but last time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but last time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a previous occasion or event in contrast to the current situation. Example: "I enjoyed the concert, but last time the band played longer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Still, the mayor said this month at a news conference, "Last I looked — and I'm not a candidate — but last time I checked reading about the Constitution, the Electoral College has nothing to do with parties, has absolutely nothing to do with parties.

The New York Times

But last time the right was in power, in the early 90s, it did lasting harm to social democratic institutions, things not easily repaired later.

The Guardian

But last time there wasn't enough leeway".

The Guardian - Film

But last time, he received a less than warm welcome.

The New York Times

But last time I drove by, the building looked the same.

The New York Times

I haven't listened to that record in about twenty years, probably, but last time I did, it sounded incredibly slow.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

But the last time they reached an agreement (last month, also in Senegal), they quickly broke it.

The Economist

But the last time she went upstairs was weeks ago.

The Guardian - Books

But the last time I checked, I was a woman".

The New York Times

But the last time troops massed on the border was in 1986.

The Economist

The McNabb era ends for the fourth, but not last, time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but last time", ensure the contrast you're drawing is clear and relevant to the current discussion. This helps maintain clarity and avoids confusion for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "but last time" when referring to something that is still ongoing or a continuous state. It's best suited for completed events or specific occasions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but last time" functions as a conjunction phrase, connecting two contrasting clauses. It introduces a statement that contrasts with a previous situation or event, indicating a change or difference. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but last time" serves as a versatile conjunction to contrast a present scenario with a past event, confirmed as grammatically correct and very common by Ludwig. Predominantly used in news and media, it offers a neutral tone suitable for various contexts. For more formal settings, alternatives like "however, previously" are suggested. Remember to use it to signal a genuine contrast, avoiding continuous or ongoing situations to prevent misuse. Its frequency and acceptance in diverse sources make it a reliable choice for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unlike the last instance

Directly points out the dissimilarity with the previous occurrence.

however, previously

Emphasizes the contrast with what happened before in a more formal way.

differently from before

Focuses on the changed state compared to what was.

but on the prior occasion

A more formal and specific way of referring to the previous instance.

yet the previous instance

Uses "yet" to introduce the contrast, sounding slightly more literary.

as opposed to then

Emphasizes the opposition between the current and past situations.

in the past, however

Rearranges the order of elements, placing "in the past" first for emphasis.

earlier, though

A shorter, more informal way to express the contrast.

conversely, before

Highlights the opposite nature of the current situation compared to the past.

in contrast, then

Clearly indicates a difference from a past situation.

FAQs

How can I use "but last time" in a sentence?

Use "but last time" to contrast a current situation with a previous one. For example, "I enjoyed the movie, but last time, the ending was different".

What's a good alternative to "but last time"?

Alternatives include "however, previously" or "unlike the last instance", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it correct to say "but the last time" instead of "but last time"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "But last time" is more concise and commonly used, while "but the last time" adds a slight emphasis on the specific occasion.

Can I start a sentence with "but last time"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but last time", especially when you want to contrast it with something mentioned before. For example: "But last time, he received a less than warm welcome".