final

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'final' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you need to refer to something that will not be changed or altered. For example: This is the final version of the document, so please be sure to review it carefully.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Travel

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just a 10-minute stroll from the Short Strand, hundreds of people looked on as two rival factions jeered and snarled at one another before the final confrontation, when hand-to-hand fighting finally broke out.

The Guardian

Our goal was to make it to the final and go for the title.

The Guardian - Sport

Related: How did the challengers fare in the final TV debate?

The Guardian

Chief executives of companies such as Burberry, Tesco, Vodafone, BAE Systems, Prudential and GSK were keen to take a final opportunity to lobby the prime minister in advance of the meeting of political leaders in Northern Ireland.

The Guardian - Tech

"We, Germany and Britain, share the goal of seeing a strong competitive EU join forces," she said in her final words in German.

The Guardian

Writers who successfully complete the course will receive a successful completion certificate from UEA, which will be made on the basis of ongoing assessment and a final submission of at least 10,000 words.

The Guardian

"It is a good deal, a deal that meets our core objectives … If this framework leads to a final, comprehensive deal, it will make our country, our allies and our world safer".

The Guardian

The supposedly leaked list contained the names of Kate Winslet (Holy Smoke) and Gwyneth Paltrow (The Talented Mr Ripley) as nominees but neither appeared in the final lists.

The Guardian - Film

One final point.

The New York Times

"If someone else goes down – and it could happen because we have the Cup final and these [post-season friendly] matches being played all over the world – then we would have to bring someone else in," said the England manager.

The Guardian - Sport

The decision of GNM in all matters relating to the Competition is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "final" in the context of competitions or examinations, make sure it's clear whether you're referring to the last round or the concluding assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "finale" when you mean "final". "Finale" refers specifically to the concluding part of a performance or show, while "final" is a more general term for something last or ultimate.

Linguistic Context

The word "final" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate the concluding or ultimate aspect of something. This is supported by examples in Ludwig, where "final" is used to describe events, decisions, and versions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Sport

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Travel

10%

Opinion

10%

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "final" is a versatile adjective used to denote the last or ultimate aspect of something. Ludwig AI confirms that "final" is grammatically sound and applicable across numerous contexts. It’s crucial to distinguish "final" from "finale" to avoid miscommunication. The term enjoys broad usage, particularly in news, sports, and formal business settings. By following best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively use the word "final" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

last

A simple and direct way to indicate the end or furthest point.

ultimate

Indicates the last or furthest point in a progression; emphasizes the culmination.

end

A concise term denoting the cessation or termination of something.

concluding

Focuses on the act of bringing something to an end or close.

terminal

Highlights the end point, often with a sense of finality or irreversibility.

definitive

Highlights the authoritative and conclusive nature of something.

closing

Refers to the act of bringing something to a close or conclusion.

culminating

Emphasizes the high point or climax that leads to the end.

decisive

Implies a conclusive action or event that brings resolution.

eventual

Indicates something that happens at the end of a process or period.

FAQs

How to use "final" in a sentence?

You can use "final" to describe the last part of something, like "the final chapter of the book", or to indicate a concluding decision, such as "the final verdict".

What can I say instead of "final"?

Alternatives include "ultimate", "concluding", or "last", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "final decision" or "finale decision"?

"Final decision" is correct. "Finale" refers to the concluding part of a performance, not a decision. Thus, use "final decision" to indicate the last decision made.

What's the difference between "final" and "last"?

While often interchangeable, "final" implies a sense of completion or conclusion, whereas "last" simply indicates the end of a series. For instance, "final exams" suggests the end of a course, while "last exams" refers to the most recent ones.