Later / Latter

Use later when referring to time. Use latter when referring to the second of two persons or things mentioned previously. For example:

1. Brenda said that she would call me later.
2. "There are two kinds of worries: those you can do something about and those you can't. Don't spend any time on the latter." (Duke Ellington)

1. Jeremy got to later than Mary did.
2. Of the two options offered, I prefer the latter.
3. Let’s have coffee later in the week.
4. We have a dog and a cat. Of the two, the latter makes less noise.
5. Carrie plans to shop for a dress later this afternoon.
6. She had the option of silk or lace trim. She chose the latter.
7. During daylight savings time, it gets dark later at night.
8. Of the first two Hobbit movies, I prefer the latter.

Decide whether you have to use later or latter:

1. My neighbours have a son and a daughter : the former is a teacher, the _______ is a nurse.
2. I will address that at a _______ time.
3. Of the first two Harry Potter books, I prefer the _______.
4. John arrived at the party _______ than Mary did.
5. I prefer the _______ offer to the former one.
6. I will be back _______.
7. I was given the choice between a hamburger or a hotdog, I chose the _______ of the two; the hotdog.
8. When it comes to soy burgers or a juicy cow burger, I prefer the _______.

Answers:

1. latter
2. later
3. latter
4. later
5. latter
6. later
7. latter
8. latter