the last push

USAGE SUMMARY

"the last push" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used in a context where a final effort of energy or willpower is needed to reach a goal or complete a task. Example: With the deadline looming, everyone in the office put forth their best effort for the last push.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

World Series opening games can feel like a sunny day at Camp 6, a deserved picnic where we enjoy the fabulous views we've attained and contemplate the last push to the summit, but all images of the sort flew away quickly last night, when the inept Cardinals gave up five runs in the first two innings at Fenway Park, in the course of an 8 1 pasting by the Red Sox.

The New Yorker

By Roger Angell October 24, 2013 World Series opening games can feel like a sunny day at Camp 6, a deserved picnic where we enjoy the fabulous views we've attained and contemplate the last push to the summit, but all images of the sort flew away quickly last night, when the inept Cardinals gave up five runs in the first two innings at Fenway Park, in the course of an 8 1 pasting by the Red Sox.

The New Yorker

"The last push".

The New York Times

The last push of summer was done.

Independent

"It's the last push to continue their fossil fuel development".

The Guardian

The last push started Tuesday night and continued well into Wednesday.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Since the first one, Strahan has set the N.F.L.'s single-season sack record — the last, pushing the 2001 total to 22 ½, came against Green Bay's Brett Favre — and become the franchise's career sack leader, passing Lawrence Taylor.

The New York Times - Sports

"We will not stop until the last drug lord, the last financier, and the last pusher have surrendered or [been] put behind bars or below the ground if they so wish," he said.

Vice

"We will not stop until the last drug lord, the last financier and the last pusher have surrendered or put behind bars or below the ground if they so wish," he said.

Vice

The WHO believes that with one last push, the disease could be eradicated globally, she says.

BBC

The Sri Lankan government makes its last push against the Tamil Tigers.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the last push" when you want to emphasize the final, critical effort needed to achieve a goal. It conveys a sense of urgency and determination.

Common error

Avoid using "the last push" when referring to an effort that is not genuinely the final stage. It can sound melodramatic or misleading if the task still has significant steps remaining.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the last push" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It signifies the final, often intense, effort needed to complete a task or achieve a goal. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the last push" is a noun phrase signifying the final, critical effort required to complete a task. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, conveying a sense of urgency and determination. While appropriate for various registers, it's crucial to ensure the context genuinely reflects a final effort to avoid misinterpretation. Consider using alternatives like "the final stretch" or "the final sprint" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the final stretch

Replaces "push" with "stretch", emphasizing the concluding phase of an activity.

the final sprint

Emphasizes speed and intensity in the concluding effort, similar to a runner's final burst.

the concluding effort

A more formal and general way to describe the final attempt or exertion.

the last leg

Refers to the final portion of a journey or task, highlighting the remaining distance.

the home straight

Similar to "the final stretch", often used in a sporting context to indicate the end of a race.

the culminating phase

A more academic term to describe the final stage where everything comes together.

the endgame

Focuses on the strategic final phase of a project or negotiation.

the decisive stage

Highlights the importance of the final stage in determining the outcome.

the finishing touches

Emphasizes the final small details that complete a project.

the ultimate endeavor

A more emphatic and sometimes dramatic way to describe the final undertaking.

FAQs

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

You can use "the last push" to describe the final effort needed to complete a task. For example, "With the deadline approaching, we need to give it "the last push" to finish the project."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "the last push"?

Alternatives to "the last push" include "the final stretch", "the final sprint", or "the concluding effort", each carrying a slightly different nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "the last push" in formal writing?

Yes, "the last push" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, though in very academic contexts, a phrase like "the culminating phase" might be preferable.

What's the difference between "the last push" and "the final attempt"?

"The last push" implies a concerted effort and momentum, whereas "the final attempt" simply refers to the last try, without necessarily suggesting a strong, focused effort.