last words

USAGE SUMMARY

"last words" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to the words a person speaks just before they die. For example: "His last words were 'I love you.'".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Famous last words.

The New York Times

Truth or famous last words?

The New York Times

Famous Last Words. 3 Units.

Stanford University

"Her last words?

The New Yorker

Why last words?

The New Yorker

Famous last words, Pearl.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

And her last word?

The Guardian

"I have the last word.

The New York Times - Sports

The last word is "Amor".

The New Yorker

Have the last word.

The New Yorker

But fire will have the last word.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "last words" in writing, ensure the context clearly indicates the statement is indeed the final one spoken by a person before death or the conclusion of an era. Clarity avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid attributing undue importance to casual remarks made near death. The "last words" should carry a weight or intention relevant to the narrative, rather than being random or insignificant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "last words" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies the final utterances of an individual before death or the end of a significant period. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to denote these final expressions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "last words" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to the final utterances of an individual before death or the end of a significant period. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and used frequently. Predominantly found in "News & Media" and "Academia", the phrase carries a neutral register but often bears significant emotional weight. When writing, be mindful of the context and ensure that the "last words" are indeed the final statements, avoiding the attribution of undue importance to insignificant remarks. While alternatives such as "final statements" or "parting remarks" exist, "last words" remains a direct and widely understood way to convey these final expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

final statements

Focuses on the content rather than the timing of the utterance.

dying declarations

Highlights the legal aspect of statements made before death.

parting remarks

Emphasizes the act of leaving or saying goodbye.

ultimate utterance

A more formal and less common way to describe the final statement.

last testament

Implies a formal or significant declaration, often regarding one's wishes.

final communication

Broader term that includes non-verbal forms of expression.

deathbed confession

Specifically refers to a confession made before death.

last message

Focuses on communication rather than spoken words.

final thoughts

Refers to the ideas or reflections a person has before passing.

swan song

Figurative term for a final performance or act.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "last words"?

Synonyms include "final statements", "parting remarks", or "dying declarations", depending on the context.

How do I use "last words" in a sentence?

You can use "last words" to refer to the final statements someone makes before death, as in, "Her "last words" were a message of love and forgiveness."

What is the significance of a person's "last words"?

A person's "last words" are often seen as significant because they may reveal their deepest thoughts, regrets, or final wishes before passing away.

Are "last words" always profound or meaningful?

Not necessarily. While some "last words" may be profound, others can be simple, mundane, or even nonsensical, depending on the circumstances and the person's state of mind.