at last vs in the last

Both "at last" and "in the last" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "At last" is used to indicate something that has finally happened after a long wait or delay. On the other hand, "in the last" is used to refer to the most recent or final occurrence within a specific time frame.

Last updated: April 01, 2024 • 195 views

The phrase "at last" is correct and commonly used in English to indicate something that has finally happened after a long wait or delay.

"at last"

Use "at last" to express relief or satisfaction that something expected or desired has finally happened after a long period of waiting or anticipation.

Examples:

At last, the train arrived after a two-hour delay.
She passed her driving test at last after three failed attempts.
We are at last able to enjoy some peace and quiet after the noisy construction work.
The missing keys were found at last in the last place we looked.
The long-awaited sequel to the movie will be released at last next month.

Show examples from the web [+]

So the five of you together at last.
So, Slayer, at last we meet.
Sacrifice at last, became a sacred ceremony.
Where it will break at last.
Yes, I have been saved at last.
Clare and Richard are here at last.
I wish I could see you three together at last.
Free at last, Milan welcomes the Italian people.
Well, it's happened at last.
Here it comes at last - renewal.
Jeff, I'm so pleased we're starting at last.
The son of Roderick Craven in my home at last.
Jason comes to Mount Olympus at last.
I think he believed me at last.
Ichabod was aware only that Dame Fortune was at last thundering at his door.
Dear Papa, you came at last.
It appears that at last you have found yourself a real war.
Now the sand he fought and loved so long has covered him at last.
You and I are even at last.
After three long terrible years... it is at last my day.

Alternatives:

finally
eventually
ultimately
in the end
after a long wait

The phrase "in the last" is correct and used to refer to the most recent or final occurrence within a specific time frame.

"in the last"

Use "in the last" when referring to the most recent or final event or occurrence within a specified period of time.

Examples:

In the last chapter of the book, the mystery is finally solved.
She has made significant progress in the last few months.
In the last game of the season, the team secured their place in the playoffs.
The company has faced many challenges in the last year.
In the last few minutes of the match, the underdog team scored a winning goal.

Show examples from the web [+]

Called the victim six times in the last eight days.
Eighty-five, ninety calls in the last fifteen minutes.
Three calls in the last month.
We picked up Chief Tyrol's wife in the last raid.
A lot's happened in the last hour.
You need to acknowledge that our chance of success has substantially declined in the last 24 hours.
He's also moved three times in the last six years.
I had four of those cases in the last month.
We ought to check our internal system readings for any dimensional anomalies in the last twelve.
No one's come within 10 feet of us in the last 15 minutes.
Every motorcycle that passed in the last 12 hours.
These bodies were removed in the last 24 hours.
You have had countless opportunities in the last 48 hours alone.
And you mailed in the last case I gave you, literally.
After all, he has killed seven people in the last 14 days.
This is what's happened in the last 28 years.
Three managers of the Hotel Casablanca in the last six months.
I learned to hate you in the last ten years.
I heard it yesterday, in the last metro.
They kicked a field goal in the last five seconds.

Alternatives:

recently
lately
in recent times
in the final
in the latest

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany