Last time/The last time

Question

I went to a drug store and said:

I took this cream from you guys THE last time.
Is 'the' necessary?

Is there any difference between 'last time' and 'the last time'
Similar problems:

THE last time I looked, he was in the backyard.

You weren't here THE last time I came.

DJClayworth · Answer

When you are using "the last time" to mean "the previous time something happened", then the use of "the" is optional. All of the examples you quote are correct and mean the same without 'the".

With other meanings of "the last time", especially "the final time" you cannot omit "the".

CORRECT: This is the last time I am going to do it.
  
  INCORRECT: This is last time I am going to do it.

Last time/The last time

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