last things
C1/C2Formal, philosophical, theological, literary
Definition
Meaning
Matters concerning the end of life, death, judgment, and the afterlife; eschatology.
1. The final stage of a process or sequence. 2. Topics of ultimate importance or concern, especially existential matters.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a theological term. Often appears in philosophical/religious discourse, or metaphorically in literature to discuss finality or ultimate concerns. Can be used with or without capitalisation ('Last Things' is more formal/theological).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical difference. Slightly more common in British academic theological writing due to historical religious establishment.
Connotations
In both: formal, often serious or solemn. Slight nuance of antiquity or classical reference.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general corpora. Higher relative frequency in theological/specialist texts. No significant national variation.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
NP be concerned with the last thingsNP discuss/consider/ponder the last thingstheology/philosophy of last thingsVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “have one's mind on the last things (archaic/formal)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Extremely rare. Potentially metaphorical: 'We need to focus on the last things before closing the deal.' (final details)
Academic
Common in theology, philosophy, religious studies. Refers to doctrines of the afterlife, judgment, resurrection.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used humorously or ironically about minor final tasks: 'I'm just dealing with the last things on my list.'
Technical
Specific theological term for eschatology. Also used in some philosophical existential contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Scholars have long debated how to properly conceptualise the last things.
- The sermon focused on preparing the soul for the last things.
American English
- Theologians continue to reinterpret what it means to confront the last things.
- His latest book attempts to modernize the discussion of the last things.
adverb
British English
- The poem speaks last-things-ly of dust and eternity. (Very rare/poetic)
American English
- He writes almost last-things-ishly about the climate crisis. (Very rare/poetic)
adjective
British English
- The last-things theology of the Middle Ages was particularly vivid.
- He has a rather last-things perspective on current events.
American English
- Her research focuses on last-things imagery in Southern literature.
- It was a last-things kind of question, one without an easy answer.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The priest's talk was about the last things: death and heaven.
- I've packed my bags, I just need to do the last things before we leave.
- The course module on eschatology explored different cultural views of the last things.
- In the final chapter, the author turns from practical advice to the last things.
- Medieval art is replete with symbolism pertaining to the Last Things, serving as a memento mori for the faithful.
- His philosophy was ultimately grounded in a profound anxiety about the last things, the existential finality of the human condition.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the LAST chapter of a book — it's about the ending. 'LAST THINGS' are the final, ultimate chapters of existence.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE END OF LIFE IS A JOURNEY'S DESTINATION. THE END OF LIFE IS A FINAL ACCOUNTING/JUDGMENT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'последние вещи' in a theological context. The correct term is 'эсхатология'. In everyday contexts, 'последние дела/вопросы' works.
- Avoid confusing with the phrase 'last thing' (последнее дело) as in 'The last thing I need is...' which is idiomatic and unrelated.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a singular 'last thing'. (It is a fixed plural phrase.)
- Using it casually where 'final details' or 'final tasks' is meant.
- Capitalising incorrectly in non-theological contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the phrase 'last things' MOST appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Capitalization (Last Things) is common in formal theological writing, especially when referring to the specific Christian doctrine (Death, Judgment, Heaven, Hell). Lowercase is used for more general or metaphorical references.
While technically possible, it sounds formal or archaic. In everyday speech, phrases like 'final tasks', 'last few items', or 'remaining things' are more natural and less likely to be misunderstood.
'Eschatology' is the formal, academic term for the study of last things. 'Last things' is the subject matter itself, often used in a more discursive or literary way. They are closely related, with 'eschatology' being the name of the field.
No. It is a low-frequency, specialised phrase. Learners at B2 level and above may encounter it in philosophical or religious texts, but it is not essential for general communication. Knowing its meaning is more important for reading comprehension than for active use.