Cool MateLast vs Remain
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Last
Top 1,000 (very common)A1determiner
Remain
Top 1,000 (very common)B1
| Last | Remain | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //lɑːst//🇺🇸 //læst// | 🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈmeɪn/","/rɪˈmeɪnz/","/rɪˈmeɪnd/","/rɪˈmeɪnɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈmeɪn/","/rɪˈmeɪnz/","/rɪˈmeɪnd/","/rɪˈmeɪnɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | The final part or thing. | To stay in the same place or condition. |
| Example | This is the last cookie on the plate. | Please remain silent during the presentation. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | B1 |
| Part of speech | determiner | |
| Collocations | last minute, last resort, last chance | remain calm, remain silent, remain in place, remain unchanged, remain focused |
| Antonyms | first | leave, depart, exit |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'last' with 'latest' - 'last' refers to the end, while 'latest' refers to the most recent., Using 'last' when describing time periods instead of 'final'., Misplacing 'last' when it should come before the noun, like 'the last day' instead of 'day last'. | Confused with 'stay' - 'remain' feels slightly more formal., Used incorrectly in passive constructions., Misplaced in sentences where a continuous tense is needed. |
| Usage notes | Use 'last' to describe something that comes at the end. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. | Use 'remain' in both written and spoken English. It's suitable for formal contexts, like reports or discussions, but also works in everyday conversation. Avoid using it in casual slang as it sounds too formal. |
Frequently asked questions: Last vs Remain
What's the difference between Last and Remain?
Last: The final part or thing. Remain: To stay in the same place or condition.
Are Last and Remain the same CEFR level?
Last: A1, Remain: B1 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Last and Remain interchangeably?
Not always. Last and Remain are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.