last instance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "last instance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the final occurrence or example of something, often in a context where a decision or action is being made based on previous occurrences. Example: "In the last instance, we must consider the impact of our choices on future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Books

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the first and last instance, each country is responsible for its own economy".

The New York Times

That was the last instance of a player-manager, a position once fairly common.

The New York Times - Sports

The Conservative government attacked, and yet in the last instance also protected, the Corporation.

The Guardian - Books

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

The New Yorker

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

This last instance reminds us exactly how tricky, contradictory and replete with ironies the whole period was and remains.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The paradox of globalisation, Davos style, is that its massive transnational forces depend, in the last instance, on small-group or one-to-one debates, dialogues and pacts.

Independent

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "last instance", ensure the context clearly establishes what sequence or series you are referring to. For example, "This was the "last instance" of reported errors in the system."

Common error

Avoid using "last instance" in very casual conversations or informal writing, where simpler alternatives like "last time" or "last case" might sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "last instance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it commonly denotes the final or most recent occurrence of something. This use aligns with the observed examples of its use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

38%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "last instance" is a versatile noun phrase used to denote the final or most recent occurrence of something. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific domains. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to use simpler alternatives in very informal settings. The term is effective for specifying the final event in a series, emphasizing the conclusion or latest manifestation of a trend.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

final occurrence

Focuses on the event happening for the last time; interchangeable in many contexts.

ultimate case

Emphasizes the concluding example or situation; often used in legal or decision-making contexts.

last example

A more direct and simple way of referring to the final illustration or instance.

concluding instance

Highlights that the instance is bringing something to a close or end.

terminal episode

Suggests a more dramatic or negative connotation of finality; often in medical or narrative contexts.

endmost event

Emphasizes the position at the very end of a sequence or series of events.

final demonstration

Implies a concluding presentation or display of something.

latest manifestation

Suggests the most recent appearance or form of something.

swan song

An idiomatic expression referring to a final performance or act before retirement or death.

closing chapter

Often used metaphorically to describe the end of a phase or period.

FAQs

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

The phrase "last instance" refers to the final occurrence or example of something. For example: "That was the "last instance" of reported network failures this quarter."

What's a more formal alternative to "last instance"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "final occurrence" or "ultimate case" depending on the specific context.

How does "last instance" differ from "previous instance"?

"Last instance" refers to the final or most recent case, while "previous instance" refers to an earlier case, not necessarily the final one.

What are some synonyms for "last instance" in different contexts?

Depending on the context, you could use "final example", "concluding instance", or "latest manifestation" as alternatives to "last instance".