Correct spelling, explanation: latter and ladder are two completely different words, and they have distinct meanings. Latter is used to refer to the second of two things or the last mentioned of a set of two. It is useful when you are comparing or contrasting two items or ideas. Ladder is a noun that refers to a piece of equipment with rungs or steps that allows you to climb up or down to reach higher or lower places. Remember that although these two words sound similar, they don’t mean the same thing.

Definition of latter:
1. adjective, near or towards the end of something
In the debate between the two candidates, John presented a compelling argument, while Jane struggled to make her case; ultimately, the latter failed to convince the audience.
After comparing the two books, I found the former to be more engaging and well-written than the latter.
2. noun, the second of two people, things, or groups previously mentioned
When comparing her two job offers, Sarah chose the latter, as it offered a better salary and more opportunities for growth.
The two options for the vacation destination were Paris and London; she chose the latter for its rich history and vibrant culture.

Collocations with latter:
Some most commonly used collocations include:
1. The latter part: referring to the second or last part of something.
In the latter part of the movie, the plot takes an unexpected turn.
2. The latter half: referring to the second half of a period of time or an event.
During the latter half of the year, we expect to see significant progress on the project.
3. The former and the latter: used to distinguish between two previously mentioned items, with “former” referring to the first one and latter to the second one.
She had two options for her career: one in marketing and the other in finance. She chose the latter.

Correct spelling, explanation: the words ladder and latter are not directly connected in terms of their etymology or linguistic origins, but they are both correct. They have different linguistic roots and meanings. The word ladder comes from Old English hlæder and has been used in English for a long time to refer to a piece of equipment with rungs or steps for climbing up or down. The word latter comes from Middle English lattere, which means later or second of two. It is used to refer to the second of two things mentioned or the last part of a period of time.