the last remaining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the last remaining" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the final or last remaining element in a group or collection. For example, "The last remaining copy of the book had already been checked out of the library."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The last remaining structure collapsed in 1997.

The Guardian

A barge housing the last remaining dinosaur?

The Guardian - Tech

"It's one of the last remaining acceptable prejudices".

The New York Times

The unit in the Vatican is the last remaining today.

The New York Times

A barge housing the last remaining dinosaur?" the statement said.

The New York Times

"Here's to the last remaining extremists," one dyke toasts.

The New Yorker

Pashean was one of the last remaining maskhara.

The New Yorker

The NHS and schools are the last remaining sacred cows.

The Guardian

Wooten said he was the last remaining employee.

The New York Times

Stonington is one of the last remaining vital fishing villages.

The New York Times

A royal pardon is one of the last remaining recourses.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the last remaining" to highlight scarcity or the end of a trend. For example, "The last remaining bookstore in town is struggling to survive."

Common error

Avoid using "the last remaining" when referring to something that is simply the most recent or latest, rather than the final one of its kind. It should genuinely represent the end of a series or group.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the last remaining" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It emphasizes the finality and scarcity of the noun it describes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the last remaining" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to emphasize the finality or scarcity of a noun. It functions as an adjective phrase and is commonly found in contexts such as news, science, and formal business writing. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and general usability. While alternatives like "the sole survivor" or "the only one left" can be used, "the last remaining" offers a specific nuance that is often irreplaceable. Understanding its proper usage and avoiding common mistakes, such as misapplication to non-final instances, will ensure clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the only one left

A more direct and simple way of expressing the same idea.

the only survivor

Focuses specifically on surviving a situation or event.

the sole survivor

Emphasizes survival and being the only one left.

the single remainder

Focuses on what is left over or not used.

the last vestige

Highlights the final trace or sign of something that is disappearing or has disappeared.

the final vestige

Highlights a trace or remnant that is the last of its kind.

the ultimate remnant

Similar to 'final vestige' but emphasizing the end result.

the lone holdout

Implies resistance or persistence in maintaining a position or state.

the final frontier

Suggests a final area or challenge to be explored or overcome.

the closing chapter

Implies the end of an era or story.

FAQs

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

You can use "the last remaining" to describe the final entity or item of a group that still exists. For example, "That store is the "last remaining" independent bookstore in the city".

What are some alternatives to "the last remaining"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "the sole survivor", "the only one left", or "the final vestige" as alternatives to "the last remaining".

Is it redundant to say "the last remaining"?

While "remaining" inherently implies that something is last in a sequence that is diminishing, using "the last remaining" is not necessarily redundant as it emphasizes the finality and scarcity of what is being described.

How does "the last remaining" compare to "the last surviving"?

"The last remaining" generally refers to the final item or entity in a group, while "the last surviving" often implies overcoming a challenge or threat. For example, "the last remaining piece of cake" versus "the last surviving member of the expedition".