one last thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "one last thing" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to the last item in a list, the last point that needs to be made, or an additional thought or comment. For example: "I think I've covered everything, but there's one last thing I want to mention. We should make sure to save enough resources for the end of the year budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

TechCrunch

The New Yorker

The Guardian

Huffington Post

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Oh, and one last thing: Congratulations on a historic campaign.

Huffington Post

Which leads me to one last thing: mug up on your Second World War history.

The Guardian - Travel

I could go on all night with this but one last thing.

Huffington Post

One last thing: You were a guest star on "Gossip Girl".

Huffington Post

One last thing about the set: Lying downstage on it is a bearded man next to a fallen microphone stand.

Huffington Post

And one last thing: always wear a shirt with your name on it.

The New York Times - Magazine

Yet, there is one last thing that can be improved again and again on the iPhone — the camera.

TechCrunch

OK, one last thing: I heard somewhere that you don't do on-camera interviews anymore.

Vice

Finally, one last thing worth noting: this case makes me enjoy reading books on the iPad more.

TechCrunch

M: One last thing!

The New Yorker

One last thing, Russell.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ this phrase to signal a concluding remark without abruptly ending the discourse.

Common error

Avoid using "one last thing" excessively in a single piece of writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Opt for a more creative transition instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one last thing" functions as a discourse marker, signaling the introduction of a final point, clarification, or additional piece of information. It often acts as a transition, indicating that the speaker is about to conclude their remarks. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

TechCrunch

10%

The New Yorker

5%

Less common in

Huffington Post

5%

Science

4%

The Guardian

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "one last thing" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for introducing a final remark. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and versatility across various contexts, although it is generally more suited for neutral and informal communication. It appears most frequently in news and media, serving the purpose of adding emphasis to a concluding statement. While highly useful, it's important to avoid overuse to maintain its impact and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just one more point

Highlights the addition of another item to the discussion.

one final note

Replaces "thing" with "note", emphasizing a specific point or observation.

as a final thought

Positions the statement as a concluding reflection or consideration.

before we finish

Signals that the discussion is nearing its end and an additional point is being made.

lastly

Similar to "finally" but maintains a slightly more conversational tone.

finally

Omits the conversational framing of "one last thing", offering a more concise way to indicate the final point.

to conclude

Offers a slightly more formal way to wrap up a discussion.

in conclusion

Provides a more formal and definitive sense of closure compared to "one last thing".

on a side note

Signals the introduction of a somewhat related but distinct point or observation.

incidentally

Introduces an additional point that may be related or tangential to the main topic.

FAQs

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

You can use "one last thing" to introduce a final point or thought. For example, "Before we wrap up, one last thing: remember to submit your reports by Friday."

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

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "finally" or "in conclusion" depending on the context. These alternatives provide a more definitive sense of closure.

Is it appropriate to use "one last thing" in academic writing?

While "one last thing" is grammatically correct, it is generally considered too informal for academic writing. Consider using a more formal transition phrase such as "to summarize" or "in summary" instead.

What's the difference between "one last thing" and "one more thing"?

The phrases "one last thing" and "one more thing" are often interchangeable, but "one last thing" implies a definitive end, while "one more thing" leaves open the possibility of further additions.