the eleventh hour

USAGE SUMMARY

"the eleventh hour" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to refer to a last-minute effort or action taken just before a deadline. An example: "She submitted her application at the eleventh hour." Alternative expressions include "at the last minute" and "in the nick of time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At the eleventh hour, Microsoft reversed itself -- sort of.

The New York Times - Tech

At the eleventh hour, his life was spared.

The New Yorker

Thursday: 8, "Survivor"; 9, "CSI"; 10, "The Eleventh Hour" (new).

The New York Times

"Hopefully next time it won't be in the eleventh hour.

The Guardian

Even at the eleventh hour, the campaign keeps us guessing.

The Guardian

"Hopefully, next time it won't be in the eleventh hour," President Obama said.

The New Yorker

It's very simple guys – the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.

Independent

But at the eleventh hour Mr Lukashenka made peace with the Kremlin.

The Economist

Sadly, the turn toward pathos at the eleventh hour feels unearned.

The New Yorker

But at the eleventh hour Gazprom withdrew its interest, leaving no bidder at all.

The Economist

(Lauryn Hill also backed out of a scheduled performance during the eleventh hour).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the eleventh hour" to add emphasis when describing an action or decision that occurs immediately before a deadline or critical point. It conveys a sense of urgency and potential risk.

Common error

Don't use "the eleventh hour" simply to describe general procrastination. The phrase implies a critical decision or action taken under significant time pressure, not just delaying a task.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the eleventh hour" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate when something occurs. It is often used to describe events happening at the very last moment before a deadline or critical point. Ludwig provides examples that confirm this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the eleventh hour" is a common idiomatic phrase used to describe something happening at the last possible moment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use, especially in news and media contexts. While it conveys urgency effectively, writers should be mindful of their audience and the appropriateness of idiomatic language in certain formal settings. Alternatives like "at the last minute" or "in the nick of time" may be suitable substitutes depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the last minute

Focuses on the timing being immediate before the deadline or event.

in the nick of time

Emphasizes the narrow escape or rescue from a negative outcome.

just in time

Similar to 'in the nick of time', but can also refer to fortunate timing rather than averting disaster.

at the critical moment

Highlights the importance of the moment when the action occurs.

at the final stage

More generally refers to the end phase of a process, not necessarily implying urgency.

when time is running out

Emphasizes the scarcity of time remaining.

with seconds to spare

Highlights how little time was left, often used for dramatic effect.

before it's too late

Focuses on the potential for negative consequences if action isn't taken.

at the tail end

Indicates the very end of something, but less urgent.

on the verge

Implies closeness to a change or event, may not be time-sensitive.

FAQs

What does "the eleventh hour" mean?

"The eleventh hour" refers to the last possible moment before it is too late; the very end of a period or opportunity.

How can I use "the eleventh hour" in a sentence?

You can use "the eleventh hour" to describe a decision, action or intervention that happens just before a deadline, for instance: "At "the eleventh hour", they managed to reach an agreement."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "the eleventh hour"?

Alternatives include "at the last minute", "in the nick of time", or "just in time".

Is it appropriate to use "the eleventh hour" in formal writing?

Yes, "the eleventh hour" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when conveying a sense of urgency. However, consider your audience and ensure that idiomatic language is suitable for the context.