Last but not least vs. Last but not the least – Which is Correct?
The correct expression is “last but not least,” meaning the final person or item is still important. “Last but not the least” is usually a misquotation or unnecessary variation. Use the standard idiom in speaking and writing, especially when listing several equally valuable people or things. It sounds natural, polished.
Last but not least or last but not the least – Which is Correct?
Last but not least is the standard English idiom. It means that although someone or something is mentioned last, they are not the least important. The phrase is commonly used to conclude a list, introduce a final speaker, or emphasize the value of a final point.
Last but not the least is generally considered a misquotation or nonstandard variation of the idiom. The extra word the does not belong in the fixed expression. In a different sentence, “the least” can be grammatically correct when it refers to a specific minimum amount, but that is not the usual idiom.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Use the no-extra-word test: the idiom has three balanced parts—last, but not, and least. If you insert the, the phrase sounds heavier and loses its familiar rhythm. Remember: last but not least means “mentioned last, but still important.”
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| last but not least | Fixed idiom | The final item mentioned is still important | Last but not least, thank you to our volunteers. |
| last but not the least | Nonstandard variation | Usually a misquotation of the standard idiom | Use “last but not least” instead. |
How to Use Last but Not Least
Last but not least is used before or after the final item in a list to show that its position does not reflect its importance. It can introduce a person, idea, benefit, responsibility, or point. The phrase is neutral to formal and is especially common in presentations, speeches, introductions, articles, and professional communication.
It often appears at the beginning of a sentence, followed by a comma. It can also be placed after the subject for emphasis.
Example 1: Last but not least, I would like to thank the design team.
Example 2: The course improves your writing, speaking, and, last but not least, listening skills.
Example 3: Last but not least, the new policy will make the workplace safer.
Etymology of the Phrase Last but Not Least
The expression combines last, meaning final in sequence, with least, meaning lowest in importance, size, or degree. The contrast makes the meaning clear: the final item may come last in order but is not the least valuable. The phrase has been established in English for centuries and is now a familiar set expression.
Related Concepts
Understanding fixed expressions and degrees of comparison helps explain why this idiom uses least without the article the.
- Fixed idiom: A fixed idiom is a set phrase whose wording is conventionally established. Changing or adding a small word can make the expression sound unnatural or incorrect.
- Superlative adjective: Least is the superlative form of little when discussing amount, degree, or importance. In this idiom, it refers figuratively to the lowest level of importance.
- Parallel listing: The phrase is often used to introduce the final element in a series. It reassures the audience that the order of presentation is not a ranking of value.
- Articles: English articles such as a, an, and the cannot always be added freely to established expressions. The standard form is “last but not least,” not “last but not the least.”
Examples from Media and Literature
The standard phrase appears in many kinds of public and creative communication. These examples show how it functions naturally in context:
As with other easily confused terms, distinguishing Later vs. Latter helps keep formal writing precise.
- Award speeches: A recipient may say, “Last but not least, I thank my family,” to recognize family members after thanking colleagues and organizers.
- News articles: A journalist may conclude a list of economic concerns with, “Last but not least, rising costs remain a major issue.”
- Travel writing: A guide may describe several attractions and introduce the final one with, “Last but not least, visitors should explore the old harbor.”
- Film and television introductions: A host may present several guests and use “last but not least” before introducing the final guest.
- Books and essays: An author may use the phrase when presenting the final argument while emphasizing that it deserves equal attention.
Last but Not Least Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Finally, and importantly | Introduces the final point while stressing its importance. |
| Equally important | Shows that the next person or point deserves the same importance as those already mentioned. |
| Finally | Marks the last item in a sequence, although it does not always explicitly express equal importance. |
| To conclude | Introduces a final statement or point, particularly in formal speaking and writing. |
| Not least | Emphasizes that something is among the important reasons or factors being discussed. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “last but not least” correct?
Yes. “Last but not least” is the standard and widely accepted form of the idiom.
Question 2: Is “last but not the least” grammatically wrong?
It is generally considered incorrect when used as the familiar idiom. The extra the is usually a misquotation. However, “the least” can appear in other grammatical constructions with a specific meaning, such as “This was not the least of her concerns.”
Question 3: Should there be a comma after “last but not least”?
Usually, yes, when the phrase appears at the beginning of a sentence: “Last but not least, we appreciate your support.” A comma is often unnecessary when the phrase appears naturally within a sentence.
Conclusion
Use last but not least, without the, when introducing the final person or point in a list while emphasizing its importance. Last but not the least is normally a nonstandard variation of the idiom. Pro Tip: Using established phrases accurately makes your professional writing sound more polished and trustworthy.
