Just when I thought I have known a
lot about the English language, I discovered another phrase which I have been saying wrongly. Indeed, English is a language we can't stop learning
irrespective of our degrees in either the language or other fields of study.
The continuous learning of this language keeps you abreast of its hidden
realities. So, let's learn.
"Second to the
last" is a very common phrase among second learners of English. Of course
we use it appropriately. We use it to refer to something or someone that is
immediately preceding the end of a sequence or list. For example, we do say, "The
second to the last person" or
"The second to the last
name."
Unfortunately, most of us do not know that this is not the right way of stating the phrase probably because the difference between the actual phrase and the way we state it is quite subtle. Yes, the difference is quite subtle because the right way of stating the phrase is, "second to last". The article (the) which is nearest to "last" shouldn't be there. It should only precede the word “second”, for example “The second to last seat.”
Unfortunately, most of us do not know that this is not the right way of stating the phrase probably because the difference between the actual phrase and the way we state it is quite subtle. Yes, the difference is quite subtle because the right way of stating the phrase is, "second to last". The article (the) which is nearest to "last" shouldn't be there. It should only precede the word “second”, for example “The second to last seat.”
Again, Merriam Webster Dictionary describes it as an
idiom, and idioms are fixed expressions, that is, their structures and meanings
always remain the same regardless of the situation. Changing their structures
means altering their meanings and depriving them of their idiomatic status. Therefore,
you don't write or say "second to the
last" instead of "second to last".
Other ways you can state
the phrase, the second to last, in
English are: "the next to last",
"the one before last"; or "the penultimate". For
those who may still find it difficult to state the phrase correctly, I advise
you always use the third option, that is, "the penultimate". This will save you from any form of
confusion and the wracking of brain as regards where to place the definite
article in the phrase. It will also interest you to note that "the penultimate"
is a more acceptable form in British English as an everyday or layman's term unlike in other
varieties of English where it is regarded as slightly
pretentious in normal spoken context.
In sum, don't say, "The
second to the last," but say,
"The second to last" if you must use this phrase. The definite
article “the” shouldn't come before
"last". Always place it at the beginning of the phrase.