sixth to last

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sixth to last" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the position of an item in a sequence, specifically referring to the sixth item from the end. Example: "In the list of participants, Sarah was the sixth to last to register for the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

NICE GUYS FINISH (SIXTH TO) LAST Natasha: Unlike Ryan, Joe got to go in a private plane for his date.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

He placed second to last.

The New York Times - Sports

Second to last was Maj.

The New York Times

Gripping from first to last.

The Guardian - Film

Traditional Jewish themes preoccupied Bloom from first to last.

The New York Times - Arts

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

The New York Times - Sports

It's been exceptional from first to last.

The Guardian - Sport

We were second to last in shots and goals.

The Guardian - Sport

This is Nicoise food from first to last.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The environment section is three-quarters of the way down both the Labour and Conservative documents: third to last in Labour's; second to last in the Tories'.

The Guardian - Opinion

And so it was; energy clung to Cameron from first to last.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sixth to last", ensure the context clearly establishes a defined sequence or list. This prevents ambiguity about what is being ordered.

Common error

Avoid using "sixth to last" when there is no clear order or sequence. For example, do not say "sixth to last person in the room" if people are not arranged or considered in a specific order.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sixth to last" functions as an ordinal specifier, indicating the position of an item in a sequence, specifically the sixth position counting from the end. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sixth to last" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to indicate a specific position within an ordered sequence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English. Although relatively rare in overall usage, it finds application across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general reference. When using the phrase, ensure clarity in defining the sequence to prevent misinterpretations. Consider alternatives like "sixth from the end" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sixth from the end

Rephrases the position using "from the end" instead of "to last".

sixth nearest to the end

Adds the adjective "nearest" to emphasize proximity to the end.

six positions from the last

More descriptive, specifying "positions" from the end.

the sixth last

A slightly more concise phrasing of the position.

sixth in reverse order

Emphasizes a reversed sequence.

sixth counted backwards

Highlights the action of counting from the end.

the sixth to conclude

Focuses on the concluding items in a process or event.

sixth from the final item

Specifies "item" instead of implicitly referencing a position.

preceding the last five

Describes the position in terms of the items following it.

sixth before the ultimate

Uses more formal vocabulary like "ultimate" to indicate the end.

FAQs

What does "sixth to last" mean?

"Sixth to last" indicates the sixth item from the end of a sequence or list. It specifies a position relatively close to the conclusion of the ordering.

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

You can use "sixth to last" when describing positions in a ranked or ordered list. For example, "In the competition, John was the sixth to last to finish."

What is an alternative to saying "sixth to last"?

Alternatives include "sixth from the end", "sixth nearest to the end", or "the sixth last". These options provide similar meaning with slight variations in wording.

Is it appropriate to use "sixth to last" in formal writing?

Yes, "sixth to last" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, provided that the context involves a clear sequence or ranking. Consider the audience and purpose of your writing to ensure clarity.