last
The word “last” is the opposite of “first.” It’s also used when referring to a previous time or a length of time.
- Among a group of ten runners, Samuel was last. (the final part of a group)
- No one wants to come in last. (last = lose)
- The last time I saw you, you were much heavier. (previous time)
- This is the last time I fly on an airplane! (the end of something)
- How long did the movie last? (length of time)
In this video, the word “last” is used as a verb.
a. You can use "last" as a verb.
When something lasts, it happens or it exists during a period of time. A movie that begins and ends at certain times is a good example of how to use “last.”
- A: How long does the movie last?
- B: It lasts for two hours.
Use “last” for lengths of time for events, weather, food, consumable products, and gatherings of people.
- The meeting lasted for an hour.
- The snowstorm is supposed to last for two days.
- Milk won’t last very long if it’s kept out of the refrigerator.
- My iPhone has lasted for over ten years!
- The party lasted until 2:00 in the morning.
- Their relationship isn’t likely to last.
- The ink in this pen has lasted for a very long time.
- How long is the harvest going to last?
b. last = the opposite of first
When one thing is first in a group, another thing is probably going to be last. In this case, “last” is an adjective.
- The last person out of the room should turn off the lights.
- Henry came in last in a race among a group of ten runners. (Nine runners finished ahead of him.)
- No one wants to be last.
- Ron feels terrible because he finished last.
- The last day of the work week is Friday. The first day of the work week is Monday.
- This is the last thing I have to do today.
Notice that “last” is also similar to the word “final.”
- This is our last chance to enter the contest.
- On Ralph’s last day at work, his coworkers threw him a party.
- This is her last day in the hospital. After five days she can finally go home.
- In a group of six runners, Karen came in last.
c. last = a time before the most recent activity
When one thing is first in a group, another thing is probably going to be last. In this case, “last” is an adjective.
- What was he living when you saw him last?
- Sarah flew to New York last month.
- We didn’t have class last week. We will have class this week.
- The last time I saw you, you weren’t feeling well. How are you doing now?
- Last year was not a good year. Let’s hope this year is better.
- In his last job, Darryl worked outside almost every day. In the job he has now, he works inside.
- The last time I traveled to Lake Superior I went hiking.
c. The word "last" is found in some popular expressions.
When one thing is first in a group, another thing is probably going to be last. In this case, “last” is an adjective.
- At last! We can get on our flight. (at last = finally)
- Here comes Peter. Last but not least. (The person who arrives last is no worse than any other person who came before.)
- This is the last straw! (I’m angry! This incident is the last of many other bad incidents that came before it.)
- Last one out is a rotten egg. (This is said in jest among people who are leaving a place.)
- At last, she can get some sleep.