about that last

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about that last" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a previous point or topic that was just mentioned, often in a conversational context. Example: "About that last comment you made, I think we should discuss it further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We talked about that last time.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I was thinking about that last night.

The New York Times

Are you serious about that last part?

University of California, Berkeley

Just kidding about that last part.

University of California, Berkeley

* * * I'm sorry about that last message.

The New Yorker

And what about that last column?

The New York Times

you'll know something about that last Christmas.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'm sorry about that last message.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It's about jobs that last, and jobs that build something that lasts even longer".

Huffington Post

No, that last part about TV is a joke.

The New Yorker

Especially that last part about lotuses.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "about that last", ensure the reference is clear to your audience to avoid confusion. If necessary, briefly restate the point to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Common error

Avoid using "about that last" if the previous point is not immediately clear or has been interrupted by other topics. This can lead to ambiguity and confuse your readers or listeners.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about that last" functions as a discourse marker, signaling a return to a previously discussed topic or item. This is confirmed by the examples provided by Ludwig, which show its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

22%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "about that last" is a grammatically correct and frequently used discourse marker that helps connect ideas within a conversation or written piece. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to remind the audience about a previous point or item. While versatile, clarity is key: ensure the reference is clear to avoid confusion. Semantically related alternatives include "regarding the previous one" and "concerning the last item", offering flexibility in tone and context. Predominantly found in news and media, it also appears in academia and more formal settings, demonstrating its widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

regarding the previous one

Focuses specifically on the item immediately before the current one.

concerning the last item

More formal and emphasizes the subject matter.

with respect to the last point

Highlights a particular idea or argument previously made.

on the subject of the last

Introduces a continued discussion on the prior topic.

referring to the final one

Directly points back to the concluding element of a series.

as for the last matter

Indicates a shift to addressing the final item in a list of issues.

in relation to the last

Establishes a link or comparison with what was just discussed.

in connection with the last

Emphasizes a causal or consequential link.

regarding what was last said

Specifically addresses the last spoken words or statements.

pertaining to the last

Formally introduces a topic related to the final point.

FAQs

How can I use "about that last" in a sentence?

You can use "about that last" to refer back to something previously mentioned, for example: "About that last email, I need to make a correction."

What's a more formal alternative to "about that last"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "regarding the previous one" or "concerning the last item".

Is it grammatically correct to say "about that last"?

Yes, the phrase "about that last" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English. Ludwig AI also confirms this.

When should I avoid using "about that last"?

Avoid using "about that last" if the reference isn't immediately clear to your audience or if there's a significant gap in the conversation or writing since the last mentioned point.