last time round

USAGE SUMMARY

"last time round" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a previous instance of something, typically an event or experience. For example, "I didn't get a chance to try it last time round, so I'm really looking forward to it this time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Oxford, a contender last time round?

The Guardian

The generals made a mess of governing last time round.

The Economist

Last time round, he took a conciliatory line towards India.

The Economist

Last time round, four years ago, Sadr boycotted the elections.

The Guardian - Opinion

How would you compare it with the last time round?

The Guardian

I became quite obsessed with the swimming last time round.

The Guardian - Arts

His record, last time round, from 1993 to 1998, was pretty bad.

The Economist

Last time round, organisers chartered a plane from Paris to fly in visiting celebrities and dignitaries.

The Economist

The last time round, 123 different groups ("elements", in parade lingo) marched down Pennsylvania Avenue.

The Economist

won't they?" dalliance with Lady Mary kept us hooked last time round.

Independent

Last time round this was impossible without causing the bank to default.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "last time round" when you want to refer back to a specific previous event or occurrence, especially in informal or conversational contexts. It is particularly effective when contrasting the previous event with the current situation.

Common error

Avoid using "last time round" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more formal alternatives such as "previously" or "on the previous occasion" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "last time round" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when something occurred relative to a previous instance. As Ludwig AI indicates, this usage is grammatically correct and accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "last time round" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to refer to a previous instance or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and understood. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, though less formal and scientific writing may benefit from alternatives. While useful for conveying a sense of comparison or contrast, it's best reserved for informal settings to maintain a professional tone in formal and academic discourse. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The Economist underscores its broad acceptance and usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the previous time

A direct synonym, maintaining the same level of specificity.

the other time

Suitable when there are only two instances being compared.

previously

A more formal and concise way of saying "last time round", suitable for professional contexts.

on a prior occasion

A slightly more formal way to indicate a past event.

on the previous occasion

A more formal and explicit alternative, often used in written communication.

in the earlier case

Useful when comparing two situations and referring back to the first one.

the last instance

Focuses on a specific occurrence, suitable when referring to a particular event.

in the preceding period

Highlights the timeframe before the current one, often used in analytical contexts.

in the past

A general term that refers to any time before the present, less specific than "last time round".

before

A simpler, less detailed way to indicate a prior event or situation.

FAQs

What does "last time round" mean?

"Last time round" means the previous occasion or instance of something. It is often used to compare a past event with the present situation.

Is "last time round" formal or informal?

"Last time round" is generally considered an informal phrase. For more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "previously" or "on the previous occasion".

What's a more formal way to say "last time round"?

In formal settings, you can replace "last time round" with phrases like "previously", "on the previous occasion", or "in the past".

How can I use "last time round" in a sentence?

You can use "last time round" to refer to a previous event, like this: "I didn't enjoy the concert last time round, but I'm willing to give it another try."