last man standing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "last man standing" is correct and it can be used in formal written English.
For example, "He had worked hard all week, and at the end of the project he was the last man standing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Last Man Standing" will stand again.

Los Angeles Times

With Hird's messy departure at Essendon last week, Buckley is the last man standing.

The Guardian - Sport

For most of last year, the concept was called "last man standing".

Forbes

It's the last man standing".

The New Yorker

"But I was the last man standing.

Independent

They're almost like the last man standing.

Cornell University

We're the last man standing.

The Guardian

It'll be last man standing".

The Guardian - Sport

Even if I'm the last man standing".

The New Yorker

See the last man standing shootout below.

Independent

Could be the last man standing.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "last man standing" to describe situations where resilience and persistence lead to being the sole entity remaining, especially in competitive or challenging environments.

Common error

While "last man standing" is acceptable in many situations, excessive use in casual conversation can sound cliché. Consider more straightforward alternatives like "the only one left" or "the survivor" for everyday scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "last man standing" functions as an idiomatic expression. It commonly operates as a noun phrase, often used to describe a person, team, or entity that remains after others have failed or left a competition, challenge, or difficult situation, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "last man standing" is an idiomatic expression widely used to describe the individual or entity that remains after a period of competition or difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently across various reputable sources. Its prevalence in news, academic, and scientific contexts indicates its versatility and broad understanding. While the phrase carries a neutral register, overuse in informal settings should be avoided. Alternatives such as "sole survivor", "final contender", and "only one left" can provide nuance depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

last one standing

A more literal rewording of the original phrase, maintaining a similar meaning.

the last one standing

Adds definiteness, emphasizing the singularity of the remaining entity.

sole survivor

Focuses on the aspect of survival and being the only one left after a series of events.

only one left

Simplifies the idea to the basic concept of being the only individual remaining.

final contender

Highlights the competitive aspect and reaching the end of a competition.

the survivor

Focuses primarily on the endurance aspect, highlighting overcoming challenges.

ultimate champion

Emphasizes victory and being the last one remaining due to superior performance.

the last to remain

More formal and emphasizes the act of staying while others have left.

remaining competitor

A more neutral alternative, simply stating that someone is still competing when others are not.

finalist

Indicates that someone has reached the final stage, often in a competition.

FAQs

What does "last man standing" mean?

The phrase "last man standing" typically refers to the individual or entity that remains after a period of competition, difficulty, or attrition. It often implies resilience and the ability to outlast others.

How can I use "last man standing" in a sentence?

You can use "last man standing" to describe someone who has survived a challenging situation, such as, "After the company layoffs, he was the "sole survivor", the "last man standing".

What are some alternatives to "last man standing"?

Some alternatives include "only one left", "sole survivor", or "final contender", depending on the specific context.

Is "last man standing" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "last man standing" can be appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing business or competitive situations. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of the piece.