until the last moment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "until the last moment" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It typically refers to a specific period of time that ends at the last possible moment before something else happens. Example: I didn't know if I would make it to the train, so I ran until the last moment before it departed from the station.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

She was quiet until the last moment.

The New York Times

"Until the last moment we weren't sure.

The Guardian

"Men chase after women until the last moment," Chanel said.

The New Yorker

I will carry on making that until the last moment".

Independent

Until the last moment there were no predictions.

The Guardian

You don't see them until the last moment.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Jones waited until the last moment to hit Camper.

The New York Times

"We are not waiting until the last moment to act".

The New York Times

Recruiting, arming, coordinating and keeping hidden the Paris killers until the last moment implies good organisation.

Independent

His effectiveness will be higher because he waited until the last moment".

The New York Times

And Mr Shelby is known for waiting until the last moment to make deals.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "until the last moment" to convey a sense of urgency or delayed action, emphasizing that something happens right before a deadline or critical point. For example, "We waited until the last moment to submit the proposal, hoping for new information."

Common error

Avoid using "until the last moment" when you actually mean something was missed entirely. For instance, don't say "We waited until the last moment, and then we missed the deadline". Instead, clarify it as "We waited too long and missed the deadline."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "until the last moment" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the duration of an action or state, specifying that it continues right up to the final possible point. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "until the last moment" is a versatile adverbial phrase that describes an action or state persisting until the very end. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and commonly used. Analysis reveals it's frequently found in news and media, as well as in scientific and formal business contexts. The phrase conveys nuances of urgency, strategic timing, or procrastination. Related phrases include "at the eleventh hour" and "just before the deadline", offering alternative ways to express similar ideas. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning and avoids confusion with missed opportunities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

until the very end

Stresses the ultimate limit of continuation.

at the last possible instance

Highlights the final opportunity for something to occur.

up to the final second

Emphasizes the very end of the time frame, using "second" to denote precision.

right before the deadline

Implies a constraint or limit, specifically a deadline.

at the eleventh hour

An idiomatic expression emphasizing a very late point in time before something concludes.

just before it's too late

Emphasizes the imminence of a cutoff or negative consequence.

at the tail end

Highlights the final part or conclusion of an event or period.

till the bitter end

Suggests persistence despite hardship or unpleasantness.

in the nick of time

Focuses on narrowly avoiding a negative outcome by acting just before it's too late.

on the verge of

Indicates proximity to a specific event or outcome, highlighting anticipation.

FAQs

How can I use "until the last moment" in a sentence?

The phrase "until the last moment" signifies that an action or state continues as close as possible to a defined endpoint. For example: "The negotiations continued "until the last moment" before the agreement was finalized."

What's a similar phrase to "until the last moment"?

Alternatives include "at the eleventh hour", "at the very end", or "just before the deadline", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "until the last moment" formal or informal?

The phrase "until the last moment" is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. It is widely understood and used in various types of communication.

When is it best to use "at the eleventh hour" instead of "until the last moment"?

Use "at the eleventh hour" when you want to emphasize that something was done or happened just in time to prevent a crisis or failure. "Until the last moment" is more general and simply indicates proximity to the end.