Former vs Latter Meaning and Correct Usage Guide

When you compare two people, ideas, choices, or events, choosing the right reference word can make your writing clearer and more professional. The difference between former vs latter often confuses English learners because both words refer to things mentioned earlier in a sentence or passage. However, they point to different positions in that discussion.

The word former refers to the first of two items mentioned, while latter refers to the second. For example, in the sentence I can study in the morning or the evening, but I prefer the latter, the word latter means the evening. If the speaker prefers the morning, the correct word is former.

Although the rule sounds simple, writers sometimes misuse these words in long sentences, confusing comparisons, emails, academic papers, and professional reports. Another common problem is using former and latter when a sentence contains more than two choices or when the reader cannot easily remember the original pair.

This guide explains the meaning, grammar, pronunciation, word origins, and practical differences between former and latter. You will also learn how to use both words naturally, avoid common mistakes, improve sentence clarity, and decide when repeating a noun is better than using a reference word.

Quick Answer

Former vs latter: Former refers to the first of two people or things mentioned, while latter refers to the second. For example, in tea and coffee, I prefer the latter, latter means coffee. Use these words when the two items are clear and easy for your reader to identify.

Former vs Latter Comparison Table

The easiest way to understand the difference is to look at what each word identifies.

Feature	Former	Latter
Meaning	The first of two items	The second of two items
Part of speech	Adjective or noun	Adjective or noun
Main function	Points back to the first item	Points back to the second item
Pronunciation	/ˈfɔːrmər/	/ˈlætər/
Syllables	Two	Two
Word stress	First syllable	First syllable
Typical context	Comparisons and references	Comparisons and references
Formality	Neutral to formal	Neutral to formal
American spelling	Former	Latter
British spelling	Former	Latter
Common error	Using it for the second item	Using it for the first item
Example	I prefer the former option.	I prefer the latter option.

Both words are correct English. Neither is a regional spelling of the other, and neither is inherently more correct. The choice depends on the order in which you mention the two items.

For example:

My favorite subjects are history and biology. I prefer the former.

Here, former means history because history appears first.

My favorite subjects are history and biology. I prefer the latter.

Here, latter means biology because biology appears second.

The words do not tell readers which choice is better. They simply identify a position in the sentence or discussion.

What Does Former Mean?

Former means the first of two people, things, choices, or ideas previously mentioned. It can also describe someone or something that held a position, status, or condition in the past.

These two meanings are related historically, but they serve different purposes in modern English.

Former as a reference to the first item

When you compare two items, former points to the first one.

Examples:

• I enjoy reading novels and biographies, but I prefer the former.
• The company considered two plans. The former offered lower costs.
• We can travel by train or bus. The former is faster on this route.
• Sarah compared two universities and chose the former.

In each example, the reader identifies the first item from the order of mention.

This use is especially common in formal writing, reports, academic discussions, and business communication. However, it also appears in ordinary conversation.

Former as a description of the past

The word former also means previous or no longer holding a particular position or status.

Examples:

• She is a former teacher.
• The former president attended the ceremony.
• He visited his former workplace.
• They restored the former school building.

In these sentences, former does not identify the first of two choices. Instead, it describes something that was true in the past.

A former teacher is someone who taught previously. A former workplace is a place where someone worked before.

This distinction matters because the word can appear in a sentence without any comparison at all.

How to recognize the correct meaning

Look at the surrounding words.

If former appears in a phrase such as the former of the two, it refers to the first item. If it appears before a noun such as employee, president, home, or employer, it often refers to a past role, status, or relationship.

Compare these examples:

• Of the two candidates, the former had more experience.
• The former candidate returned to her previous job.

The first sentence compares two candidates. The second describes a candidate from an earlier point in a discussion or situation, depending on context.

What Does Latter Mean?

Latter means the second of two people, things, choices, or ideas previously mentioned. It directs the reader to the item that appeared second in the relevant pair.

Unlike former, latter does not normally describe someone who previously held a job or position. Its main modern uses involve identifying the second item or referring to a later part of a period.

Latter as a reference to the second item

Examples:

• We can order soup or salad. I would prefer the latter.
• The report compares online and in person learning, with the latter receiving more attention.
• Mark considered a tablet and a laptop, eventually buying the latter.
• The two routes are scenic and direct. The latter takes less time.

In the first example, latter means salad. In the third, it means a laptop.

The key is the order of mention, not the order of preference, importance, or quality.

If a writer mentions the less expensive option first and the more expensive option second, latter still refers to the more expensive option.

Latter as a reference to a later period

The word latter can also refer to the later part of a period, process, or stage.

Examples:

• During the latter half of the year, sales increased.
• She became more confident in the latter stages of the course.
• The project slowed down in its latter months.
• In the latter part of the book, the main character changes direction.

Here, latter means later or toward the end of a defined period or sequence.

Notice the difference between the latter option and the latter half of the year. The first identifies the second of two choices. The second describes the later portion of a period.

Can latter mean the most recent?

Not always. Although latter can refer to a later part of something, it is not a general replacement for latest or most recent.

For example:

* The latter half of the decade was difficult.

This means the second half of the decade, not necessarily the most recent half of the current decade.

For a recent event, use latest, most recent, or last when that is the intended meaning.

Former vs Latter in Grammar

Both words can act as adjectives and nouns. Their grammatical function depends on how you use them in a sentence.

Understanding these patterns helps prevent awkward wording and makes your writing easier to follow.

Former and latter as adjectives

An adjective normally describes or identifies a noun.

Examples:

• The former arrangement was more practical.
• The latter proposal included additional safeguards.
• During the latter years of his career, he focused on teaching.
• Her former manager recommended her for the position.

In the first two examples, the words identify the first and second items in a comparison. In the last two, they describe a period or past relationship.

When former and latter modify nouns directly, you do not need to use the in every situation. For instance, her former manager is natural because her already determines the noun phrase.

However, expressions such as the former option and the latter proposal use the because the writer is identifying a specific item from a known pair.

Former vs latter as nouns

Both words can stand alone as references to previously mentioned items.

Examples:

• We discussed two solutions. The former costs less.
• He offered coffee and tea, but I chose the latter.
• The former was easy to implement, while the latter required additional staff.

In these sentences, the words function as noun phrases. The noun they refer to is understood from the preceding context.

This is a form of reference that helps avoid repeating the same noun. It works best when the intended item is obvious.

Why the definite article matters

When you use either word as a standalone reference, the former and the latter are the usual forms.

Correct:

• I compared two designs and selected the latter.
• The former was more affordable.

Less natural in this context:

• I compared two designs and selected latter.
• Former was more affordable.

The article the helps identify the specific item already introduced. By contrast, you can write a former colleague or my former teacher because those phrases follow other standard noun phrase patterns.

Subject verb agreement

The words former and latter do not automatically make a sentence singular or plural. The verb agrees with the noun phrase they represent.

When the former or the latter refers to one item, use a singular verb.

Of the two proposals, the former is more practical.

When the words describe a plural noun, use a plural verb if that noun is the subject.

The former employees are now working elsewhere.

Do not confuse the grammatical number of the original pair with the number of the item being referenced. A pair contains two items, but the former usually identifies one of them.

Can you use former vs latter with more than two items?

Traditionally, former and latter refer to the first and second items in a pair. Their use with a list of three or more choices is often unclear or awkward.

For example:

We considered tea, coffee, and juice. I prefer the latter.

Some readers may interpret latter as juice because it is the final item. Others may expect a comparison involving only two items. The sentence leaves room for confusion.

A clearer version is:

We considered tea, coffee, and juice. I prefer juice.

If you have only two items, the traditional distinction works well. If you have a longer list, repeat the name or use a clear reference such as the third option.

Former vs Latter Sentence Structure

The order of the sentence can affect how easily readers identify the intended reference. In most cases, the safest approach is to introduce the two items clearly and use former or latter in the following sentence or clause.

Use the words after naming two items

A reliable structure is:

Item A and item B. The former or latter + verb.

Examples:

• The team considered a merger and an acquisition. The former would be easier to manage.
• We discussed email and telephone support. The latter offers a more personal experience.
• Daniel compared two apartments. The former had a lower rent.
• The researcher studied adults and teenagers. The latter group showed a different response.

This pattern gives readers a clear pair before introducing the reference word.

Use the words within one sentence

You can also use both words in the same sentence.

Examples:

• The former approach saves time, while the latter reduces costs.
• Between walking and cycling, the former is easier on this route.
• The first proposal focuses on speed, whereas the latter emphasizes accuracy.

The words work well when the sentence establishes a clear order and gives each reference a specific meaning.

Keep the original pair close

A common problem occurs when writers introduce two items and then add several unrelated ideas before using former or latter.

Consider this example:

The committee discussed a new hiring policy and a revised training program. Several members raised concerns about the budget, and the meeting continued for another hour. The latter was approved.

The reader may understand that the latter refers to the training program, but the distance and intervening details make the reference harder to process.

A clearer version is:

The committee discussed a new hiring policy and a revised training program. The latter was approved after the budget discussion.

Keep the reference close to the pair when possible. This small editing choice improves clarity, especially in longer paragraphs.

Punctuation with former vs latter

Neither word requires special punctuation simply because it appears in a sentence.

Correct examples:

• The former is cheaper, but the latter is more durable.
• We reviewed two drafts. The latter needed fewer changes.
• The former plan was approved, whereas the latter was rejected.

Use commas, semicolons, or conjunctions according to the sentence structure, not because the words have a special punctuation rule.

For example, a comma before but is appropriate when it joins two independent clauses. The word latter itself does not create that requirement.

Former vs Latter Examples in Everyday English

The best way to learn the difference is to see how both words work in natural sentences. The following examples cover everyday conversation, professional communication, academic writing, journalism, and other common contexts.

Daily conversation examples

1. I can make pasta or rice for dinner. I prefer the former.
2. We could watch a comedy or a thriller. The latter sounds more exciting.
3. Would you rather walk or take a taxi? I would choose the former.
4. She offered me tea and coffee, but I asked for the latter.
5. My brother likes summer and winter, while I prefer the former.

In each example, the reference depends on the order of mention. If someone changes the order of the two choices, the meaning of former and latter changes too.

Workplace examples

6. The company considered hiring an outside consultant or training its existing staff. The latter would be more cost effective.
7. We can hold the meeting in person or online. The former would encourage better discussion.
8. The manager compared two suppliers. The latter offered a longer warranty.
9. The department reviewed the old policy and the revised policy. The former contained fewer restrictions.
10. Our team can prioritize customer support or product development. The latter needs more investment this quarter.

These examples show how the words can reduce repetition in reports, meetings, and business discussions. However, repeat the noun if the reader might lose track of the original pair.

Email examples

11. We can schedule the interview for Tuesday or Thursday. I would prefer the latter.
12. I have attached the original proposal and the revised version. The latter includes the requested changes.
13. You can contact me by email or phone. The former is usually more convenient.
14. We discussed the budget and the delivery schedule. The latter remains our main concern.

In emails, these expressions work best when the two items appear close together. If your message contains several dates, documents, or requests, naming the item directly can prevent misunderstandings.

Academic writing examples

15. The study compares qualitative and quantitative methods. The former explores meaning, while the latter measures numerical patterns.
16. Researchers examined short term and long term outcomes. The latter required additional follow up.
17. The first theory emphasizes individual behavior, whereas the latter focuses on social conditions.
18. The author compares traditional and contemporary approaches. The former relies on established principles, while the latter considers newer evidence.

Academic writing often uses former and latter to compare theories, methods, arguments, and findings. Still, clarity matters more than variety. In a complex paragraph with several concepts, repeating the technical term may be more effective.

Journalism and literature examples

19. The city considered expanding public transport or widening existing roads. The former received stronger public support.
20. The novel explores loyalty and ambition. The latter drives much of the main character’s conflict.
21. The report compares rising prices and falling demand. The latter surprised several analysts.
22. The two leaders offered different visions for the country. The former emphasized stability, while the latter called for rapid reform.

Writers can use these words to guide readers through comparisons without repeating full noun phrases. Their effectiveness depends on whether the reader can identify the original pair immediately.

Social media and informal writing examples

23. I can sleep early or finish another episode. The latter is tempting.
24. Coffee or energy drinks? I would pick the former.
25. Beach vacation or mountain trip? The latter wins for me.
26. Saving money or buying new shoes? The former makes more sense.

These sentences are understandable, but former and latter can sound formal in casual chats. Many speakers would simply repeat the choice or say the first one and the second one.

For example, Coffee or energy drinks? I would pick coffee sounds more natural in many informal conversations.

Why People Confuse Between Former vs Latter

The confusion usually comes from remembering the rule incorrectly or losing track of the order in which the writer introduced the two items.

Both words refer to something already mentioned

Neither word usually names the item directly. Instead, each sends the reader back to earlier information.

That shared function can make them easy to confuse, especially when the original sentence is long.

Consider this example:

The school compared traditional classes and online courses. The latter offered greater scheduling flexibility.

A reader must remember that traditional classes came first and online courses came second. The word latter points to online courses.

The words have similar grammatical roles

Both words can appear before nouns or function as standalone references.

You can write the former proposal and the latter proposal, or simply the former and the latter. Since their sentence patterns are similar, a writer may select the wrong one without noticing.

The solution is to focus on meaning rather than grammar alone.

Writers forget the order of mention

This is one of the most common practical mistakes. People sometimes use former for the option they mentioned first in their own thinking rather than the option they actually wrote first.

For example:

I compared the premium plan and the basic plan. The former is cheaper.

If the basic plan is cheaper, the sentence is incorrect. The premium plan appeared first, so former refers to the premium plan.

The correction is:

I compared the premium plan and the basic plan. The latter is cheaper.

Long sentences increase the risk of confusion

When a paragraph contains several pairs of people, events, or ideas, a reference word may point to more than one possible item.

The issue is not always a grammar mistake. Sometimes the sentence is technically possible but difficult to interpret.

Professional writers solve this problem by repeating the noun, restructuring the sentence, or dividing the comparison into shorter statements.

Autocorrect and spelling are rarely the main issue

Unlike commonly confused pairs such as their and there, former and latter are both correctly spelled words with different meanings. Standard spellcheck tools may not detect a misuse because neither spelling is wrong.

For example, a spellchecker might accept I prefer the former even when the writer intends to refer to the second option.

Careful proofreading must check meaning, not just spelling.

Former vs Latter in American and British English

There is no meaningful spelling difference between American and British English for these words. Both varieties use former and latter with the same core meanings.

English variety	Former	Latter
American English	First of two items	Second of two items
British English	First of two items	Second of two items
Canadian English	First of two items	Second of two items
Australian English	First of two items	Second of two items

The words are standard across these varieties. Differences in everyday usage are more likely to involve tone and writing style than regional grammar.

In formal reports, academic papers, and professional documents, both words are widely understood. In casual conversation, speakers may prefer simpler expressions such as the first one and the second one.

That preference does not make former or latter incorrect. It simply reflects the difference between formal written English and relaxed spoken English.

Former vs Latter Pronunciation Guide

Both words have two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first syllable.

Former

IPA: /ˈfɔːrmər/ in a common American transcription

Sounds like FOR mer.

The first syllable receives the stress.

Latter

IPA: /ˈlætər/ in a common American transcription

Sounds like LAT er.

The first syllable receives the stress.

Pronunciation varies somewhat by accent. In many American accents, the final r is pronounced. In many British accents, it is not pronounced at the end of a word unless the following sound and accent encourage a linking r.

The important distinction is the opening sound. Former begins with an /f/ sound, while latter begins with an /l/ sound. Their vowels also differ in standard pronunciations.

Do not confuse latter with later. They can sound similar in some accents, but latter usually identifies the second of two items, while later refers to a subsequent time.

Examples:

• I prefer the latter option.
• I will call you later.

The spelling and meaning distinguish the two words even when their pronunciation is close.

Former vs Latter Word Origins

The history of these words helps explain their modern meanings.

The origin of former

Former developed from forms related to form and the idea of something occurring first or earlier. Its history is linked to older English and French forms, with roots in the broader history of European languages.

Over time, former developed two closely related senses: the first of two things and something that existed or held a position in the past.

That connection explains phrases such as the former option and a former employee. Both relate to something earlier in a sequence or timeline.

The origin of latter

Latter developed from an older form of English related to late. Its historical sense involved something occurring later in a sequence.

Modern English preserves that idea in two main uses. The latter identifies the second of two items, while the latter part of the year refers to the later portion of a period.

The two words therefore reflect different ways of locating something in relation to another thing: former points to the first or previous item, and latter points to the second or later part.

Why etymology helps but does not replace the rule

Word origins can make meanings easier to remember, but modern usage determines how a word works in a sentence.

You do not need to know the full history of either word to use it correctly. Remembering the order of mention is enough for most comparisons.

Common Mistakes With Former vs Latter

Even experienced writers can misuse these words. Most errors involve reference, sentence structure, or assumptions about their meanings.

Using former for the second item

Incorrect:

I compared apples and oranges. The former are easier to peel.

If the writer means oranges, former is incorrect because oranges appear second.

Correct:

I compared apples and oranges. The latter are easier to peel.

Using latter for the first item

Incorrect:

We discussed cost and quality. The latter is our biggest concern.

If cost is the main concern, the sentence points to the wrong item.

Correct:

We discussed cost and quality. The former is our biggest concern.

Using the words with three or more choices

Incorrect or unclear:

I considered a car, a bicycle, and a bus. The latter is the most convenient.

The reader might assume latter means the bus, but the sentence does not follow the traditional two item comparison rule.

Better:

I considered a car, a bicycle, and a bus. The bus is the most convenient.

For a longer list, name the item directly or use the first option, the second option, and the third option.

Assuming former always means an ex employee

The word can refer to a previous job or status, but that is only one of its meanings.

Compare:

The former director attended the event.

This usually means a director who held the position in the past.

We compared two directors. The former had more experience.

Here, former means the first director mentioned. Context determines the intended meaning.

Treating latter as a synonym for latest

Incorrect:

I read the latter report published yesterday.

This wording does not clearly express the intended meaning. If you mean the most recent report, write:

I read the latest report published yesterday.

Use latter for the second item in a pair or the later part of a defined period. Use latest for the most recent item in a sequence.

Repeating the reference words too often

Although former and latter reduce repetition, repeated use can make a passage feel stiff.

For example:

The former proposal was cheaper than the latter proposal. The former also required fewer staff than the latter.

A smoother version is:

The first proposal was cheaper than the second. It also required fewer staff.

Choose the wording that gives readers the clearest picture with the least effort.

Easy Memory Tricks for Former vs Latter

A simple memory technique can help you choose the correct word without stopping to think through a complicated rule.

Former means first.

Remember that both words begin with an early position in a sequence: the first item comes before the second. When you see former in a two item comparison, look back to the first item mentioned.

Latter means last of the pair.

Think of latter as pointing to the item that comes later in a two item sequence. It identifies the second item, not necessarily the final item in a longer list.

Use the first and second test

Whenever you are unsure, replace the word temporarily.

Original:

I compared tea and coffee. I prefer the latter.

Test:

I compared tea and coffee. I prefer the second item.

The sentence means coffee, so latter is correct.

Try the same test with former:

I compared tea and coffee. I prefer the first item.

The sentence means tea, so former is correct.

This technique works in essays, emails, reports, and everyday writing.

Use a simple two item rule

Remember these three points:

1. Former means the first item mentioned.
2. Latter means the second item mentioned.
3. If you have more than two choices, name the intended item directly.

This rule handles most common situations without requiring you to memorize complex grammar terminology.

Related Words and Expressions For Former vs Latter

Understanding related terms helps you choose a more natural expression for the situation.

Word or expression	Meaning	Example
First	The item that comes before the others	I prefer the first option.
Second	The item that comes after the first	The second option costs less.
Previous	Earlier in time or sequence	My previous employer moved abroad.
Earlier	Before a particular time	We discussed this earlier.
Later	After a particular time	I will call you later.
Latest	The most recent	Have you read the latest report?
Former	Previous in status or first of two	She is a former employee.
Latter	Second of two or later part	The latter option is simpler.
First mentioned	The item introduced first	The first mentioned method is faster.
Second mentioned	The item introduced second	The second mentioned method is cheaper.

Former vs previous

These words overlap when describing the past, but they are not interchangeable in every sentence.

Former commonly describes a previous role, relationship, or status.

She is a former employee.

Previous often identifies something that came before another event, item, or period.

My previous appointment lasted an hour.

In a comparison between two items, former can mean the first item. Previous does not normally carry that meaning.

Latter vs later

This is an especially useful distinction.

Latter generally identifies the second of two items or the later portion of a period.

Later refers to a time after another time.

Compare:

The latter option is less expensive.

I will explain the details later.

The first sentence compares two options. The second refers to a future point in time.

Former vs first

First is usually the more direct choice. It works in a wide range of contexts, including lists of several items.

Former is useful when referring back to the first of two previously mentioned items or describing a previous status.

Compare:

Of the two methods, the former is faster.

The first method is faster.

Both sentences can express the same comparison. The second is often easier to understand, especially for beginners.

Latter vs last

Last can identify the final item in a list of any length. Latter traditionally identifies the second item in a pair.

For example:

I reviewed the first, second, and last chapters.

This sentence can refer to three or more chapters.

By contrast:

I reviewed the introduction and conclusion. The latter was more persuasive.

Here, latter refers to the conclusion because it is the second of two items.

An Expert Editor’s Note on Former vs Latter

Professional editors pay attention to more than grammatical correctness. They also consider clarity, reading effort, sentence length, and the reader’s ability to track references.

The distinction between former and latter is straightforward, but the words can become less effective when the sentence contains too much information.

What dictionaries tell us

Major English dictionaries distinguish between the comparative sense of former, meaning the first of two things mentioned, and its temporal sense, meaning previous or earlier in status. They define latter in relation to the second of two things and the later part of a period.

These definitions support the central rule: former points to the first item, and latter points to the second.

A dictionary confirms the meaning of each word. It does not guarantee that every sentence using these words will be clear.

What professional editors recommend

For polished writing, follow these practical guidelines.

• Keep the two items close to the reference word.
• Use former and latter mainly when discussing a clear pair.
• Repeat the noun if several possible references appear in the same paragraph.
• Prefer direct wording when writing for beginners or a general audience.
• Avoid using latter as a general substitute for later or latest.
• Read the sentence from the reader’s point of view before finalizing it.

For example, this sentence is grammatically sound:

The committee reviewed the revised policy and the proposed budget, and after discussing several concerns about staffing, the latter was approved.

However, the reference requires readers to hold two items in memory while processing several additional details.

A clearer version is:

The committee reviewed the revised policy and the proposed budget. After discussing staffing concerns, the committee approved the proposed budget.

The second version repeats the noun phrase, but it makes the decision unmistakable.

Farmer vs latter Which word sounds more natural to native speakers?

Both words are familiar to educated native English speakers, especially in formal writing. Neither is inherently unnatural.

However, many speakers prefer the first one and the second one in casual conversation. In everyday writing, those expressions can sound more direct.

For example:

Formal: Between the two proposals, the latter seems more practical.

Conversational: Of the two proposals, the second one seems more practical.

Both are correct. Choose the form that matches your audience, purpose, and level of formality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between former and latter?

Former refers to the first of two items mentioned, while latter refers to the second. If you mention apples and oranges in that order, former means apples and latter means oranges. The words identify position in the discussion rather than importance, quality, or preference.

Is former the first or second option?

Former means the first option mentioned. For example, in I can travel by train or bus, and I prefer the former, the speaker prefers the train. The rule depends on the order of mention, not on which option appears better or receives more attention later.

Is latter the first or last?

Latter refers to the second of two items mentioned. It can also describe the later part of a period, as in the latter half of the year. It is not a general term for the final item in a list of three or more choices.

Can former and latter refer to more than two things?

Traditionally, these words work best with exactly two items. Using them with three or more choices can confuse readers because the intended reference may not be clear. When discussing a longer list, name the item directly or identify it as the first, second, or third option.

Can I use former and latter in formal writing?

Yes. Both words are accepted in formal English and appear in academic writing, reports, essays, and professional communication. They can reduce repetition when a sentence compares two clear items. However, formal writing still requires clarity, so repeating a noun is often better than making readers search for the original reference.

What is the difference between latter and later?

Latter refers to the second of two items or the later part of a period. Later refers to a time after another time. For example, I prefer the latter option identifies a choice, while I will respond later refers to a future time.

Does former always mean a previous employee or leader?

No. Former can describe a previous position, relationship, or status, as in former manager. It can also refer to the first of two items, as in the former proposal. The surrounding sentence determines which meaning applies.

Should I use former and latter or first and second?

Use former and latter when referring to a clear pair in formal or analytical writing. Use first and second when you want simpler, more direct wording, especially in instructions, casual writing, or discussions involving several choices. Both approaches are correct when they communicate the intended meaning clearly.

Conclusion

The difference between former vs latter comes down to one simple rule. Former refers to the first of two items mentioned, while latter refers to the second. Both words are correct, and both work in American, British, Canadian, and Australian English.

Remember that former can also describe a previous position or status, while latter can refer to the later part of a period. Do not confuse latter with later or latest, and avoid using the pair when you are discussing several choices.

For the clearest writing, introduce two items in a clear order, keep the reference nearby, and repeat the noun if readers might become confused. Former comes first, and latter comes second. Remember that order, and you will use both words correctly.