finally last

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "finally last" is not correct and is generally redundant in written English.
It can be used informally to emphasize the conclusion of a series or list, but it is not standard usage. Example: "After many delays, we are finally last in line for the concert tickets."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

The storm blew out to sea finally last night, but today's forecast is not cheery.

The Guardian

Finally, last month, something happened.

The Guardian

Finally, last Wednesday, the eggs hatched.

The Washington Post

Finally, last September, it was Sami's turn.

The New York Times - Magazine

Finally, last month, he started looking.

The New York Times

Finally, last month, they shut it down.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Finally, last month's revelation.

The New York Times

Until finally, last week, schools opened again!

The Guardian - Opinion

Finally, last year, she reversed the business.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And finally last week's dreadful 3-0 loss at Philadelphia.

The New York Times - Sports

Finally, last summer, Tinashe let go a little.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a formal purpose, be careful not to use "finally last".

Common error

Avoid using "finally last" as it often adds unnecessary words and can make your writing sound less polished. Choose either "finally" or "lastly" depending on the specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "finally last" functions as an adverbial phrase, intended to emphasize the concluding element in a series. However, as Ludwig AI points out, it's often redundant because both words convey a similar meaning.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while "finally last" may appear in various sources, Ludwig AI indicates that it is not considered standard English. It is often redundant, and using either "finally" or "lastly" is usually preferable. This phrase can be used informally to emphasize the conclusion of a series or list, but it's best to avoid it in formal or professional writing. As such, it's advisable to opt for clearer and more concise alternatives to maintain the quality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Finally

Indicates the last in a series or the termination of a process.

Lastly

Indicates the final item in a list or sequence.

In the end

Focuses on the final outcome or result.

Last but not least

Highlights the final item while suggesting it is still important.

Ultimately

Emphasizes the end result or final consequence.

At long last

Expresses relief or satisfaction that something has finally happened after a long wait.

In conclusion

Signals the end of a discussion or argument, summarizing key points.

Eventually

Highlights that something happens at a later time or after a period.

To conclude

Introduces a summary or final statement.

In closing

Signals the end of a speech, essay, or presentation.

FAQs

Is "finally last" grammatically correct?

The phrase "finally last" is often considered redundant. It's generally better to use either "finally" or "lastly" depending on the context.

What does "finally last" mean?

The phrase "finally last" implies that something is the ultimate or concluding item in a sequence. However, using both words together is often redundant, as "finally" or "lastly" alone can convey the same meaning.

When can I use "finally last"?

While not strictly incorrect, "finally last" is best reserved for informal contexts where you want to emphasize the concluding nature of something. In formal writing, it's preferable to use "finally" or "lastly".

Are there alternatives to "finally last"?

Yes, alternatives include "finally", "lastly", "ultimately", "in conclusion", or "in the end". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.