about the use of "former... latter"

Question

Hi to all... a quick question about the use of "the foremer..the latter"..

is it ok in this sentence (just ignore the silliness of the sentence in itself

)

"using different materials helped us achieve two purposes: the former to find new employees, the latter to carachterize different materials"

thanks in advance

Rosario

Eimai_Anglos · Accepted Answer

Yes, with corrections:
"Using different materials helped us achieve two purposes: the former to find new employees; the latter to characterize different materials."

However, I would prefer:
"Using different materials helped us achieve two purposes: the first to find new employees; the second to characterize different materials."

The problem with using former/latter is that you need to state specifically what you are referring to.

We had two purposes in carrying out the task: the coal had to be piled high and the wood had to be cut.

The former helped keep the coal dry and the latter made the wood easier to burn.

Pao3 · Answer

However, I would prefer:
"Using different materials helped us achieve two purposes: the first to find new employees; the second to characterize different materials."

I wouldn't dare doubt native speaker, yet there is something I'd like to have explained.
If we are talking just about 2 things, shouldn't we use for the first one "THE FIRST" and for the other one "THE OTHER"?? (I've been taught that I could never use "the second" in this case).

Masaria · Answer

>>The problem with using former/latter is that you need to state specifically what you are referring to.

That's exactly what I was thinking... I mean ..to be formal I can use former/latter , but it's more appropriate to specify what I'm referring to... right ?

thanks!

about the use of "former... latter"

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