for the final time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'for the final time' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is generally used to indicate that something is being done for the last time. For example, "Please listen carefully to my instructions for the final time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Perhaps for the final time.

The New York Times - Sports

Redemption beckons, perhaps for the final time.

The New York Times - Sports

He was then caught for the final time.

The Guardian

Today, Ripken plays for the final time at Yankee Stadium.

The New York Times - Sports

Drain for the final time and set them aside.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was the Cassini probe – for the final time.

The Guardian

And then, Cromartie combusted for the final time.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet here they are again, perhaps for the final time.

The New York Times - Sports

Edwards will meet with the team for the final time Monday before players clean out their lockers, some of them for the final time.

The New York Times - Sports

Another decade later, on 31 April 2016, the lights were turned off for the final time.

The Guardian - Tech

The teams meet for the final time next Tuesday night at Nassau Coliseum.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for the final time" to clearly indicate that an action or event will not be repeated. This phrase helps avoid ambiguity, especially when describing processes or series of events.

Common error

Avoid using "for the final time" repeatedly within a short passage. This can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for the final time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate that an action is performed terminally. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound. Examples show its use in various contexts, reinforcing its role in denoting the last instance of an action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Sport

20%

General

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for the final time" is a grammatically correct and very common adverbial phrase used to indicate the last occurrence of an action or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, its purpose is to emphasize the terminal nature of something, signaling closure across various contexts such as news, sports, and general narratives. While the phrase maintains a neutral register and is widely accepted, it's important to avoid overuse in close proximity to maintain clarity and reader engagement. Considering alternatives like "for the last occasion" or "once and for all" can add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the very last time

Adds emphasis to the finality, highlighting that this is the absolute last opportunity.

for the last occasion

Substitutes "time" with "occasion", offering a slightly more formal tone.

the ultimate time

Emphasizes the decisiveness and finality of the action, implying no further opportunities.

for the concluding instance

Replaces "final" with "concluding" and "time" with "instance", resulting in a formal and less common phrase.

the last chance

Highlights the opportunity aspect, emphasizing that there will be no further chances.

as a last resort

Indicates a final attempt when all other options have been exhausted, focusing on the desperation of the situation.

at the end of the line

Idiomatic expression indicating the termination of a process or situation, differing in imagery.

once and for all

Suggests a decisive action taken to end something permanently, differing in its implication of resolving a long-standing issue.

in conclusion

Used to summarize or end a speech or piece of writing, focusing on bringing something to a close.

no more

A concise way to state the end of something, focusing on cessation.

FAQs

How can I use "for the final time" in a sentence?

You can use "for the final time" to indicate the last occurrence of an action or event. For example, "He addressed the team "one last time" before retiring."

What's a more formal way to say "for the final time"?

A more formal alternative to "for the final time" could be "for the last occasion" or "in conclusion" depending on the context.

What can I say instead of "for the final time" when something is ending?

Alternatives include "once and for all", "the last chance", or simply stating that something will happen "no more".

Is it redundant to say "again for the final time"?

Saying "again for the final time" can be redundant as "final time" already implies it's the last occurrence. It's generally better to simply state "for the final time".