a last sprint

USAGE SUMMARY

"a last sprint" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to the final burst of energy or effort put into something, often to achieve a goal or complete a task. It is commonly used in sports, but can also be used in other contexts where a person is exerting a significant amount of effort in a short amount of time. Example: "In a last sprint, the team raced to finish the project before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

After two days of meetings with Mr. Barak and Mr. Arafat in Norway last November, for example, Mr. Clinton said he was beginning a "last sprint" for a peace settlement.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Then they'll have to muster a final sprint in the last 500 meters with lactate levels shooting into the low 20 mmol/ls.

Huffington Post

The ICCs also increased when the last sprint was excluded from the sprint time in a fatigued state (Table 1), hence we used the mean time of the 7th and 8th sprints as mean sprint time in a fatigued state.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Trott did not seal victory until the second from last sprint of the points race, which she won by an inch from D'Hoore to extend her lead to five points.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Obama, who has greatly ramped up his campaign as he gets closer to the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, which begins on Sept. 4, and then the last sprint to November, appeared fired up on Saturday in front of a friendly audience of about 2,300 people.

The New York Times

Unstoppable, more or less, right to the last sprint.

The New York Times - Sports

He tells teammates when they need to run their last sprint.

The Washington Post

The percent decrement in sprint ability (RSADEC) with respect to the first sprint was significantly higher in the last sprint.

Nature

"Maybe during the last sprint, sometimes you can lose, sometimes you can gain," Lel said.

The New York Times - Sports

But what is the point of worrying about the finish line when the race is in the last sprint?

The New York Times

Simon Yates of Britain won the last sprint to claim the points race at the track cycling world championships in Minsk, Belarus, for his first major title.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a last sprint" to vividly describe a concentrated burst of effort near the completion of a task or goal. It adds a sense of urgency and determination to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a last sprint" when describing abstract or non-physical situations where the imagery of sprinting doesn't fit. Choose a more appropriate phrase like "final stage" or "concluding remarks" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a last sprint" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It describes the final burst of activity or effort before a conclusion. Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a last sprint" is a grammatically correct way to describe a final surge of effort. While relatively rare in overall usage, it appears across varied contexts, including news, science, and general writing. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and suggests using it to add vividness to descriptions of concentrated final efforts. Remember to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives when necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

final surge

Emphasizes a sudden increase in effort at the end.

closing stretch

Refers to the final part of a race or endeavor.

final push

Highlights the effort to overcome final resistance.

last-ditch effort

Suggests a desperate attempt at the very end.

end game

Focuses on the strategic final stage.

homestretch

Indicates the final straight portion of a race or task.

eleventh hour

Signifies something happening very late or at the last possible moment.

final phase

Refers to the concluding part of a project or process.

last leg

Focuses on the final stage of a journey or project.

ultimate endeavor

Puts focus on a final effort towards something significant.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a last sprint" in a sentence?

Use "a last sprint" to describe a burst of effort or activity near the end of a process or event. For instance, "The team made "a final surge" to complete the project on time".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a last sprint"?

Depending on the context, consider using alternatives such as "final push", "closing stretch", or "homestretch".

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

While generally acceptable, consider the audience and context. In highly formal settings, a more neutral phrase like "final phase" or "concluding stage" might be more suitable.

What distinguishes "a last sprint" from "a final push"?

"A last sprint" emphasizes speed and sudden exertion, while "a final push" implies overcoming resistance or applying concentrated effort to achieve a goal, even if it's not necessarily rapid.