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REFERENCE

last month

fixed phr..
A1 Beginner Oxford

fixed phr.. The month that came just before the current one.

fixed phr.. A fixed temporal expression referring to the calendar month immediately preceding the present one, used as a noun phrase or adverbially.


SIMPLE

I saw that movie last month.

CONTEXTUAL

We finished the project last month, just before the new quarter started.

COMPLEX

The policy changes announced last month have already begun to affect international trade agreements and market stability.

Usage

This phrase is used without a preposition like 'in' or 'on' when it refers to time.

Teaching tip

Point out that 'last month' (like 'last week' or 'next year') functions as an adverb of time and does not need a preposition.

Pitfall

We paid the bill on last month.We paid the bill last month.Phrases with 'last', 'next', 'this', and 'every' do not use prepositions like 'in', 'on', or 'at' to talk about time.

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