first and last

USAGE SUMMARY

"first and last" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is both the first and the last of its kind. For example: "The first and last time I saw him was at my graduation ceremony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

iiChange of month variables mark the first and last two days and first and last week in each month.

BMC Public Health

But 1994 was the first and last proper election.

The Guardian

He is, first and last, a European.

The New York Times - Books

I am a first and last paragrapher.

The New York Times - Books

He was first and last an artist.

Independent

That first and last question.

The New Yorker

That'll be the first and last time.

Independent

And a kiss, the first and last.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

First and last, it's a recession beater.

The Guardian - Books

It's our first and last names.

The Guardian - Tech

That was their first and last lead.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "first and last", ensure that it clearly indicates the initial and final instances or elements in a sequence or range. For example, "the first and last chapters of the book".

Common error

Avoid using "first and last" when referring to non-sequential or unrelated items. Ensure there's a clear connection or series that justifies using both terms together. For example, don't say "the first and last ingredients" if you're not discussing a specific order or process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first and last" primarily functions as a modifier, often an adjective, to describe something that encompasses both the beginning and the end of a sequence or event. Ludwig shows its common use in describing periods of time, positions in a list, or even personal attributes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first and last" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to denote the beginning and end of a sequence or event. With numerous examples available through Ludwig, its versatility spans across News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts, reflecting a neutral formality level. Key related phrases include "beginning and end" and "initial and final", offering subtle variations in meaning. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's acceptability. When employing "first and last", ensure clarity in indicating the sequence or range to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beginning and end

Replaces ordinal indicators with general terms for start and finish.

initial and final

Uses more formal adjectives to denote start and finish.

start and finish

Emphasizes the action of beginning and concluding.

primary and ultimate

Highlights the principal and eventual aspects.

alpha and omega

A more literary and symbolic way to express the beginning and end.

from start to finish

Adds emphasis on the entirety of a process or event.

outset and conclusion

Uses more formal nouns to describe the start and end.

commencement and termination

Employs highly formal terms for beginning and ending.

inception and completion

Focuses on the initiation and finalized state.

genesis and apocalypse

Employs dramatic and somewhat hyperbolic terms for start and end.

FAQs

How can I use "first and last" in a sentence?

You can use "first and last" to refer to the initial and final elements of a series or range, such as "the first and last days of the month" or "the first and last lines of the poem".

What's the difference between "first and last" and "beginning and end"?

"First and last" typically refers to specific items in a sequence, while "beginning and end" more broadly indicates the start and finish of an event or period. The phrase "beginning and end" is a good alternative.

When is it appropriate to use "first and last"?

Use "first and last" when you want to emphasize both the initial and final positions in a defined sequence or series. If there's no clear order, consider alternatives like "start and finish".

What can I say instead of "first and last"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "initial and final", "start and end", or "beginning and end" to convey a similar meaning.