last time that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "last time that" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example: "I haven't seen him since last time that we went out for lunch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The last time that happened?

The New York Times

"When was the last time that happened?

The New York Times

(Last time that happened: Florida in 2008).

The New York Times

Last time that was at 10.52pm.

Independent

When was the last time that had happened?

The New York Times - Travel

The last time that happened was about a year ago.

The New York Times

The last time that happened was at Coretta's funeral.

The New Yorker

The last time that happened was in 1997.

The Economist

He couldn't remember the last time that had happened.

The New Yorker

The last time that happened, interest rates were at 12%.

The Guardian - Business

The last time that happened, the president was dead.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "last time that" to draw a comparison between past and present circumstances, highlighting changes or continuities.

Common error

Ensure that the "last time that" is clearly defined and not open to misinterpretation. Provide sufficient context to avoid confusion about the specific event being referenced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "last time that" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying a verb or clause by specifying when something occurred. As noted by Ludwig, it is used to refer to a specific past event, setting the stage for comparison or providing context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "last time that" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a previous occurrence or event. As confirmed by Ludwig, it effectively functions as an adverbial clause of time, providing context and enabling comparisons between past and present. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Academia contexts, indicating a neutral register suitable for diverse applications. To avoid ambiguity, it's best to ensure the context provides sufficient clarity about the specific event being referenced. Consider alternatives like "previous instance when" or "most recent occasion when" for variety. With the provided best practices and error avoidance tips, you can confidently use "last time that" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

last occasion that

Replaces "time" with occasion, that maintains the same meaning.

previous time when

Highlights the sequential aspect by using "previous time".

last instance when

Replaces "time" with "instance" to indicate a specific occurrence.

previous instance when

Replaces "time" with "instance" and uses "when" to introduce the event.

the last occasion in which

Replaces "time" with "occasion" and uses "in which" to emphasize the context.

most recent occasion when

Substitutes "last time" with "most recent occasion", emphasizing the recency of the event.

the preceding instance that

Employs "preceding instance" to refer to an event that came before.

prior event where

Uses "prior event" to indicate a past occurrence, with "where" connecting it to the event's details.

before this occurrence

Focuses on the contrast with the present situation by using "before this occurrence".

earlier episode when

Uses "earlier episode" to denote a past event, emphasizing its episodic nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "last time that" to refer to a previous occasion, as in, "The "last time that" I saw him, he was happy".

What's a more formal alternative to "last time that"?

In more formal contexts, consider using "the most recent occasion when" or "the previous instance when" as alternatives to ""last time that"".

Is it correct to say "the last time when" instead of "last time that"?

While "the last time when" is sometimes used, ""last time that"" is generally more concise and grammatically standard.

What's the difference between "last time that" and "the last time"?

"Last time that" is often followed by a clause specifying an event, while "the last time" can stand alone or be followed by a shorter phrase. For example, "Last time that I went there, it was raining" versus "The last time was fun".