Distinguishing Between “Last” & “The Last”

Last vs the Last

The expressions “last” and “the last” are often confused due to their apparent similarity in meaning. However, there are some distinctions between the two. The term “last” conveys the sense of something that comes towards the end of a series or events, while “the last” refers to something that specifically comes at the very end of a series or events. This is the main difference between the two expressions.

Key Takeaways

• “Last” refers to something that comes towards the end of a series or events.
• “The last” refers to something that comes specifically at the very end of a series or events.
• The word “last” is often followed by the prepositions “in,” “of,” and occasionally “to”, while the expression “the last” is followed by the prepositions “of”, “to,” and occasionally by “in”.

Consider the two sentences:
1. He comes last in terms of rankings.
2. He is the last to get the job of superintendent.

In the first sentence, the use of the word “last” implies that the person comes towards the end in terms of rankings. In the second sentence, the use of the expression “the last” implies that the person is specifically at the end of the list of individuals who were given the job of superintendent. This highlights an essential difference between the two expressions.

It is worth noting that the word “last” is often followed by the prepositions “in,” “of,” and occasionally “to.” On the other hand, the expression “the last” is followed by the prepositions “of,” “to,” and occasionally by “in.” Observe the sentences:

1. He is the last to speak in favor of Francis.
2. He is the last of the Mughal emperors to rule over Agra.

The word “last” sometimes conveys the sense of “previous,” as in the sentence “the problem was discussed in our last meeting.” In this sentence, the word “last” refers to the meeting that was conducted just before the present one.