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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]

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“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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