the penultimate time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the penultimate time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the second to last occurrence of an event or action. Example: "This will be the penultimate time we meet before the project deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Not for the penultimate time, we were wrong.

The Guardian - Sport

Led off by Philip Hindes, the British trio were behind until the penultimate time split following a sensational opening lap by New Zealand's Ethan Mitchell.

The Guardian - Sport

He sweeps left, up past the castle and onto the climb to Confederacion for the penultimate time.

BBC

With three laps to go Kipyego found the front as Kidane slipped back, but it mattered little as Dibaba tore down the finishing straight for the penultimate time.

BBC

The crowd roared on Scott Redding as he led the Moto2 field through Silverstone's famous final corner for the penultimate time.

BBC

But in the penultimate time slot on the final day of the Paris fashion calendar, nearly an hour late, American designer Thom Browne made his Paris Fashion Week runway debut, made a lasting impression and made it clear that he is poised to be as big as his suits are small.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The actor, who will be starring as Bond for the fourth and penultimate time in Spectre which opens on 6 November, told Esquire magazine that the character was "lonely" living a life as a "sexist misogynist".

The Guardian

We estimated the evolutionary rates of Cytb for the predicted expansion event of cluster I of A. speciosus occurring in the three main islands of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, with the assumption that the expansion started from the end of the penultimate glacial time, 130 kyr BP, and obtained a value of 3.1%%/site/myr (Table  3).

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Between 240 480 minutes of acclimation the majority of responsive genes demonstrated a minimal rate of change, where there is little difference in expression between the penultimate and final time-points, suggesting that the transcriptional response was essentially complete.

Plosone

Charlotte Eagles gave Chivas USA an almighty scare, by equalizing in the penultimate minute of regulation time, through Mauricio Salles, only for Jose Correa to break their hearts deep into stoppage time.

The Guardian - Sport

90+4 min: We're in the penultimate minute of added time.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the penultimate time" to add a touch of formality and precision when referring to the second-to-last occurrence of an event. For clarity, ensure the context makes it clear that there is indeed a final occurrence to follow.

Common error

Avoid using "the penultimate time" when you actually mean the ultimate or final time. "Penultimate" specifically means 'second to last', not 'last'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the penultimate time" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause by specifying when an action occurred or will occur in relation to a final event. It indicates the timing of an event as being the second to last instance. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase is used correctly in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the penultimate time" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote the second to last occurrence of an event. While not exceedingly common, it appears in various contexts, especially in news and scientific reporting. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is used correctly and can add a touch of precision and formality to your writing. Remember to use it when referring to the second-to-last event, not the final one, and ensure that the context implies a final event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the second-to-last time

Replaces "penultimate" with a more explicit description of the position in sequence.

the next to last time

Uses a simpler, more common way to express the second-to-last position.

the second last instance

Replaces "time" with instance while maintaining similar meaning.

the second from the end

Another direct way of indicating the position in a sequence.

the time immediately preceding the final one

Offers a more descriptive and less concise alternative.

the last but one time

A more literal description of the second to last.

the antepenultimate occasion

Uses a more formal synonym for 'second to last'.

the time before the end

Simplifies the concept by focusing on the position before the end.

the nearly final time

Highlights the closeness to the final occurrence.

one time before the ultimate

Emphasizes that it will precede a final one.

FAQs

What does "the penultimate time" mean?

"The penultimate time" refers to the second to last occurrence of something. It's the instance right before the final one.

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

You might say, "This is the penultimate time we review the budget before the final presentation."

What's a simpler way to say "the penultimate time"?

Alternatives include "the second to last time" or "the next to last time". These phrases are less formal but convey the same meaning.

Is it correct to use "penultimate" if I'm unsure whether there will actually be a final time?

No, "penultimate" implies that a final event or instance is expected. If you're unsure, use a different term, such as "the latter time" or "the previous time".