unlike last

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unlike last" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to compare something that happened or existed previously to the current situation. For example, "This year's parade was much quieter, unlike last year when the crowds were huge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Unlike last season's, this fall's clothes don't feel like costumes for role playing.

The New York Times - Magazine

Last messages are unlike last words.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But they were wins, nonetheless, unlike last season.

The Guardian - Sport

Unlike last time, they're in on the plan.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The key is that, unlike last time, the Sunni Arabs are expected to vote en masse.

The Economist

There is, in this election, unlike last time, no such thing as the "big society".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Unlike last year, Houston vanished and Camby never surfaced.

The New York Times - Sports

Unlike last year, they appear to be serious about contending.

The New York Times - Sports

Unlike last week though, Adelaide's intent was great.

The Guardian - Sport

Hopes are high that the yield will be good, unlike last year's.

The Economist

Unlike last year, the men's and women's tournaments are being held concurrently.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unlike last" to clearly highlight a change or difference from a previous time, event, or situation. This phrase is effective for emphasizing contrasts and drawing attention to new developments.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "unlike last" with the adjective 'unlikeable', which describes someone or something unpleasant. Ensure your sentence structure clearly indicates you're making a comparison, not describing a characteristic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unlike last" functions as a prepositional phrase used to introduce a contrast or comparison with a previous instance or time period. It sets the stage for highlighting differences, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Sports

22%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unlike last" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce a contrast with a previous event or time period. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media and sports reporting. When using "unlike last", ensure the comparison is clear and that you're not mistaking it for the adjective 'unlikeable'. Consider using alternative phrases like "different from last" or "in contrast to last" for slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

different from last

Focuses on the difference as a quality rather than a contrast.

in contrast to last

Emphasizes the opposition between the current and previous situations.

as opposed to last

Highlights the distinctiveness of the present compared to the past.

contrary to last

Indicates a direct contradiction with the previous occurrence.

dissimilar to last

Stresses the lack of resemblance between now and then.

not the same as last

A simple, straightforward way to express the difference.

varying from last

Implies a change or deviation from the previous state.

unlike the previous

More generic, referring to 'the previous' rather than a specific timeframe.

in comparison to last

Suggests a detailed examination of differences between the two periods.

distinct from last

Highlights the clear and noticeable separation between the present and past.

FAQs

How can I use "unlike last" in a sentence?

Use "unlike last" to show a contrast between the current situation and a previous one. For example, "Unlike last year, this year's conference will be held online."

What are some alternatives to saying "unlike last"?

You can use phrases such as "different from last", "in contrast to last", or "as opposed to last" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "unlike last"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "unlike last" as it introduces a contrasting element. However, ensure the rest of the sentence clearly reflects what is being compared.

What is the difference between "unlike last year" and "compared to last year"?

"Unlike last year" directly highlights the differences, while "compared to last year" suggests a more detailed analysis and comparison of the similarities and differences.