When you name exactly two things, point back with the former (the first) and the latter (the second); whereas joins two contrasting ideas.
The former and the latter
Not "The study examined stress, burnout and absence. The latter is most common." — say "The study examined stress, burnout and absence. The last of these is most common.". The former and the latter need exactly two things; with three, say the last.
Try it: Hiroshi: How do we describe our recordings in the methods section? Mateo: Write: 'We tried an old recorder and a new phone app; ___ crashed twice, so all our audio comes from the recorder.' Choose the words for the blank. (the latter / the former / these findings) Answer: the latter — The latter points to the second thing named, the phone app, which crashed.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
the former
/ðə ˈfɔrmər/
The study compared online and in-person learning; the former offered flexibility, while the latter provided direct interaction.
the latter
/ðə ˈlætər/
Both candidates were strong, but the latter had more relevant experience.
whereas
/wɛrˈæz/
The report weighed cost and quality; the former mattered to finance, whereas the latter mattered to design.
This + summary noun
To point back to a whole idea you just described, use this or these with a noun that sums it up: this decline, these findings.
Not "Staffing was cut and the software was replaced. This was a problem." — say "Staffing was cut and the software was replaced. These changes were a problem.". When two ideas could be meant, add a noun instead of a bare this.
Try it: Mateo: Late book returns have dropped every month since March. Hiroshi: Let's mention ___ in the report's first line. Choose the words for the blank. (this trend / the latter / whereas) Answer: this trend — A change that keeps going month after month is summed up as this trend.
Try it: Hiroshi: How do we compare the two drafts in one sentence? Mateo: Try this: Draft one is short, ___ draft two covers every source. Choose the word for the blank. (whereas / the former / these findings) Answer: whereas — Whereas joins two clauses that contrast, here a short draft and a complete one.
Word
Pronunciation
Example
this decline
/ðɪs dɪˈklaɪn/
Enrollment dropped by 15 percent in a single semester; this decline prompted an urgent review by the board.
this trend
/ðɪs trɛnd/
The pilot attracted fewer learners each month, and this trend concerned the coordinators.
these findings
/ðiz ˈfaɪndɪŋz/
The researchers identified three recurring patterns; these findings suggest a broader problem.
What are the common mistakes?
Incorrect
Correct
Why
The study examined stress, burnout and absence. The latter is most common.
The study examined stress, burnout and absence. The last of these is most common.
The former and the latter need exactly two things; with three, say the last.
Staffing was cut and the software was replaced. This was a problem.
Staffing was cut and the software was replaced. These changes were a problem.
When two ideas could be meant, add a noun instead of a bare this.