one last shot

USAGE SUMMARY

'one last shot' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used in the context of someone making a final attempt to do something or trying one more time. For example, "He decided to take one last shot at the job interview before giving up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not able to get a handle on it, midfielder Fernando Tissone fired one last shot -- but the rebound was unsuccessful.

Huffington Post

One last shot of vodka, then.

The New York Times - Food

One last shot at me".

The Guardian

"I want one last shot at sex".

The Guardian - Books

Instead, I decided to give it one last shot.

The New York Times - Sports

"We have one last shot at credibility," Mr. Silverman said.

The New York Times

That leaves the chagrined incumbents one last shot – with the U.S. Supreme Court.

MIT Technology Review

Then they set again after the Welsh clearance, 20 yards further back, for one last shot.

The Guardian - Sport

After two operations that included fusing two disks, Katzenmoyer gave football one last shot in 2001.

The New York Times - Sports

At the end of Glassland I went for one last shot of whiskey with Jack.

The Guardian - Film

Still, Bryant is close to retirement and desperate for one last shot at a championship.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "one last shot" when you want to emphasize the finality of an attempt or opportunity. This phrase often carries an emotional weight, suggesting that failure is not an option.

Common error

Avoid using "one last shot" when a situation clearly allows for multiple future attempts. The phrase's impact lies in its implication of finality; overuse dilutes its significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one last shot" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a final attempt or opportunity, implying a sense of urgency and finality, as demonstrated by Ludwig AI's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Sports

22%

Film

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "one last shot" is a very common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a final attempt or opportunity. According to Ludwig AI, its neutral tone makes it suitable for a broad range of contexts, but it's most frequently encountered in News & Media and Sports. When using the phrase, remember that its power comes from the sense of finality it conveys. Alternatives such as "final attempt" or "last chance" may be more appropriate in formal contexts. Always ensure the situation warrants the implication of a final opportunity to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

final attempt

Emphasizes the act of trying something for the last time.

last chance

Highlights the opportunity aspect, indicating no further chances will be available.

final try

Similar to "final attempt", but uses the simpler word 'try'.

last ditch effort

Implies a desperate final attempt when all else has failed.

one final opportunity

More formal and emphasizes the availability of an opportunity.

last resort

Suggests using something as a final option when everything else has failed.

final throw of the dice

Idiomatic expression highlighting the risk and uncertainty of the final attempt.

swan song

Refers to a final performance or act before retirement or death.

eleventh hour

Indicates something happening at the last possible moment.

one last hurrah

Signifies a final celebration or enthusiastic effort before the end.

FAQs

How can I use "one last shot" in a sentence?

You can use "one last shot" to describe a final attempt at something, such as, "He took "one last shot" at the basket before the buzzer rang" or "She gave her career "one last shot" by starting her own business".

What's a more formal alternative to "one last shot"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "final attempt", "ultimate opportunity", or "last recourse" instead of "one last shot". These options carry a similar meaning but are better suited for professional or academic contexts.

Is "one last shot" only used in sports?

No, "one last shot" is not limited to sports contexts. While it's often used to describe a final play in a game, it can also be applied to various situations, such as business ventures, personal relationships, or creative projects.

What's the difference between "last chance" and "one last shot"?

"Last chance" emphasizes the availability of an opportunity before it's gone forever. "One last shot" focuses on the action of attempting something for a final time. The /s/last+chance focuses on urgency, /s/one+last+shot highlights agency.