as a last word

USAGE SUMMARY

'as a last word' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when concluding a topic or discussion, or when expressing a final opinion. For example: "My advice is to take your time and seriously consider all of your options. As a last word, trust your gut and make the decision that feels right for you."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

And here, as a last word, let me enter a word of caution, particularly in light of the theme of this conference.

Comparative Migration Studies

(Unlike, what, "1776"?) One would of course hope, though it is not at all safe to assume, that audiences would regard a Broadway musical as a starting point for historical inquiry rather than as a last word.

Los Angeles Times

When Tess faces up to her imminent demise, the long exhalation she offers as a last word seems to hang in the air that much longer on the more powerful platform.

Vice

As a last word on LGT, it should be mentioned that LGT to eukaryotes is manifest in two fundamentally different forms.

Genome Biology and Evolution

As a last word, it is noteworthy that although negative perceptions of older people are not totally without foundation, 63 the problems of the elderly are greatly exaggerated.

Clinical interventions in aging

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

As fine a last word as there could be.

Forbes

To that degree, the term that ended last week is as much prologue as last word.

The New York Times

MSNBC's Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O'Donnell shared a particularly funny moment Monday night as the "Last Word" host had a bit of personal news he wanted to share.

HuffPost

No reference must be made to principles beyond your reach, because those do not apply; you will be tested and validated according to your own lights, and Mia's predicament, though terrible, should therefore be seen not as a tragedy but as the very last word in self-help.

The New Yorker

For example, "horse" was pronounced [kaˈpˠɞl̪ˠ] in isolation or as the last word of a sentence, but as [ˈkapˠəl̪ˠ] in the middle of a sentence.

Wikipedia

Should officials treat a court decision as the last word and the law of the land, or should they stand up for their understanding of the Constitution?

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a last word" to signal the conclusion of a discussion or to offer a final, impactful thought. It adds a sense of closure to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "as a last word" too frequently within a single piece of writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using other concluding phrases for variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a last word" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying the sentence or clause it introduces. Ludwig AI confirms its use to signal a concluding remark or a final piece of advice, adding emphasis to the concluding nature of the statement. It often acts as a discourse marker, guiding the reader or listener to recognize the end of a discussion or a specific point.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a last word" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, as verified by Ludwig AI. It serves as an adverbial phrase to introduce a concluding remark or final piece of advice, functioning as a discourse marker that signals closure. While its register is generally neutral, it is frequently observed in news, scientific, and academic contexts, though its overall frequency is uncommon. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid repetitiveness and to maximize its impact when offering a final, impactful thought. Consider alternative phrases like "in conclusion" or "finally" to provide variety in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a final point

Emphasizes the concluding nature of the statement being made.

by way of conclusion

Introduces a more elaborate and formal way to signal the end.

in conclusion

Replaces the phrase with a standard concluding remark, focusing on summarizing main points.

as a parting thought

Highlights the concluding remark as something to consider after the discussion.

to conclude

Provides a more formal transition into the concluding remarks.

in closing

Suggests a movement towards the end of a speech or discussion.

finally

Offers a simpler way to indicate the last point or statement.

lastly

Similar to "finally", but can feel slightly more structured.

in summary

A concise way to indicate that a summary is about to be given.

to summarize

Indicates an intent to provide a brief overview of the main points.

FAQs

What does "as a last word" mean?

The phrase "as a last word" signifies a final statement or concluding remark on a particular topic, intended to provide closure or a lasting impression.

How can I use "as a last word" in a sentence?

You can use "as a last word" to introduce a concluding thought or piece of advice, such as: "Consider all options carefully; "as a last word", trust your instincts."

What are some alternatives to "as a last word"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in conclusion", "finally", or "to summarize", each offering a slightly different nuance in closing a discussion.

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

Yes, "as a last word" can be used in formal writing, although more formal alternatives like "to conclude" or "by way of conclusion" might be preferred in very formal contexts.