same as last

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "same as last" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
The phrase can be used to indicate that something is identical or unchanged from a previous instance or occurrence. It is often used in reference to a repeated action, event, or situation. Example: "I always order the same thing when I come to this restaurant - the pasta with marinara sauce, same as last time." OR "The instructions for this project are the same as last time, so we shouldn't have any issues completing it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Overall the quality of films this year is the same as last: hit or miss.

The New York Times

"Same as last time w/Bernie.

The New Yorker

"This record is the same as last time.

The New York Times - Arts

"It was pretty much the same as last night.

The New York Times - Sports

The broadcasters started by proposing the same as last time – three debates with three leaders.

Independent

But the morning-after judgment is pretty much the same as last night's.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

New year, same as last year.

The New York Times - Sports

That is the same as last year.

The New York Times - Food

Attendance, though, was about the same as last year.

The New York Times - Tech

Cod quotas remained roughly the same as last year.

The New York Times

Fewer injury-enforced retirements (same as last year).

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "same as last" to succinctly convey that a situation, condition, or item has not changed since the previous instance. This is useful in reports, instructions, and general communication where brevity is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "same as last" when referring to something that will happen in the future. This phrase is best suited for describing past or present conditions. For future scenarios, consider using "the same as it will be next time."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "same as last" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of similarity or identity with a previous instance. This is supported by Ludwig, which validates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in comparative contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "same as last" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to indicate that something is unchanged or identical to a previous instance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently employed in news and media contexts, serving to convey continuity or consistency. While suitable for neutral registers, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or scientific writing. Remember to use it to describe past or present conditions, and avoid using it for future scenarios. Related phrases, like "identical to the previous one" offer similar meanings, but it’s important to chose the most appropriate according to context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as it was last time

Emphasizes the unchanged state of something compared to a specific past instance.

identical to the previous one

Replaces "same as last" with a more formal and explicit emphasis on complete identity.

consistent with the last

Implies a level of uniformity and agreement with a prior standard or situation.

no different from the last

Highlights the lack of alteration or variation from a prior occurrence.

remaining unchanged from last

Focuses on the continuous and unaltered nature of something since the last occurrence.

just like before

Offers a more casual and conversational alternative, emphasizing the similarity to a past event or situation.

mirrors the previous

Emphasizes a close resemblance or exact replication of a past event or situation.

a repeat of the previous

Suggests that the current situation is a direct recurrence of what happened before.

ditto from the previous

Uses an informal expression to indicate that the current state is exactly the same as before.

the spitting image of last

A more emphatic and idiomatic way to describe an exact likeness or duplication of something from the past.

FAQs

How can I use "same as last" in a sentence?

You can use "same as last" to indicate that something remains unchanged from a previous instance. For example, "The budget for this project is the same as last year" or "I ordered the same dish as last time".

What's the difference between "same as last time" and "similar to last time"?

"Same as last time" implies an exact match, while "similar to last time" indicates a resemblance but not necessarily an exact duplication.

What can I say instead of "same as last" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "identical to the previous one" or "consistent with the last "consistent with the last"".

Is it grammatically correct to say "same like last time" instead of "same as last time"?

No, "same like last time" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrase is "same as last time". Using "as" is necessary for the comparison.