[Grammar] the one before the last

[Will17]

Hello!

Is the idiom "the one before the last", correct?

Thank you
W

 

[bhaisahab]

Hello!

Is the idiom "the one before the last", correct?

Thank you
W

"The one before last", no article before "last".

 

[charliedeut]

"The one before last", no article before "last".

Hi bhaisahab,

Is "penultimate" also in use or is it only a not-so-good translation of mine from Spanish (and ultimately from Latin)?

Thanks a lot,

Charliedeut

 

[5jj]

Penultimate is fine, but somewhat formal.

 

[SoothingDave]

"Penultimate" is an English word, but its meaning may not be commonly understood. "Next to last" would be the idiom I am familiar with.