What is last? Pronunciation and usage in English

last means . Learn how to pronounce and use last through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of last

lastadjective/verb

/lɑːst/
Definition & pronunciation of last

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "last" in English. It's a tricky one for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

The Standard Pronunciation (Most Common):

  • IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet): /læst/
  • How it sounds: It's pronounced like "lass" (as in, a young female) followed by a short "t" sound. Think of it as almost blending the two sounds together.

Let's break it down further:

  1. "la" – This part is like the word "la" in "llama" or "lava." It’s a short, open "ah" sound. Don’t overemphasize it – it's a very quick sound.

  2. "st" – This is where it gets a little tricky. The “s” sound is almost swallowed. You don't really say a strong "s." The “t” is a very brief, sharp tap of the tongue against the back of your teeth. It's very quick and almost merges with the "la."

Tips for getting it right:

  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it. Search for "how to pronounce last" on YouTube and listen to several examples of native English speakers saying the word.
  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying "last" and compare it to a native speaker's pronunciation. This will help you identify areas where you need to improve.
  • Start slowly: Initially, focus on getting the "la" sound right. Then, deliberately try to blend the "la" and the quick "t" sound.
  • Don't over-emphasize the "s": This is the biggest mistake many learners make. It should be very light.

Variations (Less Common, but you might hear):

  • Rhotic "last": In some American accents (especially in the Midwest and parts of New England), the "t" is pronounced more clearly as a "d" sound. So it would sound like "last" (rhymes with "passed"). This is less common but you’ll encounter it.

Resources:

Would you like me to:

  • Give you more examples of words that sound similar to "last"?
  • Focus on a specific aspect of the pronunciation (e.g., the “la” sound)?

Usage and examples with the word last in English

Let's break down how to use the word "last" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings and uses! Here's a categorized breakdown:

1. As an Adjective (Describing the Final One):

  • Meaning: This is the most common usage. It means "the one that comes after none of the others."
  • Examples:
    • "This is the last book on the shelf." (The final book.)
    • "She was the last person to leave the party." (The very last person.)
    • "I'm wearing the last pair of jeans I own." (The final pair.)
    • "He's the last contestant in the competition." (The final contestant.)

2. As an Adverb (Indicating Time – the most recent):

  • Meaning: This describes something that happened at the end of a period or sequence. It signifies "recently" or "in the recent past."
  • Examples:
    • "I last saw him three months ago." (I saw him three months ago - recently.)
    • "Have you last eaten? You look hungry." (Have you eaten recently?)
    • "She last visited Paris last year." (She visited Paris recently - in the past year.)
    • "We last spoke on Tuesday." (We spoke on Tuesday - recently.)

3. As a Pronoun (Referring Back to Something Previously Mentioned):

  • Meaning: "Last" can stand in for a noun that has already been mentioned.
  • Examples:
    • "I bought a car last week. It's a really good one." ( “It” refers back to “a car”)
    • "She sent a letter to her friend. Last was the only one she could think of to call." ("Last" refers to "her friend.")

4. "Last but not least" (Idiomatic Expression):

  • Meaning: Means "important, but not the most important." Often used to introduce the final item in a list.
  • Example: "We need to buy milk, bread, and eggs. Last, but not least, we need coffee."

5. “Last time” (Idiomatic Expression):

  • Meaning: Refers to the most recent occurrence of something.
  • Example: "Last time I went to the beach, it rained all day.”

6. "Last-minute" (Adjective - a related concept):

  • Meaning: Done or happening very close to the deadline or final moment.
  • Example: "I booked my flight last-minute."

Key Differences & How to Tell Which "Last" to Use:

  • Adjective "Last": Focuses on the position in a sequence. It's about being the final one.
  • Adverb "Last": Focuses on time. It’s about something that happened recently.
  • Pronoun "Last": Replaces a previously mentioned noun.

Tips for Using "Last" Correctly:

  • Pay attention to context: The context of the sentence will usually make it clear whether you mean "the final one" (adjective) or "recently" (adverb).
  • Consider the time frame: If you’re talking about something that just happened, use the adverb "last." If you’re talking about the final item in a series, use the adjective "last."

Could you give me an example sentence where you'd like me to help you use "last" correctly? Or, would you like me to focus on a particular aspect of its usage (e.g., only the adverb form, or explaining "last-minute" in more detail)?

Synonyms for the word last

Practice with vocabulary last

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The __________ item on the agenda is the budget approval for the next quarter.
  2. Our department held its annual review meeting __________ Friday.
  3. During the __________ discussion, we agreed on the main objectives for the project.
  4. Her __________ research focuses on sustainable energy solutions and their practical applications.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (select all that apply)

  1. What is the __________ step in the recruitment process, after all interviews are completed? a) final b) concluding c) last d) ultimate

  2. The company's profits increased significantly over the __________ year, exceeding all expectations. a) last b) preceding c) previous d) recent

  3. How long will the mandatory training session for new employees __________? a) continue b) last c) extend d) persist

  4. We need to analyze the data from the __________ quarter to identify key trends and make informed decisions. a) preceding b) previous c) prior d) former

  5. Her __________ achievement was being awarded the prestigious industry innovation award for her pioneering work. a) ultimate b) crowning c) peak d) foremost

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The final step in our quality assurance protocol is to document all changes thoroughly. Rewrite using "last" or related word forms:

  2. Original: We reviewed the financial reports from the prior fiscal quarter to assess our current standing. Rewrite using "last" or related word forms:

  3. Original: This durable material will continue to perform well for a long time, even under harsh conditions. Rewrite without using "last":

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The last item on the agenda is the budget approval for the next quarter.
  2. Our department held its annual review meeting last Friday.
  3. During the previous discussion, we agreed on the main objectives for the project.
  4. Her recent research focuses on sustainable energy solutions and their practical applications.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) final, b) concluding, c) last, d) ultimate
  2. a) last, b) preceding, c) previous, d) recent
  3. a) continue, b) last, c) extend
  4. a) preceding, b) previous, c) prior
  5. a) ultimate, b) crowning, d) foremost

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The last step in our quality assurance protocol is to document all changes thoroughly.
  2. We reviewed the financial reports from the last fiscal quarter to assess our current standing.
  3. This enduring material will continue to perform well for a long time, even under harsh conditions.

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