last possible option

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "last possible option" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the final choice available in a given situation, often implying that all other alternatives have been exhausted. Example: "After considering all alternatives, we have decided to proceed with the last possible option available to us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"This was my last possible option," Mr. Schultheis insisted.

The New York Times

In this study, we analysed retrospectively the early side effects and the response rate in the first patients, who received a therapy with 177Lu-DKFZ-617 PSMA (Lu-PSMA), in our departments as the last possible option [18].

EJNMMI Research

The last possible option, I figured, was to refinance.

Vice

Private student loans should be the last possible option for borrowers; however, many students at Globe University seem to be going this route when paying for college.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Sending in more U.S. ground troops and special forces is another possible option, but the last thing the uniformed services (and the American public) want is to get bogged down in another lengthy occupation of cities like Mosul and Raqqa.

The New Yorker

"To merkel" is to deliberate, evaluate a course of action and eventually choose a suitable option at the last possible moment.

Huffington Post

"One thing I learned as a lieutenant in the Army is that the best plan is the one that gives you the most options at the last possible minute," he said.

The New Yorker

The last possible cause for the poorly supported regions option is that the dataset is inadequate for resolving them.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Nominated for the last possible term.

The New Yorker

"The only possible option," he said, is the latter.

The New York Times

One possible option, although still risky, is the Oppenheimer Real Asset fund.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "last possible option", ensure the context clearly indicates that all other alternatives have been exhausted or are not viable. This strengthens the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "last possible option" when other viable alternatives still exist. This can weaken your argument and make you sound less credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "last possible option" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a sentence or prepositional phrase. It is used to denote the final or ultimate choice available in a particular situation. Ludwig's examples showcase this usage in various contexts, from medical treatments to financial decisions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "last possible option" is a noun phrase used to describe the final available choice when all other alternatives have been considered. Ludwig's AI analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, although it appears with relative infrequency in the available data. Its primary function is to convey finality and limitation, often justifying a decision or emphasizing a situation's gravity. While suitable for neutral registers, its effectiveness is best realized when the context clearly supports the claim that all other options are exhausted. When aiming for clarity and impact, writers should ensure that the use of "last possible option" accurately reflects the true state of available choices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

final alternative

Focuses on the conclusive nature of the option.

ultimate recourse

Emphasizes the act of turning to something for help as a final measure.

last resort

Highlights the desperation associated with the option.

final expedient

Implies a practical but potentially undesirable solution.

terminal option

Stresses the concluding aspect of the choice.

last available choice

Highlights the limited availability of options.

concluding possibility

Focuses on the idea that no further options exist.

absolute last choice

Emphasizes the definitive nature of the final selection.

endmost alternative

Focuses on the sequential ordering of options.

final feasible option

Emphasizes practicality and the option's viability.

FAQs

How can I use "last possible option" in a sentence?

Use "last possible option" to describe a final choice when all other alternatives have been considered. For instance, "Surgery was the "last possible option" after all other treatments failed".

What are some alternatives to "last possible option"?

You can use alternatives like "final alternative", "last resort", or "ultimate recourse" depending on the context.

Is "last possible option" the same as "last resort"?

While similar, ""last possible option"" generally refers to the final choice among available options, whereas "last resort" often implies a desperate measure taken when everything else has failed.

When should I avoid using "last possible option"?

Avoid using "last possible option" if other reasonable alternatives are still available or haven't been fully explored. It's most effective when genuinely representing the final viable choice.