the least was the approach vs the last was the approach

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have different meanings. 'The least was the approach' implies that the approach was the least important or effective among others, while 'The last was the approach' suggests that the approach was the final one in a sequence.

Last updated: March 29, 2024 • 865 views

This phrase is correct but not commonly used in English. It implies that the approach was the least important or effective among others.

"the least was the approach"

This phrase is used to indicate that the approach being discussed was the least significant or effective one compared to others.

Show examples from the web [+]

Your rapporteur therefore welcomes in principle the approach proposed by the Commission.
The approach should focus on simplifying cross compliance criteria.
This Recommendation is aligned to the approach developed at international level.
That is the approach we should be adopting.
Firstly, we challenge the approach.
I believe that the approach adopted by the Council is an appropriate approach.
The approach adopted by the ESDP is therefore quite a cautious approach.
Hence the EESC firmly believes that the approach taken within AAL should be a bottom up approach.
This approach is fully in line with the approach used in EC programming.
The approach proposed shows up unequal treatment for particular classes of installation, with a particularly restrictive approach to thermal energy plants using conventional fuels.
The approach of negotiation announced by Mr Berlusconi is the approach of wisdom and true hard work, the approach that Europe needs in everyone's interests.
Overall, the approach is too academic and takes little account of the practical difficulties of implementing the approach at industrial sites - some of which can be extremely complex.
As regards the Community currency, Mr Herman, my answer to you is that the approach selected is the approach of national sovereignty.
The approach to calculate the price undercutting is identical to the approach described in recital 60 in the provisional Regulation.
It seems that the approach of malfaisant Nosferatu the realtor had a knock on influence.
The approach to the junction where Maggie was killed.
Nevertheless, the approach of the rapporteur goes too far.
This was also the approach taken by the Greek authorities in their submissions of 4 November 2005.
The approach advocated by the Parliament will be more effective.
This amendment ensures that the approach taken in Recital 12 is reflected in the text.

Alternatives:

The approach was the least effective.
The least effective approach was chosen.
Among all the approaches, the least effective one was chosen.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It suggests that the approach being discussed was the final one in a sequence.

"the last was the approach"

This phrase is used to indicate that the approach being discussed was the final one in a sequence of approaches.

Show examples from the web [+]

This last approach has been followed in the draft report.
Until such time as the Network is in operation, Parliament cannot allow any loopholes to occur and must continue the approach adopted last year to the best of its ability.
There was an approach last month from Russia.
The suspension of aid until religious or other freedoms are respected can only be a last resort approach, whose consequences are very likely to impact badly on the populations whose rights are violated.
This is simply a continuation of the misguided approach taken last week.
This approach cannot last forever, and changing it means acknowledging the backwardness of the formal financial sector and taking remedial action.
To know what is first and last is to approach the Great Learning.
In my experience over the last five years in this House, the approach adopted has, unfortunately, always been a rather piecemeal one, failing to recognise links with other legislative issues.
The approach taken over the last decade has been to simplify and modernise the existing VAT system in various stages.
However, we cannot support the approach which the Commission and Council have been adopting in relation to this country during the last year.
I think that the approach that I have condemned is damaging to the image that Parliament had projected in the last few months.
In that respect, by choosing the last day of the period at stake, the Commission adopts the approach which is the most favourable to the beneficiaries.
Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, the exceptional flow of immigrants besetting the Italian coast and, hence, the whole of Europe, must spur us on to developing a common approach at last for managing this phenomenon.
In short, to follow the twin-track approach which I outlined to this House last month - an approach that was endorsed by the European Council - to move from a period of reflection to a period of engagement.
The Federal Republic of Germany, instead of at last taking a positive approach to this legitimate request for moral rather than material reparation, is adopting legal delaying tactics and even taking the Italian Republic to court.
Letters, the last was a year ago.
The last was Shakiko, a Japanese princess.
The last was on the evening of 16th August from Dryden's mobile to hers.
I think the last was 8:43.
The last was the frront a month ago.

Alternatives:

The approach that came last was chosen.
The final approach was the one chosen.
Among all the approaches, the last one was chosen.

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the least was the approach vs the last was the approach