last minute question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "last minute question" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a question that is asked at the last moment or right before something is about to happen or be completed. Example: "Before the presentation started, John asked a last minute question about the data analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Let's be clear: a last minute question about energy doesn't do justice to the threat of the climate crisis," said May Boeve, executive director of climate group 350 Action, shortly after the debate.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Feel free to email with us with any last minute questions.

University of California, Berkeley

Come hear about SAI Summer Funding opportunities, including research and internship grants, and ask any last minute questions about the application process.

Harvard University

3/4 Vahab's office hour is moved from Monday 1-2 pm to Tuesday 11am-12pm for the last minute questions.

University of California, Berkeley

We're here to help, and we'll be at the study break to answer your last minute questions.

Columbia University

Dr. Lahey answered a few last minute questions, then set off to get ready for the surgery.

The New York Times

Have a few last minute questions about your essays before the upcoming Round 2 or 3 deadlines and want to know what worked for current students?

Yale University

This is specifically designed for those who can not come to the Sunday's review session or have last minute questions.

University of California, Berkeley

Feel free to bring in any last minute questions! 2/16/07 For the week of 2/19, Eudean Sun's office hours will be Tuesday, 12 30-2 00PM and Wednesday, 3 30-5 00PM both in 477 Cory Hall.

University of California, Berkeley

Mr Watson trialled his own social media method by taking part in an "exam clinic" on Twitter: a last minute question-and-answer session with his students the night before one of their A-Level exams.

BBC

There will also be an Admitted Students' Day so that you can learn more about the program and get answers to any last minute questions.

University of Chicago

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "last minute question", ensure the context clearly indicates the urgency or proximity to a deadline. This adds emphasis to the timing of the question.

Common error

Avoid using "last minute question" when the timing isn't actually critical or close to a deadline. Using it inappropriately can dilute its intended impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "last minute question" functions as a noun phrase, where "last minute" modifies the noun "question". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

40%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "last minute question" effectively communicates the urgency or proximity to a deadline when asking a question. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical accuracy and common usage across various platforms. It's frequently used in academic and news-related contexts, though the register remains neutral. To avoid overuse or misapplication, consider related phrases like "urgent inquiry" or "final question" when timing isn't critical. Properly employing "last minute question" ensures clarity and adds emphasis to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

final moment question

Emphasizes the timing of the question right before a moment.

last-second query

Uses "second" to describe an extremely tight timeframe.

eleventh-hour question

Uses the idiom "eleventh-hour" to convey the lateness.

final question

Focuses on the position of the question in a sequence, specifically the last one.

urgent inquiry

Emphasizes the time-sensitive nature of the request.

final clarification

Highlights the need for something to be made clear right before a cutoff.

just-in-time question

Highlights that question is asked right before the event.

late question

Simply indicates that the question was asked close to the deadline.

penultimate question

Describes the question second to last.

closing query

Implies the question is among the last ones asked.

FAQs

How can I use "last minute question" in a sentence?

You can use "last minute question" to describe an inquiry posed just before a deadline or event, such as, "I had a "last minute question" about the project requirements before submitting it".

What's a good substitute for "last minute question"?

Alternatives include "final question", "urgent inquiry", or "eleventh-hour question", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "last minute question"?

The phrase is grammatically correct, but context is key. Overusing it or applying it when the timing isn't truly urgent can diminish its effectiveness. Use alternatives like "quick question" if the timing isn't essential.

What is the difference between "last minute question" and "follow-up question"?

A "last minute question" emphasizes timing, indicating it's asked close to a deadline. A "follow-up question" relates to content, meaning it's asked to clarify a previous statement or inquiry, regardless of when it's asked.