rank last

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rank last" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a position in which someone or something is at the bottom of a list, for example: "She ranked last in the race."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Since Jan . 1 they rank last among all 31 teams in goals against (3.58).

The Washington Post

The Texans have scored only one touchdown in each of the last three games and rank last in the league in total offense (198.3 yards a game) and passing (87.0).

The New York Times

The Cowboys rank last in the National Football Conference in passing offense, averaging 173.7 yards a game.

The New York Times - Sports

The Texans, who beat the Browns last week for their first victory of the season, still rank last in the N.F.L. in offense and next-to-last in defense.

The New York Times

The Saints rank last in the NFL in yards allowed per game with 424.7, yards allowed per play with 6.7 and points allowed per game with 31.5.

Los Angeles Times

The team did rank last in the A.L. in strikeouts — but also last in homers and tied for last in walks.

The New York Times - Sports

Las Vegas would rank last, at 14.7 percent.

The New York Times

They rank last in rushing offense.

The New York Times - Sports

The Tigers rank last among Ivy teams in pass defense.

Princeton University

— The Phoenix Coyotes rank last in attendance in the league.

The New York Times - Sports

They rank last in the National Basketball Association in rebounding at 40 a game.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rank last", ensure the context clearly defines the criteria for ranking to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify whether it refers to performance, popularity, or another measurable attribute.

Common error

Avoid assuming the audience understands the ranking criteria. Explicitly state what is being measured to prevent misinterpretations of why something "ranks last".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rank last" functions as a verb phrase indicating the lowest position in a hierarchy or list. Ludwig's examples showcase its use across various contexts to describe performance, statistics, and other measurable attributes. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rank last" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote the lowest position in a ranking. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness for use in written English. It frequently appears in News & Media, Academia, and Science sources, indicating a neutral register. When using the phrase, it's important to clearly define the ranking criteria to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig's analysis shows its versatility and relevance across diverse contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

come in last place

This alternative focuses on the competitive aspect of ranking.

finish at the bottom

This phrase emphasizes the final position in a ranking or competition.

be in last position

This alternative specifies the position of being last.

occupy the lowest rank

This option highlights the level or grade within a hierarchy.

sit at the bottom of the list

This phrase is more descriptive and emphasizes the literal placement.

hold the lowest position

This alternative describes a position of being last, often in standings.

be the least successful

This phrase shifts the focus to the outcome or achievement rather than the ranking itself.

end up in last place

This alternative emphasizes the final result of a competition or evaluation.

be at the tail end

This phrase uses a more figurative expression to indicate the end or bottom.

take the wooden spoon

This is an idiomatic expression for finishing last, particularly in British English.

FAQs

How can I use "rank last" in a sentence?

You can use "rank last" to indicate the lowest position in a list or competition, as in "The team "ranks last" in the league for scoring offense".

What is a more formal way to say "rank last"?

A more formal alternative to "rank last" is "occupy the lowest rank" or "hold the lowest position". For instance, "The country "occupies the lowest rank" in education spending among OECD nations".

What's the difference between "rank last" and "come in last place"?

"Rank last" is a more general term for being at the bottom of a list, while "come in last place" specifically refers to finishing last in a competition or race.

Which is correct, "rank last" or "ranked last"?

Both "rank last" and "ranked last" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Rank last" is used in the present tense to describe a current state, while "ranked last" is used in the past tense to describe a previous state. For example, "They "rank last" this season" versus "They "ranked last" last year".