at the very last second

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

At the very last second, change your mind, turn and come back.

The Guardian

His wife, Lynn, 61, a housewife, said she decided "at the very last second" to vote for Mr. Gingrich.

The New York Times

"At the very last second, he threw up his head and missed the break," his jockey, Ramon Dominguez, said.

The New York Times - Sports

Against a player whose left wrist is constructed from steel and can change the direction of his stroke at the very last second, Murray was constantly on edge.

The Guardian - Sport

1. Holmes jumps, and at the very last second grabs hold of a circus trapeze suspended from a nearby crane – Watson's view is blocked, remember.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It said that "at the very last second it was apparent that they were children, but it was impossible to stop the explosion".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

"I honestly didn't see them until the very, very last second," Malone said.

The New York Times - Sports

The first article looked at the very last player selected, Tevita Ofahengaue, and his attempt to make the Arizona Cardinals' roster.

The New York Times - Sports

Hull, meanwhile, also flickered in the first half and, at the very last, Tom Huddlestone, the former Spur, fizzed a free-kick inches wide.

The Guardian - Sport

It will be at the very last moment, which is 24 hours before we play our first game," Hodgson said.

BBC

When we're cooking something new for the first time, I pull off everything at the very last minute".

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the very last second" to add emphasis to the timing of an action, highlighting its urgency or near failure. For instance, 'She submitted the report at the very last second, narrowly avoiding a penalty'.

Common error

Avoid using "at the very last second" when a more general phrase like "late" or "eventually" is more appropriate. This phrase should only be used when the action literally occurs in the final moments before a deadline or event conclusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the very last second" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate when an action occurred. As Ludwig AI confirms, it highlights that something happened immediately before a deadline or the end of a specified time period. Examples show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at the very last second" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something occurred right before a deadline or the end of a time period. As Ludwig AI indicates, its primary function is to add emphasis and urgency to the timing of an action. The analysis of real-world examples reveals its frequent use in news, sports, and general contexts, making it a versatile phrase for conveying a sense of narrow escape or imminence. While alternatives like "at the eleventh hour" or "just in the nick of time" exist, "at the very last second" provides a more literal and direct way to express the idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the last possible moment

This alternative is a more literal and less idiomatic way of expressing the same idea.

in the final split second

Emphasizes the extreme brevity of the timing.

at the eleventh hour

This is an idiomatic alternative that implies a last-minute rescue or intervention.

just in the nick of time

This phrase suggests that something was done barely in time to avoid a negative outcome.

seconds before the deadline

This alternative phrase specifies that it is happening in the final seconds.

at the critical juncture

This option refers to a decisive point where an action is necessary.

in the waning moments

Implies that something is happening in the final stages.

on the verge of being too late

This longer phrase emphasizes the imminence of being late.

at the tail end

Indicates the very end of a process or event.

with no time to spare

Highlights the lack of remaining time.

FAQs

What does "at the very last second" mean?

The phrase "at the very last second" means that something happens right before a deadline or the end of a limited time, often implying a sense of urgency or near failure.

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

You can use "at the very last second" to describe actions completed just before a deadline. For example, "He submitted his application "at the very last second"."

What are some alternatives to "at the very last second"?

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

Is it better to say "at the last second" or "at the very last second"?

Both "at the last second" and "at the very last second" are correct. The addition of "very" simply adds emphasis to the timing.