last gasp

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "last gasp" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a final effort or attempt before failure or death, often in a dramatic or metaphorical context. Example: "In a last gasp to save the project, the team worked through the night to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The last one was in 1989.

The Economist

His record - two cups within six months of his appointment, a domestic treble in his first full season, a second title in 2005 and reaching the last 16 of the Champions League - set the context for a rueful but masterfully understated parting comment: "I'm sure those people who look at the facts will say that during a period of downsizing, I was reasonably successful".

The Guardian - Sport

The order book was down slightly at £3.6bn from the last update in June but well ahead of the £3.3bn reported this time last year.

The Guardian - Business

Last year, during David Cameron's trip to Beijing, the same paper announced that Britain was "just an old European country apt [that is, suitable] for travel and study".

The Guardian - Opinion

Referred to in court as D, she entered a not guilty plea to a charge of intimidation last week while wearing a niqab after the judge backed down from a previous decision that she would have to show her face to be properly identified.

The Guardian

As a result, the country lost a further 21 positions in the policy evaluation compared to last year, thus replacing Canada as the worst-performing industrial country".

The Guardian

"Scoring is not up, but injuries are up," Tallon said of the current rule last week.

The New York Times

Since last July the state has opted to use just one massive dose of the sedative pentobarbital as its lethal injection, instead of a cocktail of three different drugs.

The Guardian

Last summer the Electoral Commission said 7.5 million eligible voters were not registered, with poor, black and young people least likely to be on the electoral roll.

The Guardian

The shares have underperformed the market by 6% in the last three months and now trade at a discount to the oil service peers.

The Guardian - Business

This was the second time in seven months that Hill has come close to the death chamber: last July he was spared by just 90 minutes and the experience was repeated on Tuesday night with just 30 minutes to go.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "last gasp" to add a sense of drama or urgency to a situation, especially when describing a final attempt to prevent failure. Consider the context to ensure the intensity of the phrase is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "last gasp" in situations that don't warrant a dramatic or desperate tone. In more neutral or positive contexts, opt for alternatives like "final effort" or "closing stages".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "last gasp" functions primarily as an adjective modifying a noun, often "attempt" or "effort". It denotes the final, often desperate, action taken before an anticipated failure. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "last gasp" is a grammatically sound and vivid way to describe a final, often desperate, attempt to avert failure. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, its usage should be carefully considered to ensure its dramatic tone fits the context. Alternatives like "final effort" or "last-ditch attempt" can offer similar meanings with varying levels of intensity. When writing, be mindful of overusing "last gasp" in neutral situations and opt for more appropriate vocabulary to maintain clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Last-ditch attempt

This phrase implies a sense of desperation and is used when all other options have failed.

Last resort

This phrase describes something that is only done when all other options have failed.

Final effort

This alternative is a more general and less dramatic way to describe a final attempt.

Final push

This alternative indicates a strong and determined effort at the very end of a task or process.

Eleventh-hour effort

This alternative emphasizes the lateness of the attempt, suggesting it's happening just before a deadline or critical moment.

Last stand

This phrase suggests a final act of resistance against an overwhelming force.

Death throes

This phrase is a more figurative and intense way to describe the final stages of something failing.

Final act

This is a more neutral and descriptive way to refer to the last stage of a process or event.

Closing stages

This phrase highlights the end of a process or event, often used in sports or competitions.

Terminal phase

This alternative is often used in medical or scientific contexts to describe the final stage of an illness or process.

FAQs

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

You can use "last gasp" to describe a final attempt to prevent failure, for example: "In a "last gasp" to save the company, they launched a new marketing campaign."

What are some alternatives to "last gasp"?

Some alternatives to "last gasp" include "final effort", "last-ditch attempt", or "eleventh-hour effort", depending on the context.

Is "last gasp" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "last gasp" might be too dramatic for some formal writing. Consider using a more neutral alternative like "final attempt" in professional contexts.

What does "last gasp" typically imply?

"Last gasp" usually implies a desperate, final attempt to avoid failure or loss, often suggesting that the situation is dire or critical. It is generally used when all other options seem to have been exhausted.