"the last three" vs "the three last"

Question

"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

'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.

Alternatives:

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

'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.

Alternatives:

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

Answer 1

the last three

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

the three last

This phrase is correct but less common in English.

"the last three" vs "the three last"

the last three

the three last

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