last minute of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "last minute of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the final moments or the very end of a specific time period or event. Example: "In the last minute of the game, the team scored a surprising goal that changed the outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It came last week: the last minute of our win over Arsenal.

The Guardian - Sport

After elimination in the last minute of the quarter-final last year, Choi went shopping.

The Guardian - Sport

Every last minute of it.

The New York Times - Travel

In the last minute of play?

The Guardian - Sport

"My weakness is always the last minute of a race.

Independent

Add the broad beans for the last minute of cooking.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And then, in the last minute of the half, they got a penalty.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr Paisley was not informed until the last minute of Mr Robinson's appearance.

The Economist

In my mind, it's like we're just on that last minute of that run".

Independent

"You have seen how he was motivated in the last minute of the game.

The Guardian - Sport

Lemieux spent the last minute of the Eastern Conference finals in the penalty box.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "last minute of", ensure the context clearly defines what time period or event you're referring to for clarity. For instance, specify "last minute of the game" or "last minute of the meeting."

Common error

Avoid using "last minute of" when referring to actions completed with substantial time, not just a literal minute. It is better to use term like "final stage of" or "end process of" depending on the case.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "last minute of" functions as a prepositional phrase acting as an adjectival modifier, describing the time frame in which an action or event occurs. It typically modifies a noun or noun phrase, indicating the final portion of a specified period. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "last minute of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that denotes the concluding moments of a specified timeframe. Ludwig AI indicates that it functions as a prepositional phrase, acting as an adjectival modifier to highlight timing and urgency. It's versatile enough for both formal and informal contexts, with a prevalence in news, media, and scientific domains. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the time period. To prevent misunderstanding, avoid its use for processes needing more than just a literal minute, and ensure you're clear when alluding to a more gradual or lengthy timeframe. Also, consider more formal options such as "final stage of" for professional writing. Overall, "last minute of" is a useful and well-understood phrase in English communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

final moments of

Replaces "minute" with "moments", broadening the timeframe slightly.

end moments of

Similar to "final moments", but with a slightly different emphasis.

end stage of

Shifts the focus to the concluding phase rather than a specific time.

dying seconds of

Emphasizes the urgency and finality of the time remaining.

closing stages of

Highlights the concluding part of a process or event.

eleventh hour of

An idiomatic expression indicating something happening just before it's too late.

waning moments of

Emphasizes the decreasing or fading nature of the final time.

final stretch of

Implies the concluding part of a race or competition.

last phase of

Focuses on the terminal stage of a process or project.

terminal phase of

Highlights the conclusive and final part of an event.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "last minute of" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you might consider using phrases like "final stage of" or "terminal phase of" to convey a sense of completion or conclusion.

Is it correct to use "last minute of" in academic writing?

Yes, it's acceptable, but in some cases, using more specific or formal alternatives like "final moments of" or specifying a more precise timeframe might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "last minute of" and "final minute of"?

They are virtually interchangeable. Both refer to the concluding moments of a period of time, but "final minute of" may sound slightly more emphatic.

How to use "last minute of" correctly in a sentence?

Ensure that the context provides a clear reference to what the "last minute" pertains to. For instance, "In the "last minute of" the negotiation, they reached an agreement" clearly indicates the timeframe being discussed.