late last month

USAGE SUMMARY

'late last month' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a specific time in the past. Example sentence: I received the shipment late last month.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Late last month, Maj.

The New York Times

She was demoted late last month.

The New York Times

The voting ended late last month.

The Guardian - Tech

The first report surfaced late last month.

The New York Times

Alvarenga, 37, washed ashore late last month.

The Guardian

Sherman retired from the State Department late last month.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Sarajevo's Jezero paediatric hospital officially reopened late last month.

Independent

A bill passed late last month will leave most undisturbed.

The Economist

Two of Qantas' A380s returned to service late last month.

The Economist

The charges prompted the Aquino administration to relieve the warden from his post late last month.

The New York Times

Trying to rush to the finish line, Cooper shareholders approved the deal late last month.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "late last month", ensure the context is clear and that the reader understands which month you are referring to, especially if discussing events across multiple months. For increased clarity, specify the month if there's potential for ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "late last month" when the specific date is known. Instead of saying "The event happened late last month, around the 28th", it's better to state "The event happened on the 28th of last month".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "late last month" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the time when an action occurred. As Ludwig AI explains, it correctly indicates a point in time during the previous month.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

12%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "late last month" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a period near the end of the previous month. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves as a useful adverbial modifier, providing a general timeframe for events. Its usage is prevalent in news and media, with secondary contexts in scientific and academic writing. While convenient, remember that providing a specific date is best when precision is necessary. Consider alternatives like "end of last month" or "toward the end of last month" for nuanced expression. Using clear tense and avoiding vagueness are crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

end of last month

This alternative focuses on the terminal part of the month, removing the ambiguity of what “late” means precisely.

toward the end of last month

This option emphasizes the gradual progression toward the month's end.

in the latter part of last month

A more formal substitute, using "latter part" instead of "late".

the final weeks of last month

This expands the timeframe to encompass several weeks leading to the month’s end.

during the last days of last month

Highlights specific days instead of a general period.

in the waning days of last month

A more evocative and slightly poetic phrasing.

the tail end of last month

An informal expression for the last part of the month.

close to the end of last month

Highlights proximity to the end, rather than being directly at the end.

the closing stages of last month

A more dramatic and emphatic way to express the time frame.

the back end of last month

Another informal and conversational phrasing, similar to "tail end".

FAQs

What does "late last month" mean?

The phrase "late last month" refers to the final portion or closing days of the month immediately preceding the current one. It's a general timeframe rather than a specific date.

How do I use "late last month" in a sentence?

You can use "late last month" to indicate when an event occurred, such as, "The negotiations concluded "late last month", leading to the agreement."

What are some alternatives to "late last month"?

Instead of "late last month", you could use phrases like "end of last month", "toward the end of last month", or "in the latter part of last month" depending on the context.

Is "late last month" too vague for formal writing?

While "late last month" is acceptable in many contexts, for formal writing, providing a more specific date or timeframe (e.g., "the final week of [month]" or "[Day], [Month]") enhances clarity and precision.