second to last

USAGE SUMMARY

'second to last' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when you are describing something that is the second to last in a particular order. For example, "I am the second to last person to finish the race."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

He placed second to last.

The New York Times - Sports

Second to last was Maj.

The New York Times

West Bromwich, which spent $21 million, was second to last.

The New York Times - Sports

We were second to last in shots and goals.

The Guardian - Sport

The Bills rank second to last in the N.F.L. in total touchdowns allowed.

The New York Times

Sorry -- qualifications are second to last!

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

The second-to last one has 2 monsters.

WikiHow

What about the second-to-last play?

The Economist

Those were his second-to-last words.

The New York Times - Travel

"You mean the second-to-last".

The New York Times - Magazine

Montsho's second-to-last sprint was 49 seconds.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "second to last", ensure the context clearly defines the sequence or list you're referring to. This avoids ambiguity and ensures your meaning is understood.

Common error

Avoid using "second to last" when you actually mean the final item in a sequence. Double-check the context to ensure accuracy. For instance, saying 'This is my second to last try' means you have one more try after this one, not that this is your final attempt.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "second to last" functions as an adjective, modifying a noun to indicate its position as the item immediately preceding the final one in a sequence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

21%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

12%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "second to last" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that specifies a position immediately before the final one in a sequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and useful expression in English. It's commonly found in various contexts, including News & Media, Wiki articles, and Formal & Business documents, showing its versatility. While synonyms like "penultimate" exist for more formal settings, "second to last" offers a clear and unambiguous way to describe this position in a variety of situations. When using the phrase, make sure the context clearly defines the sequence to which you are referring.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

penultimate

This is a more formal and concise synonym for "second to last".

next to last

This alternative directly describes the position immediately preceding the final one.

one before the end

This phrase offers a more descriptive way to express the position.

second from the end

Another way to express the position relative to the end of the sequence.

preceding the ultimate

A more elaborate and formal way to say "second to last".

one step before the final

This phrase emphasizes the proximity to the last step or item.

almost last

Implies a position very close to being the final one.

the runner-up for last place

Used when referring to rank in a competition or list.

antepenultimate

While technically meaning third from last, it can sometimes be used loosely to imply 'near the end'.

near the end

This is a more general way of indicating a position close to the end.

FAQs

How can I use "second to last" in a sentence?

You can use "second to last" to describe an item or event that occurs immediately before the final one in a series. For example, "The "second to last chapter" was the most exciting part of the book".

What's a more formal way to say "second to last"?

A more formal synonym for "second to last" is "penultimate". It's often used in academic or literary contexts.

Is there a difference between "next to last" and "second to last"?

No, "next to last" and "second to last" are interchangeable and mean the same thing: immediately preceding the last item in a sequence.

What can I use instead of "second to last" in informal conversation?

In informal settings, you could say "almost last" or "near the end", depending on the specific context.