at the very last minute

USAGE SUMMARY

"at the very last minute" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
This phrase is used to describe a situation in which something happens very close to a deadline. For example: "I finished my presentation at the very last minute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But last week, the FBI declared at the very last minute that it might not need Apple's help after all.

TechCrunch

"At the very last minute.

Independent

"At the very last minute, they will sort it out".

The New York Times

Many times we made payroll at the very last minute".

The New York Times

"That happened at the very last minute," Mr. Hoare said of Mr. Cameron's participation.

The New York Times

(Either way, if you're making cream puffs, they should be filled at the very last minute).

The New York Times - Food

"It's not enough to intercept terrorists here, at the very last minute.

The New York Times

"My impression was that a deal would come together at the very last minute.

The New York Times

They were the Oompa Loompas, until Dahl changed their names at the very last minute.

The Guardian

Petterson writes with a grim, morbid hand, allowing hope in only at the very last minute.

The New York Times - Books

The whole thing will only come together at the very last minute.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the very last minute" to add emphasis and drama to situations where timing is critical and a decision or action is taken right before a deadline. It highlights the tension and potential for failure if things had been delayed any further.

Common error

While effective in many contexts, excessive use of "at the very last minute" can make writing seem less professional. In formal or academic settings, consider using more precise language to describe the timing, such as "immediately prior to the deadline" or "in the concluding stages".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the very last minute" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when an action occurs. Ludwig AI confirms it is a correct and commonly used phrase. This is evidenced by numerous examples, where the phrase specifies the timing of events, adding emphasis to their immediacy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at the very last minute" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe actions taken right before a deadline. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its adverbial function emphasizes the timing and often conveys urgency. While predominantly found in news and media, the phrase is generally acceptable in neutral contexts but may require more formal alternatives for professional or academic writing. Remember that it indicates something was done with little time to spare. You can also express similar concepts using phrases such as "just in the nick of time" or "at the eleventh hour". You should also ensure that you avoid using the preposition "in" instead of "at".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the eleventh hour

This alternative evokes a sense of urgency and desperation, highlighting the lateness of the action.

just in the nick of time

This alternative emphasizes the narrow escape or rescue from a negative outcome due to the late timing.

at the last possible moment

This alternative focuses on the final opportunity before something becomes impossible.

with no time to spare

This emphasizes the lack of remaining time and the tight schedule involved.

at the deadline

This alternative is more specific and points to the exact time when something must be completed.

in the final stretch

This option focuses on the culminating period of an activity, often used in reference to sports or races.

right before the cutoff

This alternative relates specifically to situations with an explicit cutoff time or point.

as the clock was running out

This emphasizes the pressure and urgency of a time-sensitive situation.

on the verge of being too late

This describes a situation where being any later would have resulted in failure.

scarcely in time

This indicates that something was barely completed within the acceptable timeframe.

FAQs

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

You can use "at the very last minute" to describe when something happens right before a deadline or critical moment. For example: "The agreement was signed "at the very last minute"."

What phrases are similar to "at the very last minute"?

Similar phrases include "at the eleventh hour", "just in the nick of time", or "at the last possible moment".

Is it correct to say "in the very last minute" instead of "at the very last minute"?

No, the correct and idiomatic expression is "at the very last minute". Using "in" is grammatically incorrect and not commonly used.

What is the difference between "at the last minute" and "at the very last minute"?

While both phrases indicate something happening close to a deadline, "at the very last minute" adds extra emphasis on the narrowness of the timing. It suggests an even greater sense of urgency or immediacy than just "at the last minute".