They grappled with the problem of connecting the electricity and water supplies. The former proved simple compared with the latter.

他们设法解决供电和供水的连接问题。前者与后者相比证明很简单。

《柯林斯英汉双解大词典》

If the former are greater, the lake is a surface-water-dominated lake; if the latter, it is a seepage-dominated lake.

如果前者较大，这个湖就是一个以表层水为主的湖泊；如果是后者，则是一个以渗漏为主的湖泊。

youdao

Many support the former plan, but personally I favour the latter one.

很多人赞同第一种方案，但我更倾向后第二种。

youdao

Gold oscillated between risk-asset and safe haven, ending the year more in the former than the latter camp.

FORBES: Two-Faced Gold: Trying To Move From Risk Asset To Safe Haven

Even so, the tilt toward the former and against the latter is unmistakable.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: A tilt that could kill SDI?

If being friendly with the U.S. is more lucrative than being hostile, they will choose the former over the latter.

CNN: SHARE THIS