at the last possible moment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the last possible moment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or decision that is made just before a deadline or the final opportunity to do something. Example: "She submitted her application at the last possible moment, ensuring it was still considered for the scholarship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But Romero got hot at the last possible moment.

The New York Times - Sports

At the last possible moment, you have kids.

The New Yorker

At the last possible moment, the bird spotted us.

The New York Times

The cold weather was back, at the last possible moment.

The Guardian - Sport

And then, at the last possible moment, the Iranian regime launched a dramatic rescue mission.

The New Yorker

At the last possible moment, drop a handful of spinach to wilt in the steam.

The New Yorker

Lots of rappers write their lyrics in the recording studio, at the last possible moment.

The New York Times - Arts

Sandra Bullock's character, Ryan Stone, floats from one mishap to another, always escaping disaster at the last possible moment.

The Guardian - Film

At the last possible moment, will reasonable Republicans finally reject that hopeless course and rise up against it?

The New York Times

The skill of Holmes that entrances Ryan most is his knack for extending his hands at the last possible moment.

The New York Times - Sports

And Modric might be the warning to all those who switched sides at the last possible moment.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the last possible moment" to create tension or emphasize the urgency of a situation. It works well in narratives where timing is crucial.

Common error

While acceptable in news and general contexts, avoid overusing "at the last possible moment" in formal or academic papers. Opt for more precise language that specifies the timeframe or reason for the delay.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the last possible moment" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by specifying when an action occurs. It indicates that something happens right before a deadline or critical point. Ludwig's examples show this usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at the last possible moment" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to emphasize the timing and urgency of an event. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most prevalent in news and media contexts. While effective for creating tension, it might be too informal for academic writing, where precision is favored. Alternatives like "at the eleventh hour" or "just in the nick of time" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Remember to consider your audience and the level of formality required when choosing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the eleventh hour

Emphasizes the lateness of the timing, often suggesting a narrow escape or rescue.

just in the nick of time

Highlights the fortunate aspect of the timing, implying that a disaster was narrowly avoided.

at the very last second

Focuses on the extreme closeness to the final limit, often used for dramatic effect.

with no time to spare

Indicates a lack of remaining time, stressing the urgency of the situation.

at the deadline

Specifies the exact point when something is due or must be completed.

in the final moments

Emphasizes the concluding part of a period, signifying critical actions taken then.

right before the cutoff

Highlights reaching the point where something is no longer allowed or possible.

in the nick of twilight

Means something happening in the last moments before a drastic change.

barely making it

Suggests that success was achieved with minimal margin for error or delay.

at the tail end

Emphasizes placement near the very end of a process or period.

FAQs

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

You can use "at the last possible moment" to describe when something happens right before a deadline or a crucial point. For example: "She submitted her report "at the last possible moment"."

What are some alternatives to "at the last possible moment"?

Alternatives include "at the eleventh hour", "just in the nick of time", or "at the very last second", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "at the last minute" the same as "at the last possible moment"?

While similar, "at the last minute" is more general. "At the last possible moment" emphasizes that there was no time to spare and it was almost too late. Both are acceptable in most contexts.

Can "at the last possible moment" be used in formal writing?

While technically correct, "at the last possible moment" might sound too informal for academic or very formal business writing. Consider alternatives such as "immediately before the deadline" or "in the final stages".