"last month" vs "the last month"

Question

"last month" vs "the last month"

Both 'last month' and 'the last month' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'Last month' is commonly used to refer to the month immediately preceding the current one, while 'the last month' is used to refer to the final month in a specific period or context.

Last Updated: March 25, 2024

Use 'last month' when you want to refer to the month that came before the current one. It is a simple and common way to express this idea.

Examples:

I went on vacation last month.
She started her new job last month.
Last month was very busy for me.

Alternatives:

the previous month
the month before
the month that just passed

Use 'the last month' when you want to specify the final month in a particular period or context. It adds emphasis to the finality of the month being referred to.

Examples:

I will be traveling for the last month of the year.
She has been working hard for the last month of the project.
We will be in school for the last month of the semester.

Alternatives:

the final month
the concluding month
the end of the month

Answer 1

last month

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to the month immediately preceding the current one.

Answer 2

the last month

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English. It is typically used to refer to the final month in a specific period or context.

"last month" vs "the last month"

last month

the last month

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