one last step

USAGE SUMMARY

"one last step" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a final action that needs to be completed in order to finish a process. For example, "We've done all the preparations, now all that's left is one last step: the actual launch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

We consider here one last step that evaluates the limits estimated based on movements captured by the body kinematic.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

There's one last step.

The Washington Post

I HAD one last step to make in my own journey.

The New York Times - Travel

Just one last step of about a few metres and we had made it.

The Guardian - Travel

Mr. Suozzi's first budget faces one last step before becoming final, a second review by the state oversight board.

The New York Times

Even the initial one saying, look, I'm going to do this, I'm serious about this, you've got one last step to come back into the Union.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

It was one last, devious step for a man whose oddities, for many people, made the F.B.I.'s anthrax accusation more plausible.

The New York Times

Dream is the goad to one last, unlikely step past surrender; and then more improbably still, the next, and yet the next.

Huffington Post

Amplification reactions were performed in a thermocycler (Biometra TRIO - Thermoblock) under the following conditions: one step of 10 min at 96°C followed by 25 cycles of 1 min at 96°C; 1 min at 58°C; 1 min at 72°C and one last extension step of 10 min at 72°C.

BMC Veterinary Research

Every one of us tripped on the last step and fell down.

Los Angeles Times

"Can you not hear your friend calling you, one last time, one step forward on his behalf, to keep his legacy alive and help us win this election for Paul Wellstone".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "one last step", ensure the context clearly defines the process or sequence being concluded. This provides clarity and emphasizes the importance of the final action.

Common error

Avoid using "one last step" when the concluding action is trivial or insignificant. Overusing it can dilute its impact, making it seem less crucial than it should be.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one last step" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object. It indicates the final action required to complete a process or task, emphasizing its importance. Ludwig confirms this common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

27%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "one last step" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to the final action needed to complete a process. According to Ludwig, this phrase is versatile and appears in various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. While it is suitable for both formal and informal communication, it's important to ensure that the concluding action is significant enough to warrant its use. Alternatives like "final stage" or "concluding action" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

last action

A simple and direct synonym, omitting the sequential implication.

concluding action

Focuses on the act of finishing or bringing something to an end.

final stage

This refers to the very end of a process, omitting the action aspect.

final phase

Similar to "final stage" but implies a more structured process.

ultimate measure

Highlights the decisiveness of the final action.

final act

Implies a significant concluding event, often with a theatrical connotation.

finishing touch

Emphasizes a detail added at the end to perfect something.

the last mile

An idiomatic expression indicating the final, often most challenging, part of a journey or task.

final piece

Suggests that a key element is needed to complete the whole.

final hurdle

Emphasizes an obstacle that must be overcome to reach the end.

FAQs

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

You can use "one last step" to refer to a final action needed to complete a process. For example, "After reviewing the data, "one last step" is to submit the report".

What's a good alternative to saying "one last step"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "final stage", "concluding action", or "the last mile".

Is "one final step" or "one last step" more appropriate?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably, but "one last step" is slightly more common in everyday language.

When should I avoid using the phrase "one last step"?

Avoid using "one last step" when the final action is not significant or crucial to the overall outcome. It's best suited for situations where the last action is a key component of completion.