last in line

USAGE SUMMARY

"last in line" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to someone who is the final person or thing in a sequence or order. Example: "After waiting for hours, Jessie was finally last in line to meet her favorite author at the book signing event." In this example, "last in line" is used to describe Jessie's position in the line of people waiting to meet the author. It indicates that she is the final person in the line, and there are no more people behind her.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

So about 7 40 or 7 45, we have a big sign that says, "Last in line for the day," so we'll ask whoever is last in line at that moment to hold that sign.

The New York Times

I wasn't last in line, though — the old man was.

The New Yorker

"I was the last in line — facing the wall".

The New York Times

The last in line are leisure travelers holding discounted fares.

The New York Times

"Nothing new there: the Indian is always last in line".

The New York Times

Mr. Velazquez's bus, the last in line, carried 11 students.

The New York Times

Critics could be excused for feeling like the last in line at the buffet.

The New York Times

"I was last in line of 40 people in a mob scene".

The New York Times - Travel

"The D.E.A. doesn't want to be the stepchild that is last in line".

The New Yorker

How can you avoid feeling as if you're last in line when you change schools?

The New York Times

They are also last in line to be repaid anything owed them, behind banks and creditors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "last in line" to describe a situation of disadvantage, ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what they are last in line for.

Common error

Avoid using "last in line" without proper context. Ensure it's clear what someone is last in line for. Otherwise, it can lead to confusion or misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "last in line" functions primarily as a modifier, often describing a noun or pronoun to indicate their position at the end of a sequence or hierarchy. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable English phrase. Examples show this in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "last in line" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the final position in a sequence or queue. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a readily usable phrase in English. It often implies a disadvantage or lower priority, but its connotations depend heavily on the context. While the phrase is versatile, ensuring clarity about what someone is last in line for prevents ambiguity. As demonstrated by the many examples, it appears most frequently in news and media, showing its relevance in contemporary discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the last one

A more general term indicating the final item or person.

bottom of the list

Refers to being in the lowest position on a ranked list.

last priority

Indicates the lowest level of importance or urgency.

at the back of the queue

Emphasizes physical position in a queue or line.

final in sequence

A formal way to describe the last item in a series.

at the tail end

Highlights the end portion or segment of something.

bringing up the tail

Similar to 'bringing up the rear', emphasizing the final position.

bringing up the rear

Suggests a position at the very end, often in a military or competitive context.

lagging behind

Focuses on being behind others in progress or development.

end of the road

Implies reaching a final stage or conclusion.

FAQs

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

You can use "last in line" to describe someone or something that is at the end of a queue, sequence, or list. For example, "Due to budget cuts, our department is "last in line" for new equipment."

What is a more formal alternative to "last in line"?

In more formal contexts, you might use "final in sequence" or "lowest priority" instead of "last in line".

Is it always negative to be "last in line"?

While being "last in line" often implies a disadvantage, it's not always negative. Sometimes, it simply indicates the order or sequence without a value judgment. The connotation depends on the specific context.

What phrases are similar in meaning to "last in line"?

Similar phrases include "at the back of the queue", "bringing up the rear", or "bottom of the list", all of which suggest a position at the end of something.