last left off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "last left off" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the point at which someone paused or stopped in a narrative or discussion, often when resuming a conversation or activity. Example: "Let's pick up from where we last left off in our meeting last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

When we last left off in the Saga of Drake, a few weeks ago, our hero had been surprisingly and fiercely challenged.

The New Yorker

When we last left off, it was the summer of 1965, and times, they were a-changing… Don Draper Happiness eludes our hero, and late in Season Four, the going gets tougher still.

The New Yorker

"So, when we last left off, they were riding into town, and you could tell that Shane had his own agenda to settle the score with these people," Mr. Allen said.

The New York Times

This makes it easier to continue where you last left off, the company explains.

TechCrunch

Users can also query the new Xbox to ask it what their friends are currently playing, tell it to pick up playing a movie where it was last left off and more.

TechCrunch

We are gently queried for permission to engage, and with social contract in hand we answer questions, catch up from where we last left off, and negotiate the outline of our next meeting.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Each of the company's performances begins where the last one left off, and ends after precisely 50 minutes.

The New York Times - Arts

And today's lecture will take up where the last lecture left off, with another way in which it is typical to distinguish parts of the soul.

Yale University

"How Not to Let Go" picks up where the last book left off, finally delivering Annie and Charles's hard-won happily ever after.

The Washington Post

Jack, 7, and Mick, 5, started this summer where last summer left off — fishing for perch in the inner archipelago's sweet water.

The New York Times - Sports

Picking up where the articulated beige armor jackets of their last show left off, the designers An Vandevorst and Filip Arickx looked like they were creating a spring/summer collection fit for a modern day Joan of Arc.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "last left off", briefly recap the context if a significant amount of time has passed, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

Common error

Avoid using "last left off" when there's been a complete change of subject. This phrase implies a direct continuation, so ensure the new information logically follows the previous discussion or narrative to prevent confusing your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "last left off" functions as a transitional marker, primarily used to signal a return to a prior point in a conversation, narrative, or activity. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "last left off" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate resuming from a previous point in a discussion or narrative. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Its versatility allows it to be used in various contexts, ranging from news and media to academic discussions. When using this phrase, remember to provide adequate context and ensure continuity with the previous topic. Consider alternatives such as "where we previously stopped" or "resuming from where we stopped" for variety. Remember that the phrase's register is neutral meaning is well appropriate for the majority of contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

where we previously stopped

Emphasizes the action of stopping at a particular point.

where we last paused

Replaces "left off" with "paused", maintaining the meaning.

resuming from where we stopped

Uses the verb "resuming" to highlight the continuation.

picking up where we ended

Emphasizes the act of continuing from a certain conclusion.

continuing from the previous point

Uses a more descriptive approach, highlighting continuity.

as we were saying before

Implies a return to a previous statement or discussion.

where the previous discussion ended

Focuses on discussions and specific end points.

returning to our previous topic

Emphasizes the return to a particular subject matter.

restarting from our last position

Emphasizes resuming from a specific, previously held place.

as we previously discussed

Highlights a previous discussion serving as a point of reference.

FAQs

How can I use "last left off" in a sentence?

You can use "last left off" to refer back to a point in time in a discussion or narrative, for example, "Let's continue our conversation where we "last left off" yesterday".

What's a good way to rephrase "last left off"?

Alternatives include phrases like "where we "previously stopped"", "where we "last paused"", or "resuming from where we stopped".

Is it ever incorrect to use "last left off"?

The phrase ""last left off"" might be confusing if the topic has completely shifted. Ensure continuity and relevance for clarity.

What's the difference between "last left off" and "where we ended"?

"Last left off" is often used to bridge a continuation after an interruption, whereas "where we ended" can imply a finality or completion of a thought before moving on.