the last three vs the three last

Both 'the last three' and 'the three last' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'The last three' is commonly used to refer to the three most recent or final items in a sequence, while 'the three last' is less common and may sound awkward to native English speakers.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 2258 views

the last three

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

'The last three' is used to refer to the three most recent or final items in a sequence.

Examples:

I read the last three chapters of the book yesterday.
The last three contestants will compete in the final round.
Please submit the last three assignments by Friday.
She bought the last three items on the shelf.
We need to review the last three meetings to find a pattern.

Show examples from the web [+]

Now to the last three designs in our special anniversary gallery.
[8] In the last three transmissions.
I've put on 30 pounds in the last three weeks.
The population has declined 90% in the last three generations.
Cronimet's shares have jumped about 46% in the last three weeks.
Concerning his moral character and sincerity, contradictory opinions have been expressed by scholars in the last three centuries.
A common theme runs through the communication industry in the last three civilizations.
In the last three seasons has also played the Euroleague.
She wanted to find out where Lois has been the last three weeks.
For the last three nights he's heard voices.
Beau, you've written in Ronald Reagan the last three elections.
Rebecca, the last three minutes have been the most upsetting of my life.
Guys, we're the last three standing.
Every night for the last three weeks.
The database says the ship barely made the last three or four intergalactic jumps.
The database says the ship barely made the last three or four intergalactic jumps.
I got you the last three seats on the flight.
The guy's been working there every day for the last three weeks.
Mommy had three refills on Ritalin in the last three weeks.
She drew pictures of the last three.

Alternatives:

the three most recent
the final three
the three at the end
the three remaining
the three that are left

the three last

This phrase is correct but less common in English.

'The three last' can be used to refer to the three items at the end of a sequence, but it may sound awkward to native English speakers.

Show examples from the web [+]

Over the three last financial years, the main market for the product concerned for the exporting producers has not been the Community, but other third countries.
An increase of 27 % was recorded from 2002 to 2005, but a sharp decrease was registered during the three last months of the RIP (January-March 2006).
Analysis of the measures in place is based on data gathered for the three last canning seasons.
and decreased by steps for the three last marketing years
Accordingly, the two aid rates set by Regulation (EC) No 603/95 should be reduced to a single rate applicable to both dehydrated and sun-dried fodder and decreased by steps for the three last marketing years.
However, the rapporteur invites the Council to rectify the Council decision based on the Commission's recommendation as regards the entry into force of the three last protocols
As regards the three last Altmark criteria, allegedly NNBG will not derive any advantage from the measure.
Liqueur wine of 'Rueda' PDO aged at least four years, with the three last years in oak.
An increase of 27 % was recorded from 2002 to 2005, but a sharp decrease was registered during the three last months of the RIP (January-March 2006).
The last ended calendar year or the three last ended calendar years if the form is to be sent to a Norwegian institution.
The interest rate should only have been added as regards the three last months of the year 2001, October to December, since this was the time when the benefit was available to Hynix.
the Member States determine the items to be included in the CIS relating to each of the three last categories to the extent that this is necessary to achieve the aim of the system.
The qualitative changes between the three last years in Stage II (1996-1998) and the first three years of Stage III (1999-2001) could indicate a certain increase in the amount of capital flows.
I am possible i see nowadays. i Had 30 marks. i And fever the three last Days.
Figures received from the Norwegian Government on the award of licences in the three last licensing rounds on the NCS (held in 2011 - 2012) show that the number of applications have been up to nine companies for each announced licence.
The service braking system of vehicles of categories R1, R2, S1, R3a, R4a, S2a and R3b, R4b, S2b, where the sum of the technically permissible masses per axle does not exceed 10000 kg for the three last vehicles' categories
The qualitative changes between the three last years in Stage II (1996-1998) and the first three years of Stage III (1999-2001) could indicate a certain increase in the amount of capital flows.

Alternatives:

the last three
the final three
the three at the end
the three remaining
the three that are left

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the last three vs the three last

the last three

the three last

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