
Difference Between Later and Latter
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Key Differences
Later" and "Latter" are often confused due to their phonetic similarities. However, their meanings and applications are distinct. "Later" is predominantly used to describe a time that follows the present. For instance, when scheduling a meeting, one might say, "Can we meet later?"
Conversely, "Latter" is used to reference the second of two items previously mentioned. For instance, in a debate about cats and dogs, if someone expresses a preference for dogs, they might state, "I prefer the latter." This indicates that out of the two animals discussed, their choice is dogs.
Moreover, "Later" can also imply a delay or something postponed to a future time. An example could be, "The project's deadline is pushed to a later date." On the other hand, "Latter" strictly relates to distinguishing between two options, with no implication of time involved.
Another notable difference is their placements in sentences. "Later" typically comes at the end or in the middle of a sentence, relating to time. "Latter", however, often follows a comparison, denoting the second of the two items compared.
Lastly, while "Later" is an adverb, "Latter" serves as an adjective. This grammatical distinction further differentiates their usage in sentences. For example, "I'll do it later," compared to, "Of the two options, the latter sounds more feasible."
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
Refers to a subsequent time.
Refers to the second of two things mentioned.
Part of Speech
Adverb
Adjective
Usage
Time-related
Distinguishing between two options
Example
"See you later."
"Between apples and oranges, I like the latter."
Placement in Sentence
Often at the end/middle
Follows a comparison
Compare with Definitions
Later
At some eventual time in the future.
Sooner or later, he will realize his mistake.
Latter
Near or toward the end of something.
The latter part of the movie was the most exciting.
Later
After a particular time.
See you later this evening.
Latter
The second mentioned of two things.
There are two methods: the former and the latter.
Later
Afterward in time or sequence.
She called him and two hours later, they met.
Latter
Relating to or being the later part of something.
His latter years were spent in solitude.
Later
Following in time or order.
In his later years, he took up painting.
Latter
Occurring or situated nearer to the end of something than to the beginning
Heart disease dogged his latter years
The latter half of 1989
Later
Comparative of late
Latter
Denoting the second or second mentioned of two people or things
The President appoints the Prime Minister and, on the latter's advice, the rest of the government
The Russians could advance into either Germany or Austria—they chose the latter option
Later
Comparative of late
Latter
Being the second of two persons or things mentioned
Regarding captain and major, the latter rank is higher.
Later
Goodbye for the present; see you later.
Latter
Near or nearer to the end
The latter part of the book.
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.
Latter
Further advanced in time or sequence; later
A style that has been revived in latter times.
Later
(Informal) Used to express goodbye.
Latter
The second of two persons or things mentioned.
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.
Latter
Relating to or being the second of two items.
Later
At some unspecified time in the future.
I wanted to do it now, but I’ll have to do it later.
Latter
Near (or nearer) to the end.
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.
Latter
In the past, but close (or closer) to the present time.
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 .
Latter
Later; more recent; coming or happening after something else; - opposed to former; as, the former and latter rain.
Later
At some time in the future.
The meeting was adjourned to a later date.
Latter
Of two things, the one mentioned second.
The difference between reason and revelation, and in what sense the latter is superior.
Later
(slang) See you later; goodbye.
Later, dude.
Latter
Recent; modern.
Hath not navigation discovered in these latter ages, whole nations at the bay of Soldania?
Later
A brick or tile.
Latter
Last; latest; final.
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
Latter
The second of two or the second mentioned of two;
Tom and Dick were both heroes but only the latter is remembered today
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
Latter
Referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several);
In the latter case
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
Latter
Denoting the second or second mentioned of two.
Between tea and coffee, I prefer the latter.
Later
At some eventual time in the future;
By and by he'll understand
I'll see you later
Latter
More advanced in time; later.
In the latter half of the year.
Later
Comparative of the adverb `late';
He stayed later than you did
Later
At a time subsequent to a reference time.
We can discuss the project later.
Common Curiosities
Can "Later" be used to compare two things like "Latter"?
No, "Later" refers to time, while "Latter" differentiates two items.
What does "Later" typically refer to?
"Later" usually refers to a subsequent time or after the present.
Which one has a time connotation: Later or Latter?
"Later" has a time connotation.
What does "Latter" mean in a comparison?
"Latter" refers to the second of two items previously mentioned.
Where does "Latter" usually appear in a sentence?
"Latter" often follows a comparison between two items.
Is "Latter" always about the second item in a list?
Typically, "Latter" refers to the second of two specifically mentioned items.
Can "Later" be used in the middle of a sentence?
Yes, such as "He later realized his mistake."
Is "I'll see you latter" a correct usage?
No, the correct usage is "I'll see you later."
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
