the last strand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the last strand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the final element or component of something, often in a metaphorical sense, such as a connection or relationship. Example: "After all the arguments and disagreements, she felt that he was the last strand holding their friendship together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

As the last strand fades, you brace yourself for the hair spray advertisement that will batter away the emotion and kill the dream.

The New York Times

Tears began a slow drip; I cried at the news story Of a lost boy found in the woods … At the surprising beauty Of a bright leaf falling Like the last strand of hair from my head Ms. Potvin, now 47 and living in Derry, N.H., recently published "Sound Travels on Water" (Finishing Line Press), a collection of poems about her experience with cancer.

The New York Times

Sometimes empathy can be the last strand left to grasp when hanging on the verge.

Huffington Post

I didn't see how it would work, but I think it was Danny who decided we needed that contemporary feel, which was a masterstroke, because Britpop was kind of the last strand of British youth culture and it helped to position the film as being the last movie of British youth culture.

Vice

In many β-propellers each sequence repeat contains the first three strands of one blade and the last strand of the next.

Plosone

On the other hand, the position of Arg273 in the last strand suggests a role of this amino acid in CD36.

Bioinformatics and Biology Insights

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

The last strands unspool from 162 bobbins attached to a complicated, motorized mechanism hung from the roof.

The New York Times - Arts

The climber, Marco Confortola, is the last stranded survivor of an avalanche Friday that left 11 fellow climbers dead on the world's second-highest mountain.

The New York Times

He was less than two feet from the top when the last strands of his biceps tore free, and the frame came thudding down.

The New Yorker

Matthew Pearl bases his character on the drug addict son of a pub landlord - the patronym is "Trood" - and a mesmerist visitor to Gad's Hill whose mind, "however disordered, may carry inside it the last strands".

The Guardian - Books

Some of the last stranded survivors remaining in the Superdome wait to be rescued.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the last strand" to convey a sense of fragility or finality, especially when referring to relationships, connections, or hopes that are dwindling.

Common error

Avoid using "the last strand" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can dilute its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Opt for more direct or varied language where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the last strand" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI suggests, it commonly signifies the final remaining element or connection, crucial before complete dissolution.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the last strand" is a versatile phrase functioning as a noun phrase to signify the final remaining connection or element in a situation. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and suitability across diverse contexts. It appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, denoting a neutral register. When writing, use this metaphor to add a sense of precariousness or finality, but avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Alternatives include "the final thread" or "the last link".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the final thread

Replaces "strand" with "thread", maintaining the imagery of a thin, connecting element.

the last link

Substitutes "strand" with "link", emphasizing a connection or bond.

the final vestige

Replaces "strand" with "vestige", highlighting the last remaining trace of something.

the ultimate connection

Focuses on the idea of a final, crucial bond or link.

the remaining tie

Emphasizes the concept of a tie or bond that is still present.

the last vestige

Highlights the last remaining trace of something that is disappearing or has disappeared.

the last vestige

Highlights the last remaining trace of something that is disappearing or has disappeared.

the concluding element

Replaces the metaphor of "strand" with a more direct term, "element".

the only remaining connection

Highlights that is a sole connection still in place.

the fading hope

Shifts the focus to a more emotional or abstract concept related to finality.

FAQs

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

You can use "the last strand" to describe the final remaining connection, hope, or element in a situation. For example: "Empathy can be "the last strand" left to grasp when hanging on the verge."

What does "the last strand" metaphorically mean?

Metaphorically, "the last strand" represents the final, often fragile, connection or hope that remains in a difficult or deteriorating situation. It implies that if this strand breaks, everything will fall apart.

Which is correct, "the last strand" or "the final strand"?

Both "the last strand" and "the final strand" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice between them depends on the specific context and desired emphasis. You can also consider "the final thread".

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

You can use alternatives like "the final thread", "the last link", or "the remaining tie" depending on the context.