Last vs The last, Next vs The next

This lesson explains the difference between last / next and the last / the next. Check the grammar chart, then read the explanation and examples below.

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Last and next

We use last and next with day, week, month, year, etc. to refer to the day, week, month, etc. immediately before or after the present one.

I saw her last week.
We’re going on holiday next month.
He called me last night.
I have an exam next Monday.

The last and the next

In a series

We use the last and the next to talk about a specific day, week, stop, event, etc. that is the last or the next item in a series, not in relation to the present time.

This is the last day of the course.
The next train leaves at 10:15.
I missed the last bus.
The next episode is very interesting.

For the last / for the next + period

We use for the last and for the next with day, week, month, year, etc. to talk about a period of time that continues until now or will continue into the future. For the last is often used with the present perfect, and for the next with a future form.

I’ve lived here for the last two years.
She has worked very hard for the last few weeks.
I’ll be very busy for the next few days.
We’ll be travelling a lot for the next three months.

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Explanation

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