Difference Between Later and Latter

With over two billion people speaking it in different nations across the globe, English is the most widely-used language on the planet. While it is an easy thing for fluent speakers, it is not always easy for those who are beginners, and this is because of some ‘complex’ aspects of the language, hence the difference between later and latter.

For example, certain words are very similar in spelling, sound and appearance and are often confused in usage. When communicating in English, it is important to know the differences between words and also how they are being used. One of the relevant questions is what is the difference between later and latter.

It will be quite embarrassing to say one thing when you actually want to pass a totally different message, and this is the crux of the difference between latter and later. Later and latter constitute supreme examples in this scenario and in this piece, the specific difference between later and latter will be discussed.

Definition of Later

One thing that has to be made abundantly clear is that later can be used both in adjectival and adverbial forms. Later is used to mean the period that follows a particular time. In the sentences outlined below, examples are provided to reflect the meaning and usage of the word later as both adjective and adverb.

• I am going to come to your house later in the day.
• She was on a call when I checked on her, but she wrote me later that she would pay me a visit the next day by noon.
• They have been working since morning, but they later decided in the afternoon to go swimming.
• I later realized that she was really not in the country.
• It was later in our friendship that I noticed what an amazing soulmate he truly is.
• He needs a later approval of the budget to carry out the tasks.

There are also some instances where one can use later to bid someone farewell and the following are examples:

• I am going to visit you later.
• I need to rush to the market, catch you later.

Definition of Latter

Latter simply refers to something that is towards the end rather than the earlier parts or portions of it. The explanations in the sections above show how later is used. It is now the turn of the word latter. Unlike later that can be used as both in adjectival and adverbial forms, latter can only be used as an adjective and examples are provided below:

• During the latter part of my work in Afghanistan, I learnt Pashto language.
• It was during the latter stages of her labor that she lost consciousness.
• I will be able to see you, but it will be in the latter periods of the contract.  

Later vs Latter Comparison Table

Conclusion of the Main Difference Between Later vs Latter

As seen from previous sections, later and latter may sound similar, even if they do not mean same. Latter can only be used as an adjective while later can be used in adverbial and adjectival forms. While both can be used in conjunction with other words, later can only be used in reference to time but that is not the same with latter.