But lastly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "But lastly" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce the final point or conclusion in a list or argument. Example: "But lastly, we must consider the long-term effects of our decision on the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But lastly, if Israelis and Palestinians can ever, one day, reach a peace accord, they will very likely need a credible multinational force to police it, and the only one I can think of is a U.S.-led NATO force.

The New York Times

But lastly, Dr. Eddy found confirmation of his findings in measurements of the concentration of the radioactive isotope carbon-14 found in tree rings, which is known to correlate with solar activity.

The New York Times

But lastly, and probably most importantly, I started taking the end of my high school career as an opportunity to look back and really appreciate everything I've been given.

The New York Times

But lastly, shouldn't we think again about whether we really want outsourcing at all? Gillian Dalley London It is really encouraging that the Guardian is continuing to highlight the risks to the criminal justice system that the government's close links to private contractors are creating.

The Guardian

But lastly, we just really kind of hit it off as human beings.

Vice

But lastly it is the way the Israeli's have manipulated the world stage and continue to do in many aspects.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Thirdly but not lastly, different biological processes have distinct preference with different aspects of EMT/MET.

Protein & Cell

Lastly, but perhaps most important, is ensuring the independent scrutiny of education budgets.

The Guardian

Lastly, but quite importantly, the modern-day framing device – Tonto is relating these events from middle age – never fully earns its keep.

The Guardian - Books

Lastly, but most importantly, the army and the government must chart a clear road map for the weeks and months ahead.

The New York Times

There's the innocuous: "All right mate!", the dilatory: "Are you still doing the Big Breakfast?", and lastly, but, he says, no less frequently: "Have you got any coke?" It's been nearly eight years since Bacon was exposed by the News of the World as a "cocaine-snorting sneak" and there are still those who think there's nothing more hilarious than reminding him of it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "But lastly" to clearly signal the final point in a series, especially when you want to emphasize its importance or provide a sense of closure to your argument.

Common error

Avoid starting every sentence with transitional phrases like "But lastly". Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less engaging. Vary your sentence structure to create a more natural flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "But lastly" functions as a transitional phrase used to introduce the final point in a series or argument. It signals the end of a list while also emphasizing the importance of the concluding statement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "But lastly" serves as a useful transitional phrase, particularly in writing, to introduce a final point or consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for signaling closure, as seen in various news and media contexts. While alternatives like "finally" or "lastly" exist, "But lastly" adds a nuance of emphasis or contrast. Remember to use it sparingly to avoid repetitive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Finally

This single word is a direct synonym, offering a concise way to introduce the last point.

Lastly

Omits the "but", making it slightly more formal while retaining the concluding function.

In conclusion

A more formal phrase that explicitly indicates the summing up of an argument or discussion.

To conclude

Similar to "in conclusion", but slightly more concise.

To summarize

Focuses on providing a brief recap of the main points before ending.

Ultimately

Highlights the final outcome or most important consideration.

Last but not least

Emphasizes that the final point is still important despite being mentioned last.

As a final point

Directly introduces the last item in a series of points.

On a final note

A slightly more conversational way to introduce a concluding remark.

By way of conclusion

A more elaborate and formal way of signaling the end of a discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "But lastly" in a sentence?

Use "But lastly" to introduce the final point in a list or argument. For example, "We need to consider the cost, the timeline, and, "but lastly", the environmental impact."

What can I say instead of "But lastly"?

You can use alternatives like "finally", "lastly", or "in conclusion" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to start a sentence with "But lastly"?

While "But lastly" can be seen as slightly redundant since "lastly" already implies it's the final point, the "but" can add emphasis or signal a contrast with previous points. Use it judiciously to avoid sounding repetitive.

What's the difference between "Lastly" and "But lastly"?

"Lastly" simply introduces the final point. "But lastly" can imply a contrast or highlight a final consideration that might be unexpected or particularly important. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.