a last request

USAGE SUMMARY

"a last request" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to a request made by someone who knows they are about to die or that they may never have the opportunity to make the request again. Example: Before passing away, the dying man made a last request to see his son one final time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Mr. Koutoukas did have a last request.

The New York Times - Arts

Sorensen, according to Peterson: Captured by terrorists, Pete Peterson and I were offered a last request before being executed.

The New Yorker

The execution came just before 10 p.m. Central time, shortly after the United States Supreme Court denied a last request for a reprieve.

The New York Times

Jack had a last request, like a last order at their favorite pub, the Coach and Horses, that they would take his ashes and toss them in the sea off Margate pier.

The New York Times

A Last Request (I Want Your Sex).

Huffington Post

Her favourite pet Pomeranian, Turri, was laid upon her deathbed as a last request.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

— — — — — — — Codicil No. 4: Can I make a silly-sounding last request?

The New Yorker

When Lawrence Russell Brewer, a man convicted for a murder he committed in 1998, faced the death penalty, he made his last request a memorable one.

Huffington Post

Of the 244 physicians who indicated having received a euthanasia request seventy percent consulted a second physician in their last request; in 30% this was with a LEIF physician.

BMC Health Services Research

He wrote and directed "The Last Request," a feature film starring Danny Aiello, T.R.Knight, and Mario Cantone.

HuffPost

The visit metric was meant to gauge user engagement by counting the number of unique requests for a site at least a half hour from the last request.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a last request", ensure the context clearly indicates the finality or urgency of the request. This phrase is most effective when the situation implies a lack of future opportunities for making such a request.

Common error

Avoid using "a last request" when simply making a final point in a negotiation or discussion, because it is more appropriate to use the phrase for situations that are genuinely the final opportunity to ask for something.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a last request" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. It identifies a specific, final request made by someone, often implying a sense of urgency or finality. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a last request" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a final wish or demand, often in situations implying urgency or finality. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a valid phrase. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, but can also appear in wiki pages and formal business documents. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the context highlights the terminal nature of the request and avoid overusing it in non-terminal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a final request

Emphasizes the terminal nature of the request, similar to the original phrase. It's a very close synonym, focusing on the endpoint aspect.

a last wish

Similar to "a final request", but with a slightly more personal or sentimental connotation, often associated with end-of-life scenarios.

one last wish

Emphasizes singularity. The 'one' stresses that it is the only wish being expressed.

a dying wish

Specifically implies that the request is made by someone near death, adding a somber and urgent tone.

a final plea

Highlights the act of begging or earnestly asking for something one last time, carrying a sense of desperation.

a parting request

Implies the request is made at the time of departure or separation, adding a sense of closure.

a final appeal

Focuses on making a final, earnest attempt to persuade someone, highlighting the persuasive aspect.

an ultimate demand

Conveys a sense of authority or insistence, suggesting the request is non-negotiable and the final one.

final words

While broader, in some contexts this can imply a request embedded within someone's last statements.

last will

Implicates a legal document outlining someone's final wishes, specifically regarding their possessions and estate.

FAQs

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

You can use "a last request" when describing a final wish or demand someone makes, particularly in situations where they believe they won't have another chance. For example: "Before he passed away, he made "a last request" to see his family."

What is the difference between "a final request" and "a last request"?

While "a final request" and "a last request" are very similar, "a last request" often carries a stronger implication of urgency or that there will be no further opportunities. "Final" simply indicates the end of a series, while "last" can imply a more significant sense of closure or desperation.

What can I say instead of "a last request"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a final request", "a dying wish", or "a final plea" to convey a similar meaning with slightly different emphasis.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a last request"?

Yes, "a last request" is grammatically correct. The article "a" is correctly used with the singular noun "request", and "last" appropriately modifies the noun to indicate it is the final request being made.