Last vs. last one vs. the last one

Question

A.  My next bill date after last was supposed to be Dec 20, 2010.B.  My next bill date after last one was supposed to be Dec 20, 2010.C.  My next bill date after the last was supposed to be Dec 20, 2010.D.  My next bill date after the last one was supposed to be Dec 20, 2010.Note: "last (one)" refers to my last billing date/statement.1.  Which of the above is/are grammatical?2.  If two or more are possible, what is the difference between them?3.  Which is/are natural?

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

1. Which of the above is/are grammatical?- A, C, D

2. If two or more are possible, what is the difference between them?-- No difference in meaning or intent.

3. Which is/are natural?-- C and D at least.

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you for your helpful response.

Mister Micawber3. Which is/are natural?-- C and D at least.

Just a question on the meaning of "at least", I understand that "least" is the oppositie of "most". When you say "C and D at least", does it mean A is the most natural?
If I'm mistaken, what does "at least" mean?

Mister Micawber · Answer

It means that I'm not sure that A is natural.

Anonymous · Answer

I see A is grammatical, but it's unsure whether it's natural or not.

I came up with some example sentences below with "last" used alone and "next" used alone as well like in sentence A.

1. Are the sentences below grammatical?
2. Do you think the they are natural, although "last" in my original example A it is unsure if it is natural?

I met her parents the week before last.
I'll see you on the month after next.

3. Incidentally, can the meaning of the sentences above also be expressed in the following sentences? I wonder if using the word twice gives the same meaning as above. In my country, this is common, but I wonder if native speakers do the same.

I met her parents last last week.
I'll see you next next month.

4. Are these grammatical and natural in the first place?

Mister Micawber · Answer

1. Are the sentences below grammatical?-- A and B, yes.

2. Do you think the they are natural, although "last" in my original example A it is unsure if it is natural?-- Yes, I do. Probably because week/month/year/etc is more common than 'date'.

a. I met her parents the week before last.
b. I'll see you on the month after next.

3. Incidentally, can the meaning of the sentences above also be expressed in the following sentences?-- It is sometimes done so casually and ad hoc, but usually with an embarrassed smile on one's face for not recalling a better way to do it.

I wonder if using the word twice gives the same meaning as above.-- The listener generally understands the intention. The meaning-relatioship of the words is obscure.

c. I met her parents last last week.
d. I'll see you next next month.

4. Are these grammatical and natural in the first place?-- Only in casual conversation.

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you, Mister M, for your answers to all my questions. I really appreciate it.
This is more than clear to me now.

Last vs. last one vs. the last one

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