swan song

USAGE SUMMARY

'swan song' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom that refers to a final performance or effort before retirement, death, or other concluding event. Example sentence: "In her final performance as CEO, she gave a memorable swan song before she stepped down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a fine swan song.

The New York Times

It was his swan song in Japan.

The New York Times - Sports

This is my swan song.

The New York Times - Sports

(The exhibition is his swan song).

The New York Times

"This is my swan song," he said.

The New York Times

Also, the fascist octopus has sung its swan song.

The New York Times

Hitchcock made Family Plot (1976) as his swan song.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I almost hope this is Harry's swan song.

The New York Times

Could this finally be Newt Gingrich's swan song?

The New York Times

The election, though, proved to be Poujade's swan song.

The New York Times

"I feel this is her swan song," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Apply the term to individuals who are retiring or to projects that represent the last output of a specific entity.

Common error

Avoid using "swan song" when you want to describe a sign of failure or the end of something negative. While a "swan song" is a final positive accomplishment, a "death knell" signifies the impending failure or destruction of something.

How to use

Learn how to use "swan song" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "swan song" functions as a metaphorical noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to denote a final effort or performance. It typically acts as a direct object or a subject complement in a sentence, often associated with possessive pronouns to indicate whose final act it is.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "swan song" is a highly effective and grammatically correct idiom used to describe a final achievement or performance. Ludwig AI highlights its massive presence in top-tier journalism, where it often serves to romanticize or elevate the conclusion of a career or project. Unlike more neutral terms like "final act", it suggests a level of beauty or excellence in that last effort. It is exceptionally common in professional writing and should be used when the user wants to emphasize the legacy or emotional weight of an ending.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

last hurrah

Suggests a final celebratory or successful effort before retirement or disappearance

farewell performance

A more literal and formal description often used in the arts

final bow

Similar to a curtain call, emphasizing the performer's exit

final curtain call

Uses a theatrical metaphor to emphasize the end of a public career

closing chapter

A literary metaphor suggesting the end of a specific period or sequence of events

valedictory

A more formal and academic term for a farewell address or act

end of an era

Describes a broader sense of historical or significant change rather than a single act

closing statement

Commonly used in legal or debate contexts to signify a summary ending

legacy project

Focuses on the lasting impact of a final work rather than the act of ending

parting shot

Often carries a more aggressive or critical tone compared to the dignity of a swan song

FAQs

How to use "swan song" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a final work, such as "The director's latest film was a beautiful swan song to his long career." and "The athlete hoped the championship would be her swan song before retiring."

What can I say instead of "swan song"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "last hurrah", "farewell act", or "final performance".

Is "swan song" a formal or informal expression?

It is considered neutral to formal. It appears frequently in reputable news sources like "The New York Times" and "The Economist" but is also common in everyday educated speech.

What's the difference between "swan song" and "parting shot"?

A "swan song" is generally a positive or artistic final achievement, while a "parting shot" usually refers to a final critical or insulting remark made as someone leaves.