last matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "last matter" is not commonly used in written English and may be unclear without context.
It could potentially be used to refer to the final issue or topic being discussed, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "Before we conclude the meeting, let's address the last matter on the agenda."

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

One last matter remained to be sorted.

The New York Times

But he has one last matter to investigate.

The New York Times - Books

This last matter is trickiest, since it is potentially so polarizing.

The New York Times - Books

Which brings us to the last matter Rudoren deals with, the Israeli Supreme Court's recent, weird decision to reject a petition by various distinguished Israelis to recognize "Israeli" as a nationality.

The New Yorker

The last matter will be given high visibility because both the heir to the throne, Prince Charles, and his companion, Camilla Parker Bowles, have been divorced and may want to marry.

The New York Times

Checking out the chicks Political prisoners No rush for pews Down and perhaps in Marlboro Country no more Madame Secretary Reprints Related items California: The ungovernable stateMay 14th 2009 Mayors: Leading by exampleJun 28th 2007However, among Californian Democrats, that last matter need not be a disaster.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The last matters quite a lot.

The Economist

At the end of the summer, Kino's divorce was finalized, and he and his wife met at his bar one afternoon, before it opened, to take care of a few last matters.

The New Yorker

THE last Matters, about the city's new school promotion policy, said today's column would examine whether failing students will get the help that eluded earlier generations of struggling students.

The New York Times

They last matters of decades.

Vice

Now living in a different apartment, she continues to exert an influence, although she has to settle a few last matters of her own.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "last matter", ensure the context clearly indicates that it refers to the final item or issue being discussed. Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating its concluding nature.

Common error

Avoid using "last matter" excessively in highly formal writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "final issue" or "concluding point" for enhanced clarity and sophistication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "last matter" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It designates the final item, issue, or topic under consideration. Ludwig's examples showcase this function in various contexts, indicating a point of closure or conclusion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "last matter" is an acceptable, though somewhat uncommon, way to refer to the final item or topic under consideration. Ludwig AI indicates that its grammatical status is acceptable, while suggesting more precise alternatives may be preferred in certain formal contexts. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it serves to signal finality and draw attention to the concluding point. When aiming for utmost clarity and sophistication, options like "final issue" or "concluding topic" might be more effective. As for most authoritative sources using the phrase, The New York Times, The Guardian, and The New Yorker are on the top of the list.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

final point

Replaces "matter" with "point", emphasizing the concluding item in a discussion or list.

last item

Substitutes "matter" with "item", focusing on the final entry in a series or agenda.

concluding issue

Replaces both "last" and "matter" to highlight the final problem or subject to be addressed.

final consideration

Emphasizes the deliberative aspect of the last point needing to be thought about.

closing topic

Focuses on the subject of discussion that brings a conversation to an end.

ultimate concern

Highlights the final and perhaps most important aspect of a situation.

remaining question

Shifts the focus to a query that still needs to be resolved at the end.

outstanding detail

Highlights an aspect that is still unresolved and needs attention.

end subject

A more direct replacement, focusing on the terminal subject of discussion.

final act

Implies a sense of finality and closure, especially appropriate in narrative or procedural contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "last matter" to refer to the final item or topic being discussed. For example: "Before we conclude, let's address this "last matter" on the agenda."

What can I say instead of "last matter"?

You can use alternatives such as "final point", "concluding issue", or "final consideration" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "last matter" or "final matter"?

Both "last matter" and "final matter" are grammatically correct, but "final matter" is more commonly used and may sound more natural to some speakers.

Is "last matter" formal or informal?

"Last matter" falls somewhere in the middle, leaning towards neutral. However, in very formal contexts, consider alternatives like "final issue" or "concluding topic".