but last

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but last" is not commonly used in written English and may be confusing without context.
It can be used to indicate a final point or conclusion in a series of statements, but it is often better to use a clearer expression. Example: "We discussed many topics today, but last, we need to address the budget."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

But last night was interesting.

The New York Times - Sports

But last Friday still lingers.

The New York Times

But last Saturday was different.

The New York Times

But last night they were relatively secure.

Independent

But last season, everything went sour.

The New York Times

But last night he looked pretty good".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

But last week, N.Y.U.

The New York Times

But last week's certainly did.

The New York Times - Sports

But last month, she brokered a compromise.

The New York Times

But last week this mask slipped.

The Economist

But last week did bring some success.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but last", ensure the context clearly indicates you are introducing a final point or contrasting the last item in a sequence. If clarity is questionable, consider using "but finally" or "but ultimately".

Common error

Avoid using "but last" as a general conjunction. Reserve it for situations where you are explicitly contrasting the final item or action in a series. Overuse can lead to awkward phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but last" functions as a transitional phrase indicating a shift in thought while also signaling the final point in a sequence. Ludwig's examples show its common usage in contrasting a previous state or event with a more recent one.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "but last" serves as a transitional expression to introduce a final point, often with a contrasting element. Ludwig's examples indicate it is used to signal a change from a previous situation or statement while emphasizing its concluding nature. The phrase appears more frequently in news and formal contexts, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register. While generally acceptable, "but last" should be used judiciously, as other alternatives like "but finally" may provide greater clarity. Ultimately, understanding the nuances of its usage ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but finally

Indicates the conclusive item in a series, similar to "but last" when used to introduce a final point.

but ultimately

Highlights the final outcome or result, akin to emphasizing the last in a sequence of events.

however, lastly

Emphasizes a concluding point with a contrasting transition.

yet in conclusion

Combines a contrasting element with a concluding remark.

on the other hand, lastly

Presents a final point after considering an opposing view.

but in closing

Introduces a summary statement, similar to ending with "but last".

though in the end

Highlights the final result despite previous factors.

nevertheless, finally

Transitions to a final point despite preceding information.

but to conclude

Signals the end of a discussion with a contrasting point.

yet at the end

Similar to "but last" but emphasizes finality.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "but last"?

Use "but last" when you want to introduce a final point in a series, often in contrast to what was previously mentioned. It emphasizes the conclusive nature of the statement that follows.

What are some alternatives to "but last"?

You can use alternatives like "but finally", "but ultimately", or "however, lastly" depending on the context.

Is "but last" considered formal or informal?

"But last" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more common in writing. In spoken language, other alternatives might sound more natural. The formal level also depends on the context of the text.

How does the meaning of "but last" differ from "finally"?

"Finally" simply indicates the end of a sequence. "But last" introduces a contrast while also indicating the final item or point. If there is no contrast, "finally" is more appropriate.