last ~ lost
[slightly different vowel sound]
“Last” means ‘coming after all the others or all the rest in time and order; final; to continue, to remain in good condition even after using for some time; a piece of wood or metal in the shape of a human foot used by shoe makers’,
e.g.
I was the first to arrive but she was the last. [order of arrival]
He has been living here for the last six months. [for the past six months]
The movie lasted (for) three long hours. [the duration of the movie]
These shoes last long. [they are very strong and can be used for a long time]
____________________
“Lost” is both the past and the past participle form of the verb word ‘lose’ – lose – lost – lost – losing – which means‘not having something or someone that a person or animal had before through carelessness or by accident’; and as an adjective, it means ‘that cannot be found or recovered; confused, etc.’,
e.g.
She lost her car keys again.
He was lost in his thoughts.
Compare:
The chief guest was the last to arrive at the party because she lost her way.
Common Errors:
At the restaurant he noticed that his wallet was lost. [wrong]
At the restaurant he noticed that his wallet was missing. [right]
But
“Oh, no! I’ve lost my wallet,” the young man groaned.” is accepted!
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Author: B C Kumar
Mr. Kumar, an English language teacher, having taught in many countries around the world including Ethiopia and Oman shares this English Language Reference website using material that he has written and compiled during the past 20 years.
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