last shot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "last shot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as photography, sports, or metaphorically to refer to a final opportunity or attempt. Example: "In the final moments of the game, he took his last shot, hoping to win the championship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Glory's last shot, at Glory's Last Shot.

The Guardian - Sport

It's their last shot.

The New Yorker

"This," she said, "is my last shot".

The New York Times

What did the last shot mean?

The New York Times

The last shot of a close game?

The New York Times - Sports

One last shot of vodka, then.

The New York Times - Food

Best Last Shot: "Haywire".

The New Yorker

"This is their last shot".

The New York Times - Health

Is that the last shot?

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Kobe's Last Shot.

Los Angeles Times

This may be Boehner's last shot as Speaker.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In metaphorical contexts, use "last shot" to add emphasis to the significance and finality of an action or decision.

Common error

Avoid using "last shot" when a situation still offers multiple avenues for resolution; reserve it for situations where options are truly exhausted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "last shot" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the final opportunity or attempt in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Sports

22%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "last shot" is a common and generally acceptable expression referring to a final attempt or opportunity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across varied contexts, predominantly in news, media, and sports. While grammatically sound, its formality may not suit all situations. It's crucial to consider the weight and finality the phrase implies, reserving its use for scenarios where options are truly limited. Alternatives like "final attempt" or "ultimate opportunity" may provide a more sophisticated tone in formal settings. The numerous examples from Ludwig showcase the phrase's versatility and widespread application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

final attempt

Emphasizes the concluding nature of the effort.

last chance

Highlights the opportunity aspect being the ultimate one.

final try

A more informal way to describe a last attempt.

ultimate opportunity

Focuses on the significance of the opportunity as the last one.

final moment

Emphasizes the timing and conclusiveness.

swan song

Evokes a sense of farewell and finality, often in a creative or performance context.

last resort

Indicates that all other options have been exhausted.

final throw of the dice

Implies a gamble or risk associated with the last attempt.

Hail Mary

Specifically refers to a desperate, last-ditch effort with low probability of success.

endgame

Refers to the final stages of a process or situation.

FAQs

How can I use "last shot" in a sentence?

You can use "last shot" to describe a final attempt or opportunity, as in "This is our "last shot" at winning the game" or "He considered the new job his "last shot" at professional success".

What's a more formal alternative to "last shot"?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "final attempt" or "ultimate opportunity" instead of ""last shot"".

Is it appropriate to use "last shot" in academic writing?

While ""last shot"" is understandable, it may be more appropriate to use a more formal alternative, such as "final attempt" or "culminating effort", in academic writing.

What's the difference between "last shot" and "last resort"?

"Last shot" generally refers to a final attempt or opportunity, while "last resort" implies that all other options have been exhausted, and the final action is often undesirable but necessary.