last ingredient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "last ingredient" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the final component needed in a recipe or a list of items. Example: "After mixing all the spices, the last ingredient to add is the salt."

✓ Grammatically correct

Cooking

Recipes

Discussions about components

Processes with sequential steps

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

On that last ingredient, Jasper White is well versed.

The New York Times - Food

This last ingredient is the one I never have.

The New York Times

That last ingredient probably comes from Tibet, where selling fungus has made some Tibetans very rich.

The Economist

But mostly the descriptions are phenomenally complete, down to the last ingredient.

The New Yorker

This last ingredient was the secret of the Grand Street Dairy restaurant in Manhattan.

The New York Times - Food

So, I'm now going to do one last ingredient for the rest of the stuff, which is the following.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

As you add these last ingredients, taste and tweak the mixture until you get something you really like.

The Guardian - Travel

If there's any added sugar, it should be one of the last ingredients, since ingredients are listed in order of quantity.

Harvard University

He is thinking not about the legacy of the American icon that he is redesigning but why it is that the last ingredients always cling to those pesky bottom curves of the bowl.

The New York Times

"We know you've done a lot of work, we think it's enough, so maybe, just maybe, we can free you from our clutches," they say, then cackle their evil laugh as they stir the cauldron, anxiously awaiting the last ingredient--your pulverized bones.

Science Magazine

Whisk very gently to disperse the last ingredients.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "last ingredient", ensure that it logically concludes a list or process. For example, in a recipe, specify if adding it affects the final outcome, such as texture or flavor.

Common error

Avoid assuming the "last ingredient" is always the least important. Sometimes, the last ingredient is the most critical for achieving the desired result, like a key seasoning or a binding agent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "last ingredient" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the final item in a series, often within a recipe or process, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

23%

Science

14%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "last ingredient" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that denotes the final element in a sequence or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and applicable across various contexts. It's frequently seen in News & Media and Wiki sources. While it may not always be the most critical component, it signifies the completion of a recipe or procedure. Be mindful to not confuse the order of ingredients.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

final component

Changes from 'ingredient' to 'component', implying a part of a larger system.

ultimate element

Replaces 'last' with 'ultimate' and 'ingredient' with 'element', suggesting a definitive and crucial part.

concluding item

Uses 'concluding' instead of 'last', focusing on the position in a sequence.

final addition

Highlights the act of adding the ingredient, rather than the ingredient itself.

last piece

Implies that the ingredient is a part of a puzzle, completing a whole.

final touch

Suggests a finishing detail that enhances the overall quality.

essential finale

Emphasizes the importance and finality of the ingredient.

closing element

Focuses on the role of the ingredient as the one that closes or completes something.

final part

Uses 'part' to indicate a component of a larger whole, with 'final' indicating its position.

ultimate necessity

Implies that the ingredient is absolutely required to achieve the final result.

FAQs

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

You can use "last ingredient" to refer to the final component added in a recipe or process. For example: "The secret to this cake's moistness is the "last ingredient", sour cream".

What's a good substitute for "last ingredient"?

Alternatives include "final component", "ultimate element", or "concluding item", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say 'the last ingredient added'?

Yes, "the last ingredient added" is grammatically correct and provides additional clarity, emphasizing the action of adding it.

Can "last ingredient" refer to something other than food?

Yes, it can refer to any final element in a process, not just cooking. For instance, "Patience is often the "last ingredient" needed for success in negotiations".