last one down

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "last one down" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as games, races, or competitions where participants are racing to reach a certain point, and the last person to arrive is being referred to. Example: "In our game of tag, the last one down the slide has to be 'it' next."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But imagine a succession of such days stretching into years — years in which explosions bring down all the great buildings, until the last one goes, or until bothering to bring the last one down is just a waste of ammunition.

The New Yorker

But imagine a succession of such days stretching into years years in which explosions bring down all the great buildings, until the last one goes, or until bothering to bring the last one down is just a waste of ammunition.

The New Yorker

Let's break that last one down a bit more.

The New York Times

"We had to had jump the last one down the back with it sort of halfway sideways and then get it back," Poste reported.

The Guardian - Sport

Shannon Fox, author of Last One Down the Aisle Wins, hints that this just might be the case.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The last one shut down in 1990.

The Guardian

When the mines played out or were forced by cheaper foreign imports to close -- the last one shut down in 1958 -- 175 million tons of chat was left behind, creating a toxic moonscape encircling the town that federal officials have been trying to clean up since 1983.

The New York Times

However, qRT-PCR showed that the expression of the former two target genes was induced by B-deficiency, while the last one was down-regulated (Table  2).

BMC Plant Biology

The last one was batted down at the line by Jenkins.

The New York Times - Sports

In Beijing two big coal-fired plants closed this week; the capital's last one will shut down next year.Another prop to demand has been power generation in rich countries.

The Economist

In fact, since last Sunday's CNN/ORC poll, the change Trump has seen since the last polls from each outlet has varied — up since the last one in some, down in others.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "last one down" to describe a sequence of events where the final action completes or concludes a process, especially when emphasizing the end of a series of failures or eliminations.

Common error

Avoid using "last one down" when referring to something that might be followed by more actions or events. The phrase implies a conclusive ending.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "last one down" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, often acting as a noun phrase or part of a larger clause. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "last one down" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that functions as a descriptive element, often indicating the end of a series or a conclusive action. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase appears in varied sources like news, science and wiki. While it has a limited number of exact examples, its meaning is consistently understood, emphasizing the finality of a situation. The suggested related phrases provide alternative ways to convey the same concept, adapting to different contexts while retaining the core message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

final one to fall

Emphasizes the act of falling or failing as the last in a series.

ultimate casualty

Focuses on the negative outcome or consequence of being last.

the last remaining

Highlights the survival aspect until the very end.

the last to succumb

Implies giving in or yielding after resistance.

final competitor standing

Specifically refers to a competition where only one remains.

last person standing

Focuses on who remains at the end of an exhausting series of events.

the last to be defeated

Highlights the process of defeat and being the last to experience it.

the last one standing

Emphasizes survival or endurance to the end.

final one to give up

Focuses on the act of surrendering or quitting last.

the last survivor

Highlights surviving an event or challenge to be the sole person left.

FAQs

How can I use "last one down" in a sentence?

You can use "last one down" to describe the final action in a series of events, such as, "In our game of tag, the "last one down" the slide has to be 'it' next."

What is a good alternative to "last one down"?

Depending on the context, consider using alternatives like "final one to fall" or "the last remaining".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "last one down"?

Use "last one down" when you want to emphasize the very end of a sequence, particularly when describing a final failure or elimination. It indicates that nothing follows.

What does "last one down" imply?

The phrase "last one down" implies finality and completion. It suggests that whatever is being described is the concluding action in a series, with no further events expected to follow.