the last alternative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the last alternative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the final option available in a given situation or list of choices. Example: "After considering all the options, I believe the last alternative is the most viable solution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Feed a micro The last alternative is to feed your PC's sound output to a small (mini or micro) hi-fi system.

The Guardian - Tech

At Cuba Libre, a two-month-old pan-Latin restaurant in Chelsea, it's possible to be quite happy with the last alternative.

The New York Times - Food

The last alternative is Bobby Zamora, a long shot given that he is 30 and still recovering from serious injury, but those seven names do offer Capello more variety than he has had in the past.

Independent

Leben Home is often described as the largest for-profit adult home for the mentally ill in the state, the kind of place that is sometimes the last alternative for people who may have lost touch with relatives and do not have the means to get into better-run homes operated by nonprofit groups.

The New York Times

My view is that buybacks are the last alternative.

Forbes

So they endorse the last alternative that the perceptible magnitude of a triad is caused by its number.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

She didn't feel comfortable identifying as pro-choice because she wanted abortion care to be the absolute last alternative, but she still believed in bodily autonomy and reproductive justice.

Huffington Post

All nucleotides that are involved in AEs in the first and last alternative exons in alternative transcripts, within the locus with different upstream and downstream transcription initiation/termination sites, were classified as involved in alternative transcription (see Materials and Methods).

Genome Biology and Evolution

The two last alternatives were used to estimate poor self-rated health and the first two to estimate good self-rated health.

European Journal of Public Health

One of the most concerning impacts of the subclinical inflammation caused by glaucoma medications is the failure of filtration surgery, which is frequently a last alternative in the treatment of glaucoma.

BioMed Research International

This last alternative of the production of cellulosic ethanol or other biofuels is receiving substantial technological investment in countries such as USA, Canada, Brazil, and the European Union, since its efficiency will be even greater when compared with the current technology of sucrose transformation [10]-[12] [10]-[12] ,[18] ,[25] ,[49]

Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the last alternative" when you want to emphasize that all other options have been exhausted or considered.

Common error

Avoid relying on "the last alternative" too frequently in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "the final option" or "the last resort" for greater impact and readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the last alternative" functions as a noun phrase identifying the final remaining option after considering others. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Examples demonstrate its application in various contexts, indicating a concluding choice.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the last alternative" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is used to denote the final remaining option after considering all others. While the phrase is not overly common, it appears in a variety of contexts, from science to news and media. When using "the last alternative", ensure you've truly exhausted other possibilities and consider synonyms like "the final option" or "the last resort" to avoid repetition. The phrase carries a neutral tone and is suitable for various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the final option

Focuses on the finality of the choice, emphasizing that no further options are available.

the ultimate recourse

Highlights the act of turning to the option as a final means of assistance or resolution.

the last resort

Emphasizes that this option is only considered when all others have failed.

the remaining choice

Indicates that this is the only option left from a set of possibilities.

the conclusive selection

Highlights the decisiveness and finality of choosing this option.

the only way out

Implies a sense of desperation, suggesting that this option is essential for resolving a difficult situation.

the end of the line

Indicates that the list of possible solutions has been exhausted.

the fallback position

Highlights the role of an option as a backup plan when primary strategies fail.

the emergency measure

Implies a level of urgency and a response to a crisis.

the trump card

This metaphor suggests that this option is unexpected and could lead to the desired result.

FAQs

How can I use "the last alternative" in a sentence?

You can use "the last alternative" to indicate the final remaining option. For example: "After exhausting all other possibilities, filing for bankruptcy was "the last alternative"."

What's a more formal synonym for "the last alternative"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "the ultimate recourse" or "the conclusive selection" as alternatives to "the last alternative".

What's the difference between ""the last alternative"" and "the last resort"?

"The last alternative" generally refers to the final option in a set of choices, while "the last resort" implies a more desperate situation where the option is used as a final means of assistance or resolution when all others have failed.

When is it appropriate to use "the last alternative"?

Use "the last alternative" when you want to clearly indicate that you have considered and ruled out all other options, and only one remains.