a last option

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a last option" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a final choice or alternative that one considers after all other options have been exhausted. Example: "If all else fails, we may have to resort to a last option and implement the backup plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

A state takeover of schools, Mr. O'Connell said, would be a "last option".

The New York Times

A publishing executive who has had extensive dealings with Bezos told me, "Going into publishing was a last option.

The New Yorker

Environment Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk said it was "a last option" to reduce environmental degradation and rising conflicts with humans.

The New York Times

If Europeans refuse to consider force as a last option to support diplomatic efforts, analysts believe that the European Union's foreign policy will be toothless.

The New York Times

Congressional leaders said their vote and days of debate reflected a sentiment that military action was not a first but a last option.

The New York Times

On Wednesday, the Indian foreign minister, Yashwant Sinha, again raised the prospect of war as "a last option" should other efforts to halt the militants fail.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

LUNA can be a last alternative option in well-selected patients for control of chronic pelvic pain without endometriosis; however, its effectiveness may not extend to other indications.

Gynecological Surgery

If this is not available, vat-pasteurized cream will produce the best flavor, followed by ordinary pasteurized cream, with ultra-pasteurized (UHT) cream a last choice option.

WikiHow

My hope is that military strikes are reserved as a dire, last option after all others are exhausted.

The New York Times

Fortunately I got a flight, the last option.

The Guardian - Travel

"Military action is a very, very last option and I do not believe it is something we should go down the line".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a last option", clearly indicate what the other options were and why they are no longer viable to emphasize the weight and rationale behind resorting to this final choice.

Common error

Avoid using "a last option" when you actually mean a preferred or primary choice. This phrase signifies a final alternative, not an initial preference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a last option" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a predicate nominative or object of a preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It identifies the final available choice after all other alternatives have been considered.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a last option" is a common phrase used to denote a final choice when all other alternatives have been exhausted. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media, science, and wiki contexts. While alternatives like "the last resort" exist, it's important to use "a last option" when accurately portraying a situation where a specific course of action is considered only after exhausting all other possibilities. Remember to clearly state what the other options were and why they failed, and to not confuse it with a first or preferred choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the last resort

A common idiom with very similar meaning, indicating no other choices remain.

a final resort

Emphasizes the idea of something being the ultimate solution when all else has failed.

an ultimate alternative

Highlights that it's the extreme choice, the final available alternative.

a desperate measure

Implies a sense of urgency and potential risk associated with the choice.

the final recourse

Focuses on the act of turning to something for help or protection when everything else has failed.

a final strategy

Focuses on the idea of it being the concluding strategy in a plan.

a terminal selection

Emphasizes the conclusiveness and finality of the choice.

the endmost possibility

Highlights its position as the furthest or last possibility considered.

a concluding course of action

Focuses on the aspect of it being the final step taken to address a situation.

the ultimate safeguard

Suggests it's the supreme protective measure, deployed when all other safeguards have failed.

FAQs

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

You can use "a last option" to describe a final course of action when all other possibilities have been exhausted. For example, "Bankruptcy is "a last option" for individuals facing insurmountable debt."

What's the difference between "a last option" and "the last resort"?

While similar, "the last resort" often implies a greater sense of desperation or urgency compared to "a last option". Both refer to a final choice, but "the last resort" suggests a more critical situation.

What are some alternatives to saying "a last option"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a final resort", "an ultimate alternative", or "a desperate measure".

Is it appropriate to use "a last option" in formal writing?

Yes, "a last option" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and concise way to indicate that something is being considered as a final choice. However, ensure the context aligns with the seriousness of the situation.