Lastly vs. Last: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed & Dua Fatima || Published on November 19, 2024
"Lastly" is an adverb used to introduce the final point in list or argument, emphasizing sequence or conclusion, while "last" can be an adverb, adjective, or noun, indicating final position, most recent occurrence, or end of sequence without emphasis.
Key Differences
"Lastly" serves specifically to introduce the final item in a sequence, often found in written or spoken lists where it signals conclusion and summarization. "Last," however, is more versatile, used to describe the final item, person, or time period in order, the most recent event, or as a noun referring to the end or final part of something. While "lastly" focuses on the aspect of sequence within a structured list, "last" highlights temporal or sequential finality in a broader range of contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2024
In usage, "lastly" is predominantly found in formal or structured texts and speeches, guiding the audience towards the conclusion. "Last" is ubiquitous, applicable in everyday conversation, written narratives, and various forms of instructions or descriptions, where it can denote the final position without necessarily introducing a new point as "lastly" does.
Dua Fatima
Nov 19, 2024
The choice between "lastly" and "last" can also affect the tone of a message. Using "lastly" might impart a more formal or organized tone, suitable for presentations or academic writing, while "last" is neutral, fitting informal and formal contexts alike.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2024
For example, in a presentation, one might say, "Lastly, let's discuss our future strategies," to introduce the final point. In contrast, one might say, "I saw him last week" to indicate the most recent time someone was seen, using "last" to denote the timing rather than sequence in a list.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2024
Despite their differences, both terms share the concept of finality. However, "lastly" is more specific to the role of concluding sequences, whereas "last" covers a wider range of final positions, occurrences, or states.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Usage
Introduces final point in a list
Indicates finality in sequence or time
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2024
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Lastly and Last Definitions
Lastly
Associated with formal or organized presentations.
Lastly, let's review the main arguments.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 01, 2024
Last
Can function as an adverb, adjective, or noun indicating finality.
He arrived last at the meeting.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 01, 2024
Lastly
Used to signal the conclusion in speeches or writings.
Lastly, ensure all equipment is turned off.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 01, 2024
Lastly
Often precedes a summary or concluding remark.
Lastly, our goals for next year include...
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 01, 2024
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Last
Used in various contexts, from casual to formal.
She was the last to know about the surprise.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 01, 2024
Lastly
Implies a structured argument or list.
We've discussed many points; lastly, let's consider the impact.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 01, 2024
Lastly
As an adverb, introduces the final point or element in a sequence.
Lastly, I want to thank everyone for their hard work.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 01, 2024
Last
Refers to the end or final part of something.
The last chapter of the book is the most interesting.
Dua Fatima
Mar 01, 2024
Lastly
Highest in extent or degree; utmost
To the last measure of human endurance.
Dua Fatima
Mar 01, 2024
Lastly
Most valid, authoritative, or conclusive
The arbiter will have the last say in resolving this dispute.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 01, 2024
Last
Highest in extent or degree; utmost
To the last measure of human endurance.
Dua Fatima
Mar 01, 2024
Lastly
Being the latest possible
Waited until the last second before boarding the train.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 01, 2024
Last
One that is at the end or last
The last to be chosen.
On every page but the last.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 01, 2024
Last
A block or form shaped like a human foot and used in making or repairing shoes.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 01, 2024
Last
A unit of volume or weight varying for different commodities and in different districts, equal to about 80 bushels, 640 gallons, or 2 tons.
Dua Fatima
Mar 01, 2024
Lastly
Being, coming, or placed after all others; final
The last game of the season.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 01, 2024
Last
(of days of the week or months of the year) Closest in the past, or closest but one if the closest was very recent; of days, sometimes thought to specifically refer to the instance closest to seven days (one week) ago, or the most recent instance before seven days (one week) ago.
It's Wednesday, and the party was last Tuesday; that is, not yesterday, but eight days ago.
When you say last Monday, do you mean the Monday just gone, or the one before that?
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 01, 2024
Last
(sequence) after everything else; finally
I'll go last as I have to add the butter last.
Last but not least
Dua Fatima
Mar 01, 2024
Lastly
Of or relating to a terminal period or stage, as of life
The last days of the dinosaurs.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 01, 2024
Last
Being, coming, or placed after all others; final
The last game of the season.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 01, 2024
Lastly
One that is at the end or last
The last to be chosen.
On every page but the last.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 01, 2024
Last
Most valid, authoritative, or conclusive
The arbiter will have the last say in resolving this dispute.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 01, 2024
Lastly
The final mention or appearance
Haven't seen the last of our troubles.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 01, 2024
Lastly
(sequence) Used to mark the beginning of the last in a list of items or propositions.
Firstly, that's illegal; secondly, it has serious disadvantages; thirdly, it's not necessary; and lastly, did I mention that it's illegal?
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 01, 2024
Lastly
(discourse marker) Used to signal that the speaker is about to yield control of the conversation.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 01, 2024
Last
Being the latest possible
Waited until the last second before boarding the train.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 01, 2024
Last
Of or relating to a terminal period or stage, as of life
The last days of the dinosaurs.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 01, 2024
Last
To remain in good or usable condition
Produce lasts longer if it is refrigerated. I wanted a car that would last.
Dua Fatima
Mar 01, 2024
Last
To keep adequately supplied
Left enough bread to last the family for the weekend.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 01, 2024
Last
To persist or endure for the entire length of; survive
Hoped to last the season without injuring her leg again.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 01, 2024
Last
Final, ultimate, coming after all others of its kind.
“Eyes Wide Shut” was the last film to be directed by Stanley Kubrick.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 01, 2024
Last
Most recent, latest, last so far.
The last time I saw him, he was married.
I have received your note dated the 17th last, and am responding to say that...}}.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 01, 2024
Last
Farthest of all from a given quality, character, or condition; most unlikely, or least preferable.
He is the last person to be accused of theft.
The last person I want to meet is Helen.
More rain is the last thing we need right now.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 01, 2024
Last
The (one) immediately before the present.
We went there last year.
I was last to arrive.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 01, 2024
Last
(intransitive) To endure, continue over time.
Summer seems to last longer each year.
They seem happy now, but that won't last long.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 01, 2024
Last
(intransitive) To hold out, continue undefeated or entire.
I don't know how much longer we can last without reinforcements.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 01, 2024
Last
To shape with a last; to fasten or fit to a last; to place smoothly on a last.
To last a boot
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 01, 2024
Last
(obsolete) A measure of weight or quantity, varying in designation depending on the goods concerned.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 01, 2024
Last
(obsolete) An old English (and Dutch) measure of the carrying capacity of a ship, equal to two tons.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 01, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is "lastly" more formal than "last"?
Yes, "lastly" tends to be more formal and is used in contexts that require a clear structure or sequence, such as academic writing or formal speeches.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2024
How does "last" function as a noun?
As a noun, "last" refers to the end or final part of something. e.g., "The last of the cake was eaten yesterday."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2024
When should I use "lastly" instead of "last"?
Use "lastly" when you're introducing the final point in a structured list or argument, especially in formal or organized contexts.
Dua Fatima
Nov 19, 2024
How do I decide between using "lastly" or "last" in a sentence?
Consider the context and your intention; if you're concluding a list or making a final point in a structured argument, "lastly" is appropriate. Use "last" for indicating temporal or sequential finality in broader contexts.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2024
Can "last" describe something that happened most recently?
Yes, "last" is often used to describe the most recent occurrence of an event. e.g., "I saw her last week."
Hifza Nasir
Nov 19, 2024
Does using "lastly" change the meaning of a sentence compared to "last"?
It can subtly change the emphasis, with "lastly" highlighting the introduction of a concluding point in a sequence, whereas "last" focuses on the position or most recent occurrence without that introductory emphasis.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2024
Can "last" and "lastly" be used interchangeably?
Not always, as "lastly" specifically introduces the final item in a list, while "last" has broader uses related to finality in sequence, time, or as a noun.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2024
What is the implication of "lastly" in a professional email?
Using "lastly" in a professional email suggests a structured presentation of points, with the term introducing the final item on the list, often leading to a conclusion or call to action.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2024
Is it correct to use "lastly" in everyday conversation?
While not incorrect, "lastly" may sound overly formal for casual conversations. "Last" is more commonly used in everyday speech.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2024
Can "last" imply something will not continue?
Yes, in some contexts, "last" can imply finality or the end of continuation. e.g., "This is the last time I'm telling you."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2024
Does "last" always indicate something negative?
Not necessarily; while "last" can imply the end or least favorable position, its connotation depends on context. It can be neutral or even positive, depending on usage.
Dua Fatima
Nov 19, 2024
How is "last" used in sports contexts?
In sports, "last" can describe the person or team finishing in the final position in a race or competition. e.g., "He finished last in the marathon."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2024
How does the usage of "last" vary in different English dialects?
The basic usage of "last" is consistent across English dialects, though the preference for its use over "lastly" in certain contexts may vary slightly based on regional conventions.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2024
Can "last" indicate durability?
Yes, "last" can also describe something's ability to endure over time. e.g., "This phone's battery lasts longer than my old one."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Co-written by
Dua Fatima
Shumaila Saeed
Hifza Nasir
