final word

USAGE SUMMARY

"final word" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used as a conclusion to statements or arguments, suggesting it is the end of a discussion or the ultimate statement of something. For example: "I've discussed all the options and considered all the consequences; the final word is that we cannot proceed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's the final word.

The New York Times - Sports

That was Zyama's final word.

The New Yorker

The film's final word?

The Guardian - Film

A final word.

The Guardian - Opinion

Just one final word.

The New York Times

He asked Finebaum for a final word.

The New Yorker

But Dr. Farley had the final word.

The New York Times

Eventually, the score had the final word.

The New York Times - Sports

This is hardly the final word, though.

The New York Times

That may not be the final word.

The New York Times

They hardly represent the final word, though.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "final word" to clearly signal the conclusion of an argument or discussion, avoiding ambiguity for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "final word" too frequently in a single piece of writing, as it can make your tone seem overly assertive or repetitive. Consider alternative phrases to add variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "final word" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It signifies the ultimate statement or decision in a given context, bringing closure to a discussion or process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "final word" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a concluding statement or decision. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, signaling the end of a discussion or argument. Its frequency is very common, predominantly appearing in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's advisable to avoid overuse for stylistic reasons. Alternative phrases like "ultimate decision" or "definitive statement" can provide variety. Ultimately, "final word" serves as a clear and effective way to communicate conclusiveness and authority.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

last word

Replaces "final" with "last", maintaining the sense of a concluding statement.

final say

Emphasizes the authority to make a concluding decision.

ultimate decision

Replaces the phrase with a more explicit term for a concluding choice.

definitive statement

Uses a more formal tone to express a conclusive declaration.

concluding remark

Focuses on the closing nature of the statement.

last comment

Indicates the end of a conversation or discussion.

closing statement

Highlights the act of bringing something to an end.

ultimate pronouncement

Uses a more grandiose tone to indicate a conclusive declaration.

authoritative declaration

Emphasizes the reliability and importance of the concluding statement.

last vestige

Indicates the end of the presence or a final chance.

FAQs

How can I use "final word" in a sentence?

You can use "final word" to indicate a concluding statement or decision, such as "After reviewing all the evidence, the judge had the "final word"."

What is the difference between "final word" and "last word"?

"Final word" and "last word" are often interchangeable, but "final word" might imply a greater sense of authority or conclusiveness.

What can I say instead of "final word"?

You can use alternatives like "ultimate decision", "definitive statement", or "closing statement" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "final word" in formal writing?

Yes, "final word" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when summarizing a conclusion or decision. However, consider the specific tone and audience to ensure it fits the overall style.