last stand

USAGE SUMMARY

"last stand" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It refers to a final effort or attempt to resist an opposing force or situation. It can also have a metaphorical meaning, representing a final confrontation or decision. Example: "Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, the soldiers made their last stand against the enemy forces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The last stand.

The New Yorker

That was my last stand.

The New York Times - Sports

A last stand?

The New York Times

"It's TV's last stand".

The New York Times

Where will they make their last stand?

The Economist

"For some, this is the last stand".

The New York Times

THE LAST STAND, by Nathaniel Philbrick.

The New York Times

In the last stand — Next move, smack!

The New York Times

Re "The Bookstore's Last Stand" (Jan.

The New York Times

This will be her last stand.

The New Yorker

Steele's last stand was futile.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Remember to consider context, "last stand" has strong connotations of finality or desperation that should be suited to the context in which it's used.

Common error

Avoid using "last stand" in overly formal or academic writing where a more neutral term like "final effort" or "ultimate attempt" would be more appropriate. The phrase carries a strong emotional weight that may not suit every context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "last stand" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as a metaphor to describe a final defensive action or effort against overwhelming opposition. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts, from military battles to business challenges, confirming its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "last stand" is a noun phrase that evokes a final, determined effort against overwhelming odds. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. While predominantly found in News & Media, its usage extends to Formal & Business and Science contexts. When employing this phrase, be mindful of its emotional weight and avoid using it in overly formal writing. Alternative phrases like "final effort" or "ultimate resistance" may be more appropriate in certain contexts. The phrase originates from historical battles. Top authoritative sources, include The New York Times, The Guardian and The New Yorker.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a final stand

Adds the verb "make", it turns from noun to verb phrase

last-ditch attempt

Emphasizes desperation and the lateness of the action, implying a low chance of success.

eleventh-hour effort

Similar to "last-ditch attempt", this emphasizes the timing, implying it's nearly too late.

final effort

Focuses on the exertion of energy, removing the connotation of defense or opposition.

desperate measure

Emphasizes the desperation behind the action, removing the confrontational aspect.

final act of defiance

Highlights the rebellious aspect of the action, suggesting resistance against authority.

do-or-die situation

Focuses on the high stakes involved, emphasizing the critical nature of the outcome.

ultimate resistance

Focuses on the act of opposition, removing the sense of finality or desperation.

final showdown

Emphasizes the climactic and decisive nature of the event, often used in dramatic contexts.

decisive confrontation

Highlights the confrontational aspect, downplaying the sense of desperation or finality.

FAQs

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

The phrase "last stand" typically describes a final act of resistance against overwhelming odds. For example, "The outnumbered troops made their "last stand" at the Alamo" or "The bookstore is making a "last stand" against online retailers".

What are some alternatives to "last stand"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "final effort", "last-ditch attempt", "final act of defiance", or "ultimate resistance".

Is "last stand" a formal or informal phrase?

"Last stand" leans towards a more informal or neutral register. While it can be used in news and media, it might be too evocative for highly formal academic or business writing where something like "final attempt" may be more suitable.

What's the origin of the phrase "last stand"?

The phrase "last stand" is often associated with Custer's "Last Stand" at the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876. However, the general concept of a final defensive action dates back much further.