The phrase “last but not least” is very common in English. People use it when they want to mention the final point in a list, while still showing it is important.
It helps balance the message so the last item does not feel less valuable. However, using the same phrase again and again can sound repetitive.
That’s why learning other ways to say “last but not least” is useful.
It improves your writing, makes your speech more natural, and helps you match the right tone for formal or informal situations.
Choosing the right words can make you sound more confident, polite, and professional.
What Does “Last but Not Least” Mean?
“Last but not least” means that the final item in a list is just as important as the others.
It is usually used as a transition phrase in sentences. It comes before the last point when you are listing ideas, people, or things.
👉 Example:
We talked about the budget, the timeline, and last but not least, the team members.
When to Use “Last but Not Least”
You can use this phrase in many situations:
- Formal writing: essays, reports, presentations
- Informal speech: daily conversation
- Professional settings: meetings, emails
- Storytelling: when listing events or points
It works best when you are listing three or more items and want to emphasize the final one.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “Last but Not Least”?
Yes, “last but not least” is polite and widely accepted in both formal and informal English.
However:
- It can sound slightly overused in professional writing
- In business contexts, shorter or more direct phrases may sound better
👉 Example (Professional):
Instead of “last but not least”, you might say “finally” or “importantly”.
Pros and Cons of Using “Last but Not Least”
✅ Pros
- Easy to understand
- Polite and respectful
- Works in many contexts
- Emphasizes importance of the last item
❌ Cons
- Can sound repetitive
- Slightly old-fashioned in some business writing
- Not always concise
- May feel too casual in formal documents
10+ Alternatives to “Last but Not Least”
1. Finally
Meaning: The last point in a sequence
Explanation: Simple and direct; very common in both speech and writing
Example Sentence: Finally, we need to review the results.
Best Use: Formal, Informal, Business
Worst Use: When you need strong emphasis
Tone: Neutral
2. Lastly
Meaning: The final item in a list
Explanation: Slightly more formal than “finally”
Example Sentence: Lastly, let’s discuss the budget.
Best Use: Formal, Academic
Worst Use: Casual conversations
Tone: Formal
3. In conclusion
Meaning: To end a discussion or summary
Explanation: Used when wrapping up ideas, not just listing
Example Sentence: In conclusion, teamwork is the key to success.
Best Use: Essays, Presentations
Worst Use: Short lists
Tone: Formal
4. To conclude
Meaning: To bring something to an end
Explanation: Similar to “in conclusion,” but slightly shorter
Example Sentence: To conclude, we must act quickly.
Best Use: Formal speaking
Worst Use: Casual lists
Tone: Formal
5. Not to forget
Meaning: To remind about an important point
Explanation: Adds a friendly reminder tone
Example Sentence: Not to forget, we need to thank our team.
Best Use: Informal, Friendly
Worst Use: Formal reports
Tone: Friendly
6. Importantly
Meaning: To highlight significance
Explanation: Focuses on importance, not just order
Example Sentence: Importantly, customer feedback was positive.
Best Use: Business, Professional
Worst Use: Casual speech
Tone: Formal
7. Above all
Meaning: More important than everything else
Explanation: Strong emphasis on priority
Example Sentence: Above all, we must ensure safety.
Best Use: Formal, Serious contexts
Worst Use: Simple lists
Tone: Emphatic
8. Last but equally important
Meaning: Same as the original phrase
Explanation: A modern variation of “last but not least”
Example Sentence: Last but equally important, we value our customers.
Best Use: Business, Presentations
Worst Use: Very casual settings
Tone: Professional
9. As a final point
Meaning: Introducing the last idea
Explanation: Clear and professional transition
Example Sentence: As a final point, we should review our goals.
Best Use: Formal writing
Worst Use: Casual talk
Tone: Formal
10. To finish off
Meaning: To end something
Explanation: Casual and conversational
Example Sentence: To finish off, let’s celebrate our success.
Best Use: Informal speech
Worst Use: Academic writing
Tone: Friendly
11. One last thing
Meaning: A final thought or reminder
Explanation: Very natural in conversation
Example Sentence: One last thing, don’t forget the meeting tomorrow.
Best Use: Informal, Spoken English
Worst Use: Formal writing
Tone: Casual
12. In the end
Meaning: At the final stage
Explanation: Often used in storytelling
Example Sentence: In the end, everything worked out well.
Best Use: Narratives, Informal writing
Worst Use: Professional lists
Tone: Neutral
Comparison Table
| Phrase | Tone | Best Use | Formality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finally | Neutral | General use | Medium |
| Lastly | Formal | Academic writing | High |
| In conclusion | Formal | Essays, speeches | High |
| Importantly | Formal | Business writing | High |
| Above all | Emphatic | Serious contexts | High |
| One last thing | Casual | Conversation | Low |
| To finish off | Friendly | Informal speech | Low |
FAQs
### What is another way to say “last but not least”?
You can say “finally,” “lastly,” or “as a final point” depending on the situation.
### Is “last but not least” formal or informal?
It is both, but it may sound slightly old-fashioned in very formal writing.
### Can I use “finally” instead of “last but not least”?
Yes, “finally” is a simple and widely accepted alternative.
### What is the most professional alternative?
“Importantly” or “as a final point” are great for business communication.
### Is it okay to use this phrase in emails?
Yes, but using different phrases can make your email sound more modern and clear.
Conclusion
Using other ways to say “last but not least” helps you sound more natural and fluent in English.
While the original phrase is useful, repeating it too often can feel boring.
By learning synonyms and alternatives, you can match the right tone for formal, informal, and professional situations.
Try using different expressions in your writing and speech.
Over time, you will feel more confident and flexible in your English communication.
Robert Evans is a passionate English language educator dedicated to helping learners improve their vocabulary and communication skills in a simple and effective way.
