the last thing

USAGE SUMMARY

"the last thing" is a valid phrase that can be used in written English.
For example, you might write, "The last thing I want to do is give up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And here's the last thing.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

This was the last thing I needed.

BBC

The last thing the I.M.F.

The New York Times

Romance was the last thing she expected.

The New York Times

The last thing Juliet does is twitch.

The New York Times - Arts

That's the last thing I remember".

The New York Times

That's the last thing I need".

Independent

And the last thing we need.

The New York Times

This is the last thing we need".

Independent

And the last thing is the director.

The New York Times

That's the last thing I want.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the last thing" to express aversion or something being least desirable in a given context. It effectively conveys a strong preference against something.

Common error

Avoid using "the last thing" when simply referring to the final item in a sequence without any implication of undesirability. Instead, use "the final item" or "the last element" for neutral sequencing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the last thing" functions primarily as a noun phrase that often acts as a subject complement or object, expressing something that is least desirable or wanted. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the last thing" is a versatile phrase used to express aversion or low priority. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, with a neutral register. When employing this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning of undesirability, and consider alternatives like "the least desired outcome" or "the final straw" for nuanced expression. While predominantly negative, context dictates its exact interpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the last resort

Implies that all other options have been exhausted, adding a sense of desperation.

the least desired outcome

Highlights the negative aspect more explicitly than the original phrase.

the final straw

Emphasizes a breaking point or ultimate limit, rather than a simple finality.

the absolute limit

Focuses on a boundary or restriction being reached.

the lowest priority

Directly indicates a lack of importance or urgency.

the ultimate goal

Focuses on the desired outcome, changing the sense from aversion to aspiration.

the utmost concern

Shifts the emphasis to importance or worry, not just finality.

the most recent event

Focuses on recency, not necessarily undesirability or finality.

the final consideration

Highlights the conclusive nature of the item being considered.

the concluding remark

Refers specifically to a final statement, limiting its broader application.

FAQs

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

You can use "the last thing" to express something that is undesirable or least wanted. For example, "The last thing I want is to argue" or "That's the last thing we need right now".

What's a good alternative to "the last thing" when expressing something undesirable?

You can use phrases like "the least desired outcome", "the last resort", or "the absolute limit" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always negative to say "the last thing"?

While "the last thing" often carries a negative connotation, it can also simply refer to the final item in a list or sequence, although this usage is less common. Context is key to understanding the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "the last thing" and "the ultimate goal"?

"The last thing" generally indicates something to be avoided or least desired, while "the ultimate goal" refers to the most desired outcome or objective. They represent opposite ends of a spectrum of desirability.