a last meal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a last meal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing final meals, often in relation to someone on death row or in a metaphorical sense. Example: "Before the execution, the inmate requested a last meal of his favorite foods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Re "Texas Death Row Kitchen Cooks Its Last 'Last Meal' " (news article, Sept. 23): Texas's abrupt disposal of the practice of offering the condemned a last meal of choice is disquieting, signaling an offhanded disregard for the moral values deeply encoded in the longstanding tradition.

The New York Times

Davis refused a last meal.

The Guardian

Then: flights booked; a last meal; and a life ended.

The Guardian - Opinion

But he was more creative when asked what he would want for a last meal.

The New York Times - Sports

The prison prepared a last meal of macaroni, cornbread and salad, but he turned it down.

The Economist

So they took him to Earl's Rib Palace for the celebratory opposite of a last meal.

The New York Times

She came for a last meal not out of fondness but to use a gift certificate.

The New York Times

If I have to pick a last meal, this would be it.

The New York Times

A last meal should be about friends, frivolity and copious alcohol.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Most states still offer death row inmates a "last-meal" request.

Huffington Post

His shrine: flowers in 800 malt liquor bottle "vases" and a paper plate of fried chicken, a symbolic last meal.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a last meal" in creative writing, consider the emotional weight the phrase carries, particularly in the context of death row or significant goodbyes. Use it to enhance the narrative's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a last meal" in everyday situations where it doesn't fit the gravity of the phrase. It can sound overly dramatic or even insensitive. Instead, opt for a simple "final meal" or "farewell dinner".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a last meal" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object or subject in a sentence. It refers to the final opportunity to eat before an event, commonly associated with death or significant departure. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a last meal" is a commonly used noun phrase denoting the final dining experience before a significant event, often associated with death or departure. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in various contexts. While generally neutral in register, its emotional weight makes it more suitable for formal or serious contexts. When a less dramatic tone is needed, alternatives like "final meal" or "farewell dinner" might be more appropriate. Remember that because of its emotional and historical weight, you should reserve using the phrase "a last meal" only for when it's truly fitting for the tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

final meal

Replaces "last" with "final", emphasizing the concluding nature of the meal.

last supper

Implies a more formal or religiously significant final meal.

final repast

Uses a more formal term, "repast", for meal.

farewell dinner

Focuses on the meal as a goodbye or send-off event.

terminal meal

Emphasizes the end or conclusion of the meal.

departure meal

Highlights the meal eaten before leaving or departing.

penultimate meal

Emphasizes the meal before the last one, shifting the focus slightly.

closing feast

Conveys a sense of celebration at the end.

ultimate meal

Emphasizes that this meal is the most extreme, or highest degree, meal.

valedictory meal

Emphasizes the act of saying farewell through the meal.

FAQs

How can I use "a last meal" in a sentence?

You can use "a last meal" to describe the final dining experience before a significant event, such as "The condemned man requested a hearty steak for his "a last meal"".

What are some alternatives to "a last meal"?

Alternatives include "final meal", "last supper" (if the context is appropriate), or "farewell dinner".

Is it appropriate to use "a last meal" in a lighthearted context?

Using "a last meal" in a lighthearted context might be perceived as insensitive due to its common association with death row inmates. Consider using "farewell dinner" or "final meal" instead.

What is the origin of the tradition of offering a last meal?

The tradition of offering a last meal to someone facing execution dates back centuries and is rooted in ideas of compassion and allowing the condemned a final comfort before death.