The first, the last, the only, and the next

Question

Hello grammarians,Why do you need to take heed when you write the first, the last, the only, or the next?

Rvw · Accepted Answer

I'm not sure exactly what it is that you are asking.

They all can be adjectives or adverbs. First and last also have noun meanings. Last may also be a verb. Only may also be a conjunction or a preposition. Next may also be a preposition. But with the word the, the usages must be either adjectival or nominal.

Here are some examples from Webster's Third New International Dictionary. Perhaps they will suggest ways for you to rephrase your question.

first (adjective): the first day, the first volume, the first [person] to come, of first importance
first (noun): the first of the month, from the first I disliked the man, the first I knew the fire had spread, the aviation firsts of tomorrow

last (adjective): the last one out will please shut the door, buried with impressive last rites, his last book, exposed to the last term of contempt
last (noun): her pen was busy to the last, would not hear the last of his story, hated to see the last of her

only (adjective): was convinced that the team was the only one, the only actor on Broadway, is the only authority you can really rely on

next (adjective): the next house, the next in line, our next job will be clearing the land, his next neighbor was five miles away

The first, the last, the only, and the next

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