last possible date

USAGE SUMMARY

"last possible date" is correct and usable in written English.
The phrase can be used when referring to a final deadline or cutoff date. For example, "The last possible date to submit your application is August 1st."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

If Mr Brown is replaced, a general election is likely to be called long before June 2010, the last possible date permitted under law.

The Economist

But it was decided to extend the opening until yesterday, the last possible date before the site is cleared for the extension of the visitor centre and the mass planting of the thousands of bushes, trees and shrubs.

The Guardian

"I would like to get on with it, I would like to see us making progress, but in the bill we are presenting to parliament today we have set 31 December 2017 as the last possible date for a referendum.

The Guardian

I still don't believe that there will be an election other than on the last possible date in early summer 2010, but the events of today may encourage the more atavistic of Labour MPs to think that an earlier election might mitigate the damage and help more of them to keep their seats.

The Guardian - Opinion

The UN secretary general, Kofi Annan, has given both communities until February 28 to agree to the plan, a deadline now regarded as the last possible date for a solution to the island's partition before it accedes to the bloc.

The Guardian

EU officials have privately said that 25 November is the last possible date for a summit, and that it would need to be called early next week to allow preparations in EU capitals.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

9 October Last possible date to take UKCat.

The Guardian

But with recession likely to trouble voters until at least June 2010, the last possible election date, the Lib Dems may struggle.

The Economist

The last possible observation date was December 31 , 2002

BMC Public Health

Gordon Brown, who is due to address the conference today, will focus on the key pledges he intends to deliver between now and 2010, the possible date for the next election.

The Guardian

Cheryl gives them a list of 10 possible dates: May 15, May 16, May 19, June 17, June 18, July 14, July 16, August 14, August 15, and August 17 Cheryl then tells Albert and Bernard separately the month and the day of her birthday respectively.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider alternatives like "final deadline" or "latest allowable date" for a more professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "last possible date" without specifying the relevant action or event. For instance, instead of saying "The last possible date is next week", specify "The last possible date to register for the conference is next week."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "last possible date" functions as a noun phrase that specifies a deadline or the final opportunity to perform an action. It is frequently used to provide clarity on temporal limits. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

20%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "last possible date" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that denotes a final deadline or opportunity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While it's suitable for most contexts, formal settings may benefit from alternatives like "final deadline". Remember to clearly specify what the "last possible date" refers to in your writing. The phrase is commonly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, highlighting its broad applicability and understandability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

final deadline

Emphasizes the ultimate limit for completion.

deadline

A shorter, more direct term for the final date.

the latest date

A simpler way to express the final date available.

latest allowable date

Focuses on permission and what is permitted within a timeframe.

ultimate cutoff

Highlights the point beyond which something is not accepted.

last day for submission

Specifically refers to submitting something by the final date.

absolute last day

Stresses the finality of the day.

expiration date

Implies a limit on validity.

terminal date

More formal and emphasizes the end of a period.

drop-dead date

An informal term emphasizing the finality of the date.

FAQs

How do I use "last possible date" in a sentence?

Use "last possible date" to specify the final day an action can be taken or a task completed. For example, "The "last possible date" to apply for the scholarship is May 1st".

What is another way to say "last possible date"?

You can use phrases such as "final deadline", "latest allowable date", or "ultimate cutoff" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to use "last possible date" in formal writing?

Yes, "last possible date" is generally acceptable. However, for a more formal tone, consider using "final deadline" or "latest allowable date".

What should I avoid when using "last possible date"?

Avoid ambiguity by clearly stating what the "last possible date" refers to. For example, instead of "The "last possible date" is approaching", say "The "last possible date" to submit your entry is approaching".