at the final hour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the final hour" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a critical moment just before a deadline or an important event. Example: "She managed to submit her application at the final hour, just before the deadline closed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

MayorDave Bing, who chose at the final hour not to oppose Mr. Orr's appointment, will not publicly discuss what happens next.

The New York Times

He would have come so close only to have fate and circumstances step in at the final hour and give President Obama a boost.

The New York Times

The first Glastonbury kicked off with T-Rex, who replaced The Kinks at the final hour, and tickets cost just £1 (those were the days...)...

Independent

This bluffing at the final hour just as the Yes vote is moving up the polls is not to be taken seriously in any way.

Independent

She also knows that other labs have since joined the race, and she would hate to see some newcomer step in at the final hour and seize victory.

The New York Times - Science

Look at Take That or the Spice Girls or, erm, Hear'say - all excellent bands, all one down at the final hour.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

The competition was shown as an ABC TV special at the same time as the final hour of the 2009 Super Bowl, which aired on another channel.

Los Angeles Times

Johnson said neither country "can expect any praise for allowing some people to escape the city at the final hours".

The Guardian

Shares of the XLF, an exchange-traded fund designed to track the performance of the Financial Select Sector of the S&P 500 Index, are up 0.13% to stand at $15.55 in the final hour of the trading session.

Forbes

The number of vertical strips equals the number of hours in the night, with the first hour at the right edge and the final hour at the left edge.

WikiHow

They were parted at the start of the final hour.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the final hour" to add dramatic effect or emphasize the narrowness of a successful action. For clarity, follow it with an explanation of what was achieved or averted.

Common error

Avoid using "at the final hour" when a less dramatic phrase like "at the last minute" would be more appropriate. Overusing it can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the final hour" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when something happened. It specifies the timing of an action, emphasizing its proximity to a deadline or critical moment, as validated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the final hour" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to emphasize the timing and urgency of an event. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as an adverbial phrase, often conveying a sense of drama or near-miss. It’s most common in News & Media contexts, and Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. To maximize its impact, it should be used judiciously, avoiding overuse in contexts where simpler alternatives like "at the last minute" would suffice. Understanding its connotations and applying it purposefully enhances clarity and strengthens the overall tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the eleventh hour

Classic idiom, implying something happens very late; highly similar in meaning and impact.

in the nick of time

Emphasizes narrowly avoiding a negative outcome. Slightly more informal.

at the last minute

A common alternative focusing on timing, though slightly less dramatic.

just in time

Highlights timeliness but lacks the urgency of "at the final hour".

at the death

British English idiom; focuses on something happening right before the end.

with no time to spare

Highlights the lack of remaining time, making it a synonym focused on scarcity.

barely in time

Emphasizes the narrowness of the margin by which the event occurred.

at the tail end

Suggests the very end of a process or event but without the specific stress of a deadline.

before it was too late

Highlights the avoidance of a negative consequence more than the timing itself.

on the verge

Focuses on the imminence of an event, but it doesn't directly refer to a deadline.

FAQs

What does "at the final hour" mean?

The phrase "at the final hour" means something happens just before a deadline or the end of an opportunity. It implies a sense of urgency and narrow escape.

What can I say instead of "at the final hour"?

You can use alternatives like "at the eleventh hour", "in the nick of time", or "at the last minute" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "at the final hour" in formal writing?

Yes, "at the final hour" is acceptable in formal writing, though it can also be used in less formal contexts. Consider the tone of your piece to ensure it's appropriate.

How can I use "at the final hour" in a sentence?

For example: "The agreement was reached "at the final hour", averting a strike." It is usually followed by what was done or accomplished.