in the last moment

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the last moment" is a correct phrase that can be used in written English.
Example: After putting in a lot of hard work, Jane felt relieved when she finished her presentation in the last moment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

We are in New York at a famous baseball game in 1951 - the Giants versus the Dodgers, a key playoff game, won in the last moment of the last innings with an epic home run.

The Guardian - Books

But then in the last moment, I start flying.

The New Yorker

In the last moment I don't know what happened.

The Guardian - Sport

I hoped that this communication would, In the last moment, contain his announcement of a Polish negotiator.

Yale University

"[The lost documents] didn't stall things because they only conceded that in the last moment.

The Guardian

What happens in the last moment of Martin's life went unwitnessed by anyone other than Zimmerman.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

With Steve Sarkisian stepping in at the last moment, will there be changes in the game plan for No. 2 Clemson?

Los Angeles Times

Mr. Gilmore chimed in at the last moment, a hard-earned serenity returning to his face.

The New York Times - Arts

That "Tosca" performance drew strong praise despite Mr. Luisi's having stepped in at the last moment.

The New York Times - Arts

Full disclosure: I chaired the lecture, stepping in at the last moment because the original chair, Steve Hewlett, was indisposed.

The Guardian

The other night I made a mint and coriander version, folding the roughly chopped herbs in at the last moment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the last moment" to add drama or tension to a narrative, emphasizing the narrow escape or late completion of an action. For example, "He submitted the proposal in the last moment, just before the deadline."

Common error

Avoid using "in the last moment" too frequently, as it can become a cliché. Vary your language with synonyms like "at the eleventh hour" or "just in time" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the last moment" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when an action occurred. It specifies the timing of an event, emphasizing its proximity to a deadline or endpoint, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

3%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in the last moment" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's often employed to inject urgency or highlight a close call. While its register is generally neutral, overuse can lead to a clichéd effect, so diversifying with synonyms like "at the eleventh hour" is advisable. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase effectively conveys actions happening right before a deadline.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the eleventh hour

This idiom implies something is done or happens just before it's too late.

just in time

Indicates that something happened barely early enough to prevent a negative outcome.

at the last second

Very similar in meaning, focusing on the very short interval before something concludes.

in the nick of time

An idiomatic expression denoting a narrow escape or timely intervention.

at the death

A British expression used particularly in sports to mean very near the end of a game or match.

in the final stretch

Emphasizes the concluding part of a process or event.

with seconds to spare

Highlights the minimal amount of time remaining.

on the verge of

Focuses on the imminence of an event.

as time ran out

Highlights the depletion of available time.

before the deadline

Focuses on completing action before a stipulated time.

FAQs

What does "in the last moment" mean?

The phrase "in the last moment" signifies that something occurs right before a deadline, a critical point, or the end of an event. It emphasizes the narrowness of the timing.

What can I say instead of "in the last moment"?

You can use alternatives like "at the eleventh hour", "just in time", or "at the last second" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "in the last moment" or "at the last moment"?

Both "in the last moment" and "at the last moment" are grammatically correct and widely used. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations. "At the last moment" might be slightly more common in some contexts.

How can I use "in the last moment" effectively in my writing?

To effectively use "in the last moment", ensure it adds impact and isn't overused. It's best employed when highlighting a critical, timely action or decision.