in the last instance

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the last instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express the idea of a decision or result which has been arrived at through a lengthy process or series of steps. For example, "In the last instance, the jury found the defendant guilty."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

(Presumably the exclamation point in the last instance is implied).

The New York Times - Books

The Conservative government attacked, and yet in the last instance also protected, the Corporation.

The Guardian - Books

The paradox of globalisation, Davos style, is that its massive transnational forces depend, in the last instance, on small-group or one-to-one debates, dialogues and pacts.

Independent

He tried this on JCPenney, the clothing chain Wet Seal and the Hannaford Brothers grocery chain, in the last instance compromising more than four million cards.

The New York Times - Magazine

A large, powerful ministry (the Home Office), with experienced civil servants such as Sir Robert Armstrong, wanted change, but in the last instance protected the existence of an institution they believed the country and world to be better for.

The Guardian - Opinion

Most importantly, it is not, as is so commonly misunderstood, about making generalisations; as if, in the last instance, an Islamophobe can simply free themselves of the charge of defaming a Muslim by simply disclaiming they are not talking about all Muslims.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

For example, local-state-federal disagreements occurred in the management of the pneumonic plague epidemic in Los Angeles in 1924, the last instance of person-to-person transmission of plague in the United States, as well as during the anthrax outbreak in 2001 (12, 13 ).

Emerging Infectious Diseases

The dog Snowy was given a diminished role in Tintin in America, which contained the last instance in the Adventures in which Tintin and Snowy have a conversation where they are able to understand each other.

Wikipedia

"I'd argue a crisis is probably the last instance in which you want someone who is not a concealed permit holder to carry a weapon".

Huffington Post

Female health workers also reported they had been bullied by both men and women in 16% of the last instances of bullying.

Human Resources for Health

In response to the survey question, "Please think of the last time you were physically assaulted/attacked at work," we see (even though the overall number of instances is only eleven) that health workers reported that they had been physically attacked by a man in 55% of the last instances, and by a woman in 36% of the instances.

Human Resources for Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the last instance" to clearly indicate a final decision or action that follows a series of events or considerations. It adds a sense of thoroughness and deliberation to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "in the last instance" in informal contexts where simpler alternatives like "ultimately" or "finally" would be more appropriate. Overusing formal phrases can make your writing sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the last instance" functions as an adverbial phrase. It typically modifies a verb or clause, indicating the final point in a series of actions or decisions. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase marks a conclusion or ultimate outcome.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the last instance" is a prepositional phrase indicating a final action or decision after deliberation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is commonly used in Science, News & Media, and Formal & Business contexts to emphasize the conclusive nature of an event. While "in the last instance" is generally neutral to formal, simpler alternatives might be preferable in informal situations. Alternatives include "ultimately" or "as a last resort". Using "in the last instance" effectively adds a sense of thoroughness to your writing, signifying a well-considered final outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ultimately

Focuses on the final result or consequence, omitting the step-by-step process.

as a last resort

Emphasizes the act being a final option when all else has failed.

in the final analysis

Highlights the concluding assessment or evaluation of a situation.

when all is said and done

Suggests a sense of completion and finality after a long process.

at the end of the day

Implies a practical or realistic perspective when making a final judgment.

in the long run

Shifts the focus to the eventual outcome over an extended period.

as a final step

Highlights the action as the concluding measure taken.

eventually

Simply indicates that something will happen at a later, unspecified time.

in conclusion

Signals a summary or final point in a discussion or argument.

after everything else

Emphasizes the preceding actions or considerations before the final outcome.

FAQs

What does "in the last instance" mean?

The phrase "in the last instance" means as a final action or resort; ultimately. It indicates something done or decided after a period of deliberation or when all other options have been exhausted.

How can I use "in the last instance" in a sentence?

You can use "in the last instance" to introduce a concluding action or decision, such as: "In the last instance, the company decided to merge with its competitor to avoid bankruptcy."

What are some alternatives to "in the last instance"?

Alternatives to "in the last instance" include "ultimately", "as a last resort", or "in the final analysis". These phrases convey a similar sense of finality and conclusion.

Is "in the last instance" formal or informal?

"In the last instance" is generally considered a formal phrase. Simpler alternatives like "finally" or "eventually" may be more appropriate in informal contexts.