at the last second

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the last second" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that occurs just before a deadline or a critical moment. Example: "She managed to submit her application at the last second, just before the deadline closed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I was ready at the last second".

Independent

Put them on at the last second".

The New Yorker

At the last second, he held back.

The New York Times

"I saw it at the last second," Rask said.

The New York Times - Sports

At the last second the bricks are caught, or not.

The New York Times - Arts

I almost didn't — but at the last second I did.

The New Yorker

He heard me at the last second and bailed.

The New York Times - Sports

But then, depending on what you see, you might change it at the last second".

The New York Times - Sports

However, Mr. Saleh, at the last second, went back on his promise to sign the agreement.

The New York Times

They swerve around potholes, seldom signal and use their iffy brakes only at the last second.

The Economist

"The idea to go on the stage came up at the last second," he said.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the last second" to create a sense of urgency or tension in your writing. It's effective for highlighting close calls and dramatic turns of events.

Common error

While "at the last second" is widely understood, it can sound informal. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "at the final moment" or "just before the deadline" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the last second" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase. It modifies verbs, adverbs, or clauses to indicate when an action occurred. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the last second" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that indicates an action occurred just before a deadline or critical moment. Predominantly found in news and media, it conveys urgency and immediacy. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While versatile, consider more formal alternatives like "at the final moment" in highly professional contexts. "At the last second" is similar in meaning to phrases like "at the eleventh hour" and "in the nick of time", and is a useful way to describe those close calls that make writing more engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the eleventh hour

This alternative is an idiom that conveys a similar sense of urgency and lateness, but it's more figurative.

in the nick of time

Similar to "at the eleventh hour", this is an idiomatic expression denoting a narrow escape or last-minute rescue.

just in time

This phrase implies that something happened with no time to spare.

at the very last moment

This alternative emphasizes the finality and immediacy of the event.

at the death

A more dramatic and often British expression indicating something happening right at the end of a process or event.

seconds before the deadline

This alternative more explicitly refers to the proximity to a set deadline.

with no time to spare

This phrase emphasizes the lack of available time.

barely in time

Similar to "just in time", but suggests even less margin for error.

at the tail end

This alternative indicates the final portion or concluding phase of an activity.

in the final split second

This emphasizes the brevity of the timing, focusing on a fraction of a second.

FAQs

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

You can use "at the last second" to describe something that happens right before a deadline or an expected end. For instance, "She submitted her application "at the last second"."

What is a more formal alternative to "at the last second"?

In more formal contexts, you might prefer phrases like "at the final moment" or "just before the deadline" as alternatives to "at the last second".

Is "at the last second" the same as "at the last minute"?

Yes, "at the last second" is very similar in meaning to "at the last minute". Both phrases indicate that something happened very late, just before it was too late.

What does it mean to do something "at the last second"?

To do something "at the last second" means you do it with almost no time to spare, right before a deadline or critical moment. It implies a sense of urgency or near failure.