Common Mistakes : Finally

adverb

.DUBIOUS: It was difficult to understand people for a long time but finally I got used to their accent
.GOOD: It was difficult to understand people for a long time but eventually I got used to their accent

FINALLY / IN THE END / EVENTUALLY / AT LAST / AFTER ALL / AT THE END

Finally and lastly are used
: N1. (at the beginning of a sentence) to introduce the past point in a speech, reply, essay etc
.finally, I’d like to consider the economic arguments
.Lastly, I’d like to thank you all for coming and wish you a safe journey home
: N2. to introduce the last action in a sequence of actions or the last thing in a list
.Finally, as soon as you hear a beep, press the start button
.She showed us the new dress, then the blouse, and lastly the shoes

: Finally and eventually are used to show that something happens after a long time or delay
.When the bus finally arrived it was full up
.Eventually the baby stopped crying and we managed to get some sleep

: Eventually and in the end are used to introduce the result or outcome of something
.In the end United won by three goals to two
.It seems more and more likely that the human race will eventually destroy itself

: At last means after a long period of waiting or trying to do something
.I’m pleased to hear that you are out of hospital at last

: Unlike eventually, at last is often used in connection with the present situation, and expresses a sense of relief
.I can’t believe that we’re actually getting on the plane at last
?Do you mean that you’ve really stopped smoking at last

: After all means despite what was planned, expected or believed
.We stayed at home after all and watched the match on television
.I’m sorry to hear that you won’t be coming to London after all

: After all is also used to remind someone of a fact which they should consider
.I’m not surprised you’re tired. After all, you didn’t get any sleep last night
.Why are you so upset about losing? After all, it’s only a game

: At the end At the end refers to the point where something finishes
.Their house is at the end of the road
?Do you remember what happens at the end of the film

: Unlike in the end, at the end is usually followed by of
.at the end of the lesson/course/road/year