the last decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the last decision" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the final choice or conclusion made in a particular situation or context. Example: "After much deliberation, we reached the last decision regarding the project's direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"It is not the last decision," he said.

The New York Times

When did you decide to star? A. I think it was the last decision I made.

The New York Times

The last decision -- to top or not to top -- is easily dispensed with.

The New York Times

"So whatever he decides, me and my father will discuss it, but the last decision comes from Yo'el.

The New York Times - Sports

At the meeting, Beales told Miliband, partially in jest, that "if you appoint Balls it is going to be the last decision you are ever going to make".

The Guardian

"I remember calling Yogi Berra before I made the last decision," Showalter said, "and he said, 'Run, don't walk".' Showalter trotted.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The contradiction was never quite resolved, but it was perhaps appropriate that one of the last decisions taken on Duncan's watch was to axe Big Brother last month.

The Guardian

One of the last decisions that I have left is about picking a roommate.

The New York Times

WASHINGTON -- The announcements of the last decisions of the Supreme Court term on Monday were bracketed by farewells.

The New York Times

One of the last decisions we had to make was what to call our new piece.

Huffington Post

This report, combined with Himmler's treachery, prompted Hitler to make the last decisions of his life.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the last decision" when emphasizing the finality of a choice, particularly after a series of considerations or events. For clarity, specify who made the decision and the context surrounding it.

Common error

Avoid using "the last decision" repetitively in close proximity. Vary your language with synonyms like "the final verdict" or "the ultimate choice" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the last decision" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the concluding choice in a sequence of decisions, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the last decision" is a commonly used phrase that refers to the final choice or conclusion in a given situation. Ludwig's analysis indicates it is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts. While interchangeable with alternatives like "the ultimate decision" or "the final verdict", using "the last decision" effectively means ensuring it clearly conveys the intended sense of finality and conclusiveness. The overall analysis by Ludwig suggests that while simple, the phrase is impactful when used correctly to signal the end of a decision-making process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the ultimate decision

Emphasizes the finality and decisiveness of the choice; carries a stronger sense of conclusion.

the final verdict

Implies a judgment or resolution after a period of consideration or debate.

the concluding choice

Focuses on the act of choosing as the concluding element of a process.

the definitive selection

Highlights the selection process and its conclusive nature.

the last call

Suggests an ultimatum or a final opportunity to make a decision.

the end decision

More informal, simply emphasizes the decision that comes at the end.

the conclusive determination

Stresses the act of determining something and its finality.

the deciding vote

Highlights the vote that ultimately makes the decision.

the last word

Indicates the final statement or ruling on a matter.

the terminal judgement

A more formal and severe way of expressing the final judgement.

FAQs

What does "the last decision" mean?

The phrase "the last decision" refers to the final choice or conclusion made in a particular situation, often implying that no further decisions will follow.

What can I say instead of "the last decision"?

You can use alternatives like "the ultimate decision", "the final verdict", or "the concluding choice" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the last decision that was made"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. However, it can often be shortened to simply "the last decision" for conciseness, unless clarifying that a decision was indeed made is important for context.

What's the difference between "the last decision" and "the latest decision"?

"The last decision" implies finality, while "the latest decision" indicates the most recent decision, suggesting that further decisions may still be made. Therefore, "the last decision" is a better fit in situations where no further decisions are expected.