“Last But Not Least” | How to Use this Common Phrase Correctly? • 7ESL

The term ‘last but not least’ can be heard in various conversations in English. But what is the meaning of this saying? We are going to look at the answer to this question as well as looking at where this term originally came from. We will also take a look at how this term can be used in a conversation.

Last But Not Least

“Last But Not Least” Meaning

The meaning of the term ‘last but not least’ refers to a final thing or act happening but it is just as important as the previous ones.

Origin of this idiom

The term ‘last but not least’ was first recorded in the late 1500s by John lyly. The term was originally ‘last but least’ and was used to announce the final actor onto a stage.

“Last But Not Least” Examples

Examples in Statements

This first statement is being made by someone hosting a talent show.

• ‘And last but not least, we have a comedian.’

Here is a statement being made by a mother to her son.

• ‘You have almost had all of your present, last but not least, a present from your Aunt.’

More helpful examples:

• I would like to thank my publisher, my editor and, last but not least, my husband.
• Last but not least, let me introduce Jane, our new secretary.
• And, last but not least, its growth and production has a huge impact on the environment we live in.

Conversation Examples

If you are curious to see how the term ‘last but not least’ can be used in a conversation, here are some examples to show how it might sound.

The first conversation is between two friends.

• Person 1: “I have some things for you.”
• Person 2: “Oh, what do you have?”
• Person 1: “I have a jacket, a skirt and last but not least, a pair of trousers.”

This conversation is taking place at a singing contest between the two hosts on stage.

• Person 1: “That was a lovely song by Sarah.”
• Person 2: “Yes, and we have one more act now, don’t we Bob.”
• Person 1: “We certainly do, last but not least, please welcome Angela to the stage.”

Other Ways to Say the Phrase

There are other ways in which you can express the meaning of the term ‘last but not least.’

Here are some examples of other things you might say.

• Last but by no means least
• Save the best for last
• Last but important

“Last But Not Least” Meaning | Picture

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Last Updated on January 7, 2021