in this last instance

USAGE SUMMARY

"in this last instance" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a final example of something or an event at the end of a series. For example, "I have explored multiple solutions, but in this last instance, I found the best course of action was to seek help from a professional."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

In this last instance, however, American differs from British usage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Unfortunately, in this last instance he became aware of his son's using the same trick on him.

The New Yorker

In this last instance Ms. Crier is discussing what she deems to be a tendency to excuse criminal behavior.

The New York Times - Books

In this last instance, they do the rest of us a service by tracing the trajectory that a swath of people cut through history, and vice versa.

The New York Times - Books

Spacey is especially fine in this last instance, softening Darrow's tone to enter a moving plea for mercy over societal revenge.

The Guardian

In this last instance, she wrote, "Ballots may be being mailed to voters who are deceased or who no longer reside in those apartments (or) may be being collected and utilized by persons other than the registrant". Barnett identified 149 questionable registrations, all in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In the last instance, this paper argues that Rorty's complacency is a pragmatic failure and thus cuts to the heart of his pragmatism.

Harvard University

This demonization of the Left, Democrats, unions, academics, immigrants, feminists, environmentalists, progressives, Keynesians, pacifists, makes impossible any political dialogue and leads to a vitriolic, insulting attack to dehumanize the 'enemy' of this ultraconservative Utopia that, in the last instance, is a White and Anglo-Saxon America. Anglo-Saxon America

Huffington Post

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

The New York Times - Books

Their point is that, in the last instance, economy will determine it.

University of California, Berkeley

In that last instance, each earned two dollars and sixteen cents.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in this last instance" to clearly signal that you are referring to the final example or situation in a series, ensuring clarity and preventing ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "in this last instance" when you mean "finally" or "at last". "In this last instance" refers to a specific, final example within a series, while "at last" indicates something has happened after a long wait.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in this last instance" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a clause or sentence by specifying a particular circumstance or example. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in this last instance" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to emphasize a final example or occurrence within a series, commonly found in news, scientific, and academic writings. Although less frequent than other phrases, its correct application enhances clarity by pinpointing a specific concluding point. Ludwig's AI confirms the accuracy of the examples and underscores the phrase's utility in formal contexts. Remember to use it when you want to spotlight the very last case from an enumeration of instances, not when you just mean "finally".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in this final example

Replaces 'last instance' with 'final example', emphasizing the concluding nature of the example.

in this concluding case

Substitutes 'last instance' with 'concluding case', focusing on the termination of a situation.

in this ultimate situation

Replaces 'last instance' with 'ultimate situation', highlighting the finality and decisiveness of the situation.

in the last scenario

Uses 'scenario' instead of 'instance', shifting the focus to a hypothetical or projected sequence of events.

as a final illustration

Employs 'illustration' instead of 'instance', emphasizing its illustrative purpose.

in the culminating event

Changes 'last instance' to 'culminating event', stressing the idea of a climactic occurrence.

considering the last occasion

Uses 'occasion' which refers to a particular time or event.

regarding the last occurrence

Swaps 'instance' for 'occurrence', which indicates something that happens or takes place.

in the terminal situation

Changes 'last instance' to 'terminal situation', pointing out the end of the situation.

taking the last example

Replace instance with a very similar word and structure the beginning of the phrase differently.

FAQs

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

Use "in this last instance" to refer to the final example or situation in a sequence. For example: "We considered several options, but "in this last instance", we decided to consult an expert."

What phrases are similar to "in this last instance"?

Similar phrases include "in this final example", "in this concluding case", or "as a final illustration". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "in this last instance" formal or informal?

"In this last instance" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal, suitable for academic, professional, and news contexts. More informal options may exist for casual conversations.

When should I avoid using "in this last instance"?

Avoid using "in this last instance" if you are not referring to a specific final example in a series. If you simply mean 'finally', use "at last" or "finally" instead.