Hello, eager learners! Today, we’re going to shed some light on the often-misunderstood terms: “Finally”, “At Last”, “In The End”, and “At The End”. While these phrases might seem interchangeable, they have unique uses in English. Let’s get started!
Finally
“Finally” (IPA: /ˈfaɪnəli/) is an adverb used to denote something that happened after a long time, often with a sense of relief.
Check out these 10 examples:
- Finally, I finished my homework. (After a long period of work)
- The train has finally arrived. (After a long wait)
- Finally, he admitted his mistake. (After a long period of denial)
- She finally found her keys in her bag. (After a long search)
- Finally, the rain stopped. (After a prolonged period of rain)
- After three attempts, she finally passed her driving test. (After multiple attempts)
- I finally managed to book the tickets. (After some struggle)
- They finally arrived at the destination. (After a long journey)
- Finally, the weekend is here. (After a long week)
- Finally, we have some good news. (After a period of bad news)
At Last
“At Last” (IPA: /æt læst/) is a phrase indicating that something has happened after a long wait and typically conveys a sense of relief.
Here are 10 examples:
- At last, I’ve completed the project. (Completion after a long time)
- The bus arrived at last. (Arrival after a delay)
- At last, we reached the summit. (Achievement after effort)
- The movie starts at last. (Beginning after waiting)
- She arrived at last. (Arrival after being expected)
- At last, they agreed to our proposal. (Acceptance after a long discussion)
- At last, the pizza is here. (Delivery after a long wait)
- He finished his homework at last. (Completion after a delay)
- They reconciled at last. (Resolution after a conflict)
- At last, spring is here. (Season arrival after winter)
In The End
“In The End” (IPA: /ɪn ðə ɛnd/) refers to the final result or outcome of a situation or sequence of events.
Here are 10 examples:
- In the end, we decided to cancel the trip. (Final decision after consideration)
- She succeeded in the end. (Success after attempts)
- In the end, it all worked out well. (Positive outcome after a series of events)
- In the end, they chose the blue curtains. (Final choice after deliberation)
- I couldn’t fix the computer, so in the end, I had to call a technician. (Outcome after trying)
- We couldn’t agree, so in the end, we decided to ask our manager. (Result after disagreement)
- In the end, all that matters is your happiness. (Ultimate importance after all)
- The weather was bad, but in the end, we went to the beach anyway. (Decision despite obstacles)
- He lost many games, but in the end, he became a chess master. (Achievement after struggles)
- They debated for hours, but in the end, they compromised. (Resolution after a long discussion)
At The End
“At The End” (IPA: /æt ðə ɛnd/) refers to the position or point that something finishes.
Here are 10 examples:
- There’s a good restaurant at the end of the street. (Location)
- We’ll discuss the budget at the end of the meeting. (Final part of an event)
- There’s a summary at the end of the chapter. (Position in a book)
- We’ll have a quiz at the end of the lesson. (Final part of a class)
- The answers are at the end of the book. (Location in a book)
- At the end of the day, I like to relax with a good book. (Time period)
- There’s a surprise at the end of the movie. (Final part of a movie)
- At the end of the year, we’ll review our progress. (Final part of a time period)
- The boss’s office is at the end of the hallway. (Location)
- There’s a great view at the end of the trail. (Location)
Conclusion
To recap, “finally” and “at last” express relief after waiting, whereas “in the end” speaks about the final result or outcome of a situation, and “at the end” refers to the final point of something in terms of location or time. Make sure to practice these words in context to grasp their nuances fully.