the last time

USAGE SUMMARY

"the last time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific past occasion or event. For example, "The last time I saw her, she was living in a small town in the countryside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The last time M.B.W.F.

The New Yorker

The last time I cried.

Independent

The last time the C.B.O.

The New Yorker

The last time before that?

The New York Times

"The last time?" Why, yes.

The New York Times

This is the last time.

Independent

Maybe for the last time.

The Economist

The last time that happened?

The New York Times

(The last time was 1974).

The New York Times

How old was she the last time?

The New York Times

It was the last time we spoke.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the last time", ensure the context clearly establishes what event or period you are referring to. For example, specify the event (e.g. "The last time I went to Paris...") for clarity.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by providing specific details about what happened "the last time". Without clear context, readers may struggle to understand the reference, leading to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the last time" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifying when something occurred in the past. It sets a temporal context for the action or event described in the sentence. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the last time" is a versatile and commonly used phrase for indicating a specific past occasion. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and frequent use across diverse sources, including news, academia, and general conversation, make it a reliable choice for effective communication. Ensure clarity by providing sufficient context when referencing "the last time" to avoid ambiguity and enhance understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the last occasion

Highlights the specific event or instance when something happened.

the previous instance

Emphasizes the immediate past occurrence of something.

previously when

Focuses on the prior occurrence of an event, emphasizing the temporal sequence.

the former instance

Draws attention to a past occurrence relative to a present one.

the prior time

Stresses the temporal precedence of an event.

the time before

A more casual way to refer to the preceding event.

before the recent time

Adds emphasis on the recency of the prior occurrence.

earlier when

A concise way to refer to a past event or situation.

at the preceding moment

Highlights a specific, immediate past point in time.

in the past

Refers generally to a time that has already occurred.

FAQs

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

You can use "the last time" to refer to a specific past occasion. For example, "The last time I visited my family, we went to the beach."

What are some alternatives to saying "the last time"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "previously when", "on the last occasion", or "the previous instance".

Is it correct to say "the last time that" instead of "the last time"?

Both "the last time" and "the last time that" are grammatically correct. The inclusion of "that" is optional and often depends on personal preference or the flow of the sentence.

What's the difference between "the last time" and "the last time ever"?

"The last time" refers to a specific past occasion, while "the last time ever" suggests that something will never happen again.