What Does "last but not least" Mean?
- Grammatical function: This expression serves as a discourse marker or connective phrase used for addition. It introduces the final item in a list, signaling that although it is the last mentioned, it is not the least important.
- Typical sentence position: It most commonly appears in the initial position of a sentence or clause, though it can occasionally be found in the medial position as a parenthetical insert.
- Register: It is generally neutral to informal. While it appears in journalism and some academic papers, it is often avoided in strictly formal scientific reporting in favor of more clinical transitions.
How to Use It
- Syntactic patterns: It is typically followed by a noun phrase or a complete clause. It is often preceded by a coordinating conjunction like "and" to close a series.
- Punctuation rules: When starting a sentence, it is usually followed by a comma. If used parenthetically in the middle of a sentence, it should be set off by commas on both sides.
- Grammatical flexibility: It can start a sentence, be integrated into a list, or stand alone as an introductory fragment. It cannot be easily negated (e.g., "not last but least" is not a standard idiom).
- What sounds unnatural: Using it to conclude a logical syllogism rather than a list of items or people can feel misplaced. It also sounds redundant when used with only two items.
Real-World Examples
These examples are sourced from last but not least on Ludwig.guru.
"Last but not least, the running backs." — nytimes.com
"Last but not least, our algorithm is super-stabilizing." — sciencedirect.com
"Last but not least are TV dinners." — nytimes.com
"Last but not least, financial constraints played a part." — springer.com
"And last but not least, life goes on." — biomedcentral.com
Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/last+but+not+least
Similar Phrases and Alternatives
| Phrase |
Context |
| finally |
Neutral; used to mark the end of a sequence or process. |
| lastly |
Slightly more formal; standard for concluding a numbered list. |
| ultimately |
Focuses on the final result or most important factor. |
| most importantly |
Emphasizes that the final point actually carries the most weight. |
| to conclude |
Formal; used to wrap up an essay or a speech. |
Common Mistakes
- Word Choice Errors: Learners often omit the 'the' or say 'last but not the least', which are both incorrect; the standard idiom is last but not least.
- Contextual Misuse: Sometimes users employ it to conclude a complex logical argument where no literal list of people or items exists, which can feel too informal or imprecise.
- Punctuation: Forgetting the comma after the phrase when it begins a sentence can make the text harder to parse.
Quick-Reference Summary
| Expression |
Function |
Register |
Typical Position |
| last but not least |
Addition/Conclusion |
Neutral/Informal |
Initial |
FAQs
Where in a sentence can last but not least appear?
The expression last but not least usually appears in the sentence-initial position to introduce the final item of a list. However, it can also appear in a mid-clause position as a parenthetical remark, provided it is properly set off by commas.
What is the difference between last but not least and lastly?
While lastly is a neutral way to indicate the end of a sequence, last but not least adds a rhetorical emphasis on the importance of the final item. Use lastly for simple chronological order and the longer idiom when you want to ensure the final point is not perceived as an afterthought.
Is it correct to say last but not the least?
No, it is a common mistake to include an extra article; the phrase is an established idiom that must be written as last but not least. Additionally, ensure you are using it to conclude a literal list of items rather than using it as a transition for a purely logical or abstract argument.