at the latest possible moment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the latest possible moment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something should be done as close to a deadline as possible without going over it. Example: "Please submit your report at the latest possible moment to ensure we have the most up-to-date information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's preferable to quaff and nosh outside the portals, and time tightly for hitting the set-start at the latest possible moment.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The latest possible date would be c.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For his game-tying home run in the ninth, Dan Johnson contributed a WPA of.490 – in other words: on one play, he improved his team's chances of winning by 49% In many ways, the comeback was an apt microcosm for the Rays' season: all but dead, a late push, drew even at the last possible moment, and snuck away with the win.

The Guardian - Sport

And (as some wit later added) at the worst possible moment.

Forbes

At the earliest possible moment, I did four things.

The New Yorker

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

Will and Emma finally converge at the worst possible moment.

The New York Times

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

"It came at the best possible moment for me.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the latest possible moment" to emphasize the urgency or importance of timing. This conveys that delaying is permissible up to a certain point, but not beyond it.

Common error

While effective, avoid using "at the latest possible moment" repeatedly in close proximity. Opt for synonyms to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony. Overuse can make writing sound repetitive and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

Adverbial phrase: "At the latest possible moment" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by specifying when an action should occur. Ludwig AI indicates this usage is correct and provides examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the latest possible moment" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adverbial phrase. It's versatile across various contexts, primarily in news, business and general media. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of its usage. While it conveys a sense of urgency and a final deadline, it's crucial to use it judiciously and consider synonyms to avoid repetition. The authoritative tone of the phrase makes it suitable for professional and neutral communications, while slightly less frequent in highly formal or scientific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the last minute

This phrase is a common idiom indicating something done just before it's too late.

at the eleventh hour

This alternative emphasizes the urgency and the very last opportunity to act.

at the final opportunity

This phrase highlights that there won't be any other chance.

just in the nick of time

This idiom suggests a narrow escape or a task completed with very little time to spare.

before the deadline

This alternative specifies the latest boundary for an action to be taken.

at the ultimate cutoff

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes a strict limit.

not a moment sooner

This option conveys that waiting any longer wouldn't be an option.

as late as feasible

This variation highlights the aspect of practicality and feasibility of delaying.

on the very last day

This is more specific about time, suggesting a specific date.

at the very end

This is a more general phrase indicating the terminal point of a duration.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "at the latest possible moment" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "at the final opportunity" or "before the deadline". These options convey a sense of urgency and finality suitable for professional communication.

What's the difference between "at the last possible moment" and "at the latest possible moment"?

The phrases are nearly synonymous. "At the last possible moment" often implies a more dramatic, close-call scenario, while "at the latest possible moment" is slightly more neutral, simply indicating the final acceptable time.

Is it ever incorrect to use "at the latest possible moment"?

While grammatically correct, using "at the latest possible moment" might be unsuitable in contexts where promptness is valued. It can imply procrastination or a lack of planning. Choose words that better align with the desired perception.

Which phrase is more common, "at the last minute" or "at the latest possible moment"?

"At the last minute" is generally more common in everyday conversation, but "at the latest possible moment" is widely acceptable too.