last utterance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "last utterance" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to someone's final spoken words or remarks. An example is: "His last utterance was filled with emotion." Alternative expressions include "final words" and "last words."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Was his last utterance "Reynolds," "Herring" or "Lord help my poor soul"?

The New York Times - Books

His painting "The Horrors of War" (1637-38) was his last utterance on the condition of Europe, and his most pessimistic.

The New Yorker

Here's where you discover, for example, the delightful "scratch that" command that deletes your last utterance and the "cap" command that capitalizes the next word you speak.

The New York Times - Tech

Pfleger, taking up the question that is Jesus' last utterance during the crucifixion in the Gospel of Mark ("My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"), inveighed against BET, "prosperity-pimping preachers," and rappers.

The New Yorker

That last utterance may be a bit of an understatement.

Forbes

And I ponder this last utterance: "Forgive them, for they know not what they do".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

One of his last utterances seemed to mark the despair of the politician-performance artist: Qualis artifex pereo!

The New Yorker

Shout your defiance or your love in their direction?nThis is a course about last words the final utterances left as legacies for the world in the face of revolution, war, betrayal, heartbreak, or that simplest of endings, death.

Stanford University

His last public utterance ends with the expression of his conviction that "from Russia under N.E.P. will come Socialist Russia".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Her voice had gone hoarse, which made her sound like a woman making her last, desperate utterance after crawling through a desert, which, in a way, she had.

The New Yorker

Mr. Bainbridge, in his Profile of Max Sherover, wrote that on of the records of historical interest owned by the Lingua-phone is "a recording of the last public utterance of Wm.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "last utterance", consider the context. It is most impactful when referring to a significant final statement, especially in historical, literary, or dramatic situations. Ensure the gravity of the situation matches the formality of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "last utterance" in everyday conversation or informal writing. The phrase carries a weight of finality and importance, making it inappropriate for trivial or commonplace remarks. Opt for simpler alternatives like "final words" or "last comment" in less serious settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "last utterance" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the final spoken words or declaration of an individual, often carrying significant weight or meaning. Ludwig AI exemplifies this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "last utterance" is a grammatically sound noun phrase, referring to a final spoken statement. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's most commonly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science. The phrase carries a degree of formality and is best used when emphasizing the significance or finality of someone's closing words. While acceptable, it is not as common, therefore choosing simpler synonyms could be preferable for certain contexts. Be mindful not to overuse it in casual conversation, where less formal alternatives would be more appropriate. The phrase appears to be grammatically correct, with good usage consistency and source authority.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

last words

A more common and direct synonym, simply emphasizing the finality of the speech.

final statement

Focuses on the conclusive nature of the declaration, shifting from the act of speaking to the content itself.

final remark

Highlights the concluding nature of the comment, altering the emphasis from a formal declaration to a casual observation.

parting words

Highlights the act of leaving or separating, adding a sense of closure.

dying words

Specifically refers to the last words spoken before death, adding a somber and often poignant tone.

concluding statement

Focuses on the formal aspect of bringing something to an end with a specific remark.

final communication

Broadens the scope to include any form of conveying a message, not just spoken words.

ultimate declaration

Emphasizes the decisiveness and importance of the final statement.

swan song

Metaphorically refers to a final performance or creative work, not strictly limited to spoken words.

valedictory address

Refers to a formal speech given at a farewell event, often in academic or ceremonial contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "last utterance" to refer to the final statement made by someone, especially before death or a significant event. For example: "The condemned man's "final words" were a plea for forgiveness."

What is a good synonym for "last utterance"?

Alternatives include "final statement", "dying words", or "parting words", depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "last utterance" formal or informal?

"Last utterance" is generally considered a formal phrase. It's better suited for serious or solemn contexts rather than casual conversation. In informal settings, "last words" or "final comment" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "last utterance" and "final statement"?

While similar, "last utterance" specifically refers to the act of speaking, whereas "final statement" emphasizes the content of what was said. "Last utterance" often implies a more emotional or significant context.