at the latest

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

hi,

Could you please tell me which is correct?

I have to leave home by 6 at the latest.
I have to leave home the latest at 6.
I have to leave home at 6 the latest.
I have to leave home before 6 at the latest.
I ahve to leave home at the latest before 6.
and so on…

Thanks
Liza

2

Hello Liza,

  1. I have to leave home by 6 at the latest.

— fine; if you leave home at 6 o’clock, you will be on time.

  1. I have to leave home the latest at 6.
  2. I have to leave home at 6 the latest.

— I would not expect to hear these versions from a native speaker.

  1. I have to leave home before 6 at the latest.

— fine; if you leave home a minute before 6 o’clock, you will be on time.

  1. I have to leave home at the latest before 6.

— as #4; but the word order is unusual.

Best wishes,

MrP