last enemy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "last enemy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing final challenges or adversaries, often in a metaphorical or philosophical sense. Example: "In the end, fear proved to be the last enemy he had to conquer before achieving his dreams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

"I would not wish the Putrid Throat on my last enemy," said the Captain.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"The Last Enemy" is the season-premiere production of "Masterpiece Contemporary," one of the descendants of "Masterpiece Theater".

The New York Times - Arts

City may be the last enemy, although he has identified their weakness – they are combining a challenge for the title with a first tilt at the Champions League.

Independent

As the owners of The Inquirer and The Daily News and the Web site Philly.com, they will have successfully toppled the last enemy.

The New York Times

Among some familiar titles, like Richard Hillary's The Last Enemy, and Nevil Shute's classic thriller No Highway, was Propellerhead by Antony Woodward.

The Guardian - Books

The governor-general stepped forward, a small, portly figure, to read the first lesson, taken from 1 Corinthians: "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death".

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

In the 1650s he faced a resurgence of Ming loyalist resistance, but by 1661 his armies had defeated the Qing's last enemies, seafarer Koxinga (1624 1662) and the Prince of Gui (1623 1662) of the Southern Ming, both of whom would succumb the following year.

Wikipedia

Since they approach everything from the viewpoint of the past, they are lasting enemies.

WikiHow

But with resilience, ruse and ruthlessness, he outmaneuvered his enemies, until at last the enemy became his own people.

The New York Times

Philip IV had made concessions to France in order, once again, to have his hands free against the last unforgiven enemy, Portugal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That plan, as described by administration officials for several months now, is loosely based on the American experience in the occupations of Germany and Japan -- the last time enemy countries of large size and bureaucratic sophistication were transformed into democracies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "last enemy" when you want to emphasize the finality or ultimate nature of a challenge or adversary. It's suitable for both literal and metaphorical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "last enemy" in everyday conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly dramatic or pretentious. Opt for simpler terms like "final challenge" or "biggest problem" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "last enemy" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or appositive. Ludwig AI indicates that it's a correct and usable phrase in written English. It identifies the final and most significant opponent or challenge in a given context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

22%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "last enemy" is a grammatically sound and evocative way to describe the final and often most significant challenge or adversary. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for formal and deliberate writing but can sound overdramatic in casual contexts. Found across news, encyclopedias, and literature, "last enemy" is most effective when emphasizing the ultimate nature of a conflict or obstacle. Alternative phrases like "final adversary" or "ultimate foe" can provide similar emphasis with slight variations in connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

final adversary

Emphasizes the role of an opponent at the end of a conflict or process.

ultimate foe

Highlights the supreme or most significant enemy in a situation.

final opponent

Focuses on the concluding competitor or adversary.

last obstacle

Shifts the focus to a challenge or impediment that must be overcome.

ultimate challenge

Highlights the most significant test or trial one must face.

final hurdle

Implies an obstacle near the end of a process, often used metaphorically.

greatest threat

Focuses on the most dangerous or significant source of harm.

insurmountable obstacle

Highlights an obstacle that is very hard to overcome.

crowning challenge

Emphasizes the ultimate nature of the test.

arch-nemesis

Highlights the main and ongoing adversary.

FAQs

How can I use "last enemy" in a sentence?

The phrase "last enemy" is used to describe the final and often most significant challenge or opponent. For example, "In the end, fear was the "last enemy" he had to conquer to achieve his dreams."

What can I say instead of "last enemy"?

You can use alternatives like "final adversary", "ultimate foe", or "greatest threat", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "last enemy" or "final enemy"?

Both "last enemy" and "final enemy" are grammatically correct, but "last enemy" often carries a stronger sense of ultimate or insurmountable challenge. "Final enemy" may refer to the enemy that simply comes at the end.

In what contexts is "last enemy" most appropriate?

The phrase "last enemy" is best suited for formal writing, philosophical discussions, or situations where you want to emphasize the finality and significance of the challenge. It may seem out of place in informal or casual contexts.