every last thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "every last thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the completeness or thoroughness of something, indicating that no detail is overlooked. Example: "She packed every last thing she might need for the trip, ensuring she was fully prepared."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

If you are one of those rare people who truly loves every last thing about Christmas, you can stop reading right now.

HuffPost

Then again, it's highly likely Kobe Bryant remembers every last thing about his first regular-season game as a Laker, against Minnesota on Nov. 3, 1996, also at the Forum.

Los Angeles Times

He doesn't have to know every last thing firsthand".

The New Yorker

Every last thing in Jerusalem that drives men mad".

The New York Times

At the time, though, I mostly noticed that every last thing on the plate was delicious.

The New York Times - Food

It was fun not being able to see them, not having every last thing a click away.

The New York Times

"I want them to find every article of clothing and test every last thing," Mr. Wagstaffe said.

The New York Times

Burchill: I don't want to hear about every last thing someone is feeling.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I keep my face facing front to see every last thing that is coming.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Once you move to a semiconductor device, obviously taking advantage of Moore's Law"–that you can double the number of transistors on a chip every 18 months– "things get cheaper and they become ubiquitous," he says.

Forbes

When you see the same people at the same bar, movie theater, or restaurant every weekend, things can get dull.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "every last thing" to stress the exhaustive nature of a search, collection, or consideration. For example, "Ensure you pack every last thing you need for the journey."

Common error

Avoid using "every last thing" excessively in formal writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound informal. Opt for more professional alternatives like "each item" or "all aspects" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "every last thing" functions as a determiner phrase emphasizing totality or inclusiveness. It modifies a noun, indicating that nothing is excluded or omitted. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "every last thing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to emphasize completeness and totality. As evidenced by Ludwig, it commonly appears in news, media, and general contexts. While the phrase is widely accepted, remember to use it sparingly in strictly formal or scientific writing. Consider using alternatives such as ""absolutely everything"" or "each and every item" to maintain a professional tone when needed. The Ludwig AI analysis confirms the phrase's versatility and correctness across diverse communicative purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolutely everything

Uses "everything" to convey totality, enhanced by the intensifier "absolutely".

each and every item

Replaces "thing" with "item", adding emphasis through repetition.

every single detail

Replaces "thing" with "detail", highlighting particularity.

all without exception

Emphasizes the lack of exclusions in the inclusion.

each and every particular

Emphasizes extreme detail.

each and all

Highlights individual components being considered without exception.

the entirety of it

Focuses on the whole quantity or collection being considered.

everything conceivable

Emphasizes that there is nothing omitted from consideration, even possibilities.

the whole kit and caboodle

An idiomatic expression that means all of something, inclusive of everything related to it.

the sum total

Emphasizes the complete amount.

FAQs

How can I use "every last thing" in a sentence?

You can use "every last thing" to emphasize completeness. For example, "She checked "every single item", ensuring nothing was left behind" or "He wanted to know "absolutely everything" about the project".

What can I say instead of "every last thing"?

You can use alternatives like ""absolutely everything"", "each and every item", or "every single detail" depending on the context.

Is "every last thing" formal or informal?

While grammatically correct, "every last thing" leans towards being less formal. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "all aspects" or "each item".

Can "every last thing" be used to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, "every last thing" can describe both physical objects and abstract concepts. For example, "He considered "absolutely everything" before making the decision", referring to abstract considerations.