at the last moment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the last moment" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something has happened just before it was too late, or at the end of a period of time. Example: I finished typing up the report at the last moment before the deadline.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At the last moment Mme.

The New Yorker

That was improvised at the last moment.

The Guardian - Arts

I'm learning roles at the last moment.

The Guardian - Music

At the last moment, the plan unraveled.

The New York Times - Sports

At the last moment, she calls them off.

Independent

But at the last moment she would have walked past.

The New Yorker

Mr Domenici backed away at the last moment.

The Economist

I can still quit at the last moment.

Independent

Crucial specifications were changed at the last moment.

The Economist

It stuck in my craw at the last moment.

The New Yorker

"The victims realised just at the last moment," Robin said.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the last moment" to create suspense or emphasize urgency in your writing. It adds a sense of drama when describing events that occur close to a critical point.

Common error

Avoid using "at the last moment" interchangeably with phrases like "eventually" or "ultimately". "At the last moment" specifies timing very close to a deadline or critical point, while the others refer to outcomes over a longer period.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the last moment" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify the timing of an action. It indicates that something occurs immediately before a deadline or critical point. Ludwig confirms its wide applicability across contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

15%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the last moment" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate actions happening right before a deadline or critical point. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It functions to emphasize urgency and narrow timing, suitable for neutral to formal registers. Common alternatives include "just in time" and "at the eleventh hour". Remember to use it accurately to convey the intended sense of immediacy and avoid confusing it with phrases that imply longer time spans.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the nick of time

Similar to "just in time" but with a more dramatic connotation of narrowly avoiding failure.

just in time

Focuses on timeliness, emphasizing arrival or completion right before a cutoff.

barely in time

Emphasizes the narrow margin by which something was achieved or avoided.

at the eleventh hour

An idiomatic expression emphasizing the lateness of the action.

right before the deadline

Explicitly connects the action to an impending deadline.

with no time to spare

Highlights the lack of remaining time before an event or deadline.

at the very end

Indicates occurrence at the terminal point of a duration.

seconds before

Highlights the very short interval before a specific event.

on the verge of

Implies proximity to a state or occurrence, often used when something is imminent.

as a last resort

Suggests that something is done because all other options have been exhausted.

FAQs

What does "at the last moment" mean?

The phrase "at the last moment" means something happens just before it's too late or right before a deadline. It implies urgency and that there was barely enough time.

How can I use "at the last moment" in a sentence?

You can use "at the last moment" to describe when a decision was made very late, like: "At the last moment, she decided not to go."

What can I say instead of "at the last moment"?

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

Is "at the last moment" formal or informal?

"At the last moment" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and situation than the phrase itself.