a last spurt

USAGE SUMMARY

"a last spurt" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to suggest that someone or something is pushing forward with an additional effort to complete a task, usually at the end of a particular amount of time. For example: "The students put in a last spurt of hard work to complete their presentation on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The Klan enjoyed a last spurt of growth in 1928, when Alfred E. Smith, a Catholic, received the Democratic presidential nomination.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They represent a last spurt toward the water before the landscaping is laid out to define the relationship for them.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Harvard faded, but Columbia had one last spurt, and on the final stroke regained the lead.

The New York Times - Sports

The state kicked in $1 million, prompting the last spurt of private money and bringing it up to the negotiated price of $4.2 million.

The New York Times

"I still think there's an opportunity for us to have a late spurt, because I think we've got better now, these last few weeks we've got more consistent," he said.

BBC

“Making that final spurt, the last effort in a race.

The New York Times - Books

This isn't a problem so much as a massive opportunity, and if one has the stomach for it, operating as a last-mile remittance service is where the largest growth spurts will be observed.

TechCrunch

He resembled the younger brother of some friend of yours who has undergone a growth spurt since the last time you saw him.

The New Yorker

The pediatrician says it could be a growth spurt, which should last only a couple of days.

Huffington Post

The steep drop in commodity prices in recent months has also reduced export and government revenue to a number of countries (Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru, Chile) where previously high prices of agricultural crops, minerals, and hydrocarbons has contributed to a growth spurt over the last few years.

Huffington Post

He described Brazil's economy, Latin America's largest, as healthy and resilient, noting that the predictions of a deep recession and a spurt of inflation that accompanied the country's last agreement with the I.M.F., in early 1999, proved untrue.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a last spurt" to describe a concentrated effort near the end of a process, activity, or period. It is particularly fitting when the effort leads to a noticeable change or improvement.

Common error

While "a last spurt" is acceptable, more formal alternatives like "final surge" or "concluding effort" may be more appropriate in academic or business writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a last spurt" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a final, sudden burst of effort or activity, typically occurring near the end of a process or event, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a last spurt" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a final burst of effort or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not extremely common, it's primarily found in News & Media contexts and, to a lesser extent, in encyclopedias. For more formal writing, consider using alternatives like "final surge" or "concluding effort". The phrase conveys a sense of urgency and finality, highlighting the importance of this last-minute push. Remember to tailor your word choice to the specific context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a final surge

Replaces "spurt" with "surge", emphasizing a powerful rush or increase.

a concluding burst

Substitutes "spurt" with "burst", highlighting a sudden release of energy at the end.

a last push

Replaces "spurt" with "push", focusing on a final exertion of effort.

a final rally

Uses "rally" instead of "spurt", implying a comeback or renewed effort near the end.

a concluding effort

Replaces "spurt" with the more formal term "effort", emphasizing conscious exertion.

a terminal surge

Utilizes "terminal surge", emphasizing the surge happening at the very end.

a final flourish

Implies a decorative or showy final effort, unlike the plain "spurt".

a late rally

Uses "late rally" to suggest a resurgence that occurs closer to the end.

a closing kick

Employs "closing kick", particularly suited for describing efforts in races or competitions.

a final stretch

Replaces "spurt" with "stretch", indicating the final part of an activity or race where effort is maximized.

FAQs

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

You can use "a last spurt" to describe a final burst of effort or activity before the end of something. For example, "The team made "a last spurt" to finish the project on time."

What's a good alternative to "a last spurt"?

Consider using phrases like "a final surge", "a concluding burst", or "a last push" depending on the context.

Is "a last spurt" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a last spurt" might be more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. For formal writing, consider alternatives such as "a concluding effort" or "a final surge".

How does "a last spurt" differ from "a last sprint"?

"A last spurt" implies a sudden burst of activity, while "a last sprint" suggests sustained high-speed effort over a shorter distance or time. The best choice depends on whether the effort is brief and intense or sustained.