At the latest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "At the latest" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the latest possible time by which something should happen or be completed. Example: "Please submit your report by Friday at the latest."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

At the latest evaluation, all patients were alive.

Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

At the latest follow-up all patients were alive.

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

At the latest follow-up examination, radiographic progression was noted in 35 hips (49%).

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

At the latest after these analyses electron microscopy for GOM is highly recommended.

Brain

"New Year's at the latest".

The New Yorker

January 20th, at the latest.

The New Yorker

Mr Grimsson balked at the latest terms of the guarantee.

The Economist

The change would by fall 2014 at the latest.

The New York Times

Kenya currently spends $11, at the latest count, in 2011.

The Economist

I get there by 10 a.m. at the latest.

The New York Times

Most bigger ships departed at 6pm at the latest.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When setting expectations, use "At the latest" to clarify the absolute final date or time, avoiding ambiguity and ensuring clear understanding of deadlines.

Common error

Avoid using "At the latest" when you mean "the latest". "At the latest" indicates a final deadline, whereas "the latest" refers to the most recent information or development.

Linguistic Context

The adverbial phrase "At the latest" functions to specify a deadline or a final timeframe. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its usage in indicating the last possible moment for an event or action to occur.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "At the latest" functions as an adverbial phrase used to set a final deadline or timeframe. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, including science, news, and formal business settings. When using the phrase, ensure it is clear that you're specifying the absolute final moment for something to occur, differentiating it from phrases like "the latest", which refers to the most recent information. Related phrases like "no later than" or "by the deadline" can be used for similar effect, but understanding the subtle differences in emphasis and formality will enhance clarity. Remember the importance of precision for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

No later than

Emphasizes the finality of the deadline; more direct.

At the very latest

Adds emphasis to the finality of the deadline.

By the latest

Similar meaning but might sound less formal depending on context.

No later than that date

More specific, typically used when a date has already been mentioned.

Not any later than

A more emphatic and sometimes sterner way of saying 'no later than'.

By the deadline

Refers to an established deadline; implies previous knowledge of the date.

By the end of

Refers to the conclusion of a specified time period.

As a final date

Emphasizes the deadline as being unchangeable.

At the final moment

Focuses on the last possible instant before the deadline.

On the last day

Specifically refers to the ultimate day possible.

FAQs

How can I use "At the latest" in a sentence?

"At the latest" is used to specify the final possible time or date for something. For example, "Please submit your application by July 31st "at the latest"" indicates that July 31st is the absolute deadline.

What can I say instead of "At the latest"?

Alternatives to "At the latest" include "no later than", "by the deadline", or "by the end of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "By latest" instead of "At the latest"?

No, "by latest" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is ""at the latest"", which specifies a deadline or the final possible time for something.

What's the difference between "At the latest" and "The latest"?

"At the latest" refers to a deadline or the final possible time, whereas "the latest" refers to the most recent information or development. For example, "Here's "the latest" news" means the most recent news.