The expressions eventually vs finally, at last, in the end, at the end and lastly are all connected with time, results or endings. However, they do not mean exactly the same thing.

Some describe what happens after a long wait. Others refer to the final result of a situation, the last part of an event or the final point in a list.

The easiest way to understand them is to connect each expression with one simple question:

• In the end — What was the final result?
• At the end — At what final point?
• Eventually — What happened after some time?
• Finally — What happened after waiting or effort?
• At last — What happened after a long wait, with relief?
• Lastly — What is the final point in a list?

Let us look at them one by one.

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In the End

We use in the end to describe the final result or outcome of a situation.

It often means finally, after everything that happened, after considering all the possibilities

• We discussed several options, but in the end, we decided to stay at home.
• She tried several different careers, but in the end, she became a teacher.

In the end answers the question: What was the final result?

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At the End

We use at the end to refer to the final part of a particular time, place, event or thing.

• We have a short test at the end of the lesson.
• The main character returns home at the end of the film.

At the end answers the question: At what final point?

Compare:

• In the end, we decided to cancel the meeting.
  This is the final result.
• At the end of the meeting, we asked several questions.
  This is the final part of the meeting.

For a more detailed explanation, read our complete lesson on the difference between at the end and in the end.

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Eventually

We use eventually when something happens after a period of time, several attempts or some difficulty.

The word is usually neutral. It tells us that something took time, but it does not necessarily express strong emotion.

• She applied for several jobs and eventually found one.
• We got lost, but we eventually reached the hotel.

Word position

Eventually usually comes before the main verb:

• They eventually found the missing documents.

It comes after the verb be:

• The new system was eventually ready.

It can also appear at the beginning or end of a sentence:

• Eventually, everyone accepted the changes.
• Everyone accepted the changes eventually.

Eventually means: after some time

It does not mean possibly or perhaps.

Incorrect: Eventually, it might rain tomorrow.

Correct: Perhaps it will rain tomorrow.

• The weather will improve eventually.

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Finally

We use finally in two main ways.

1. After waiting, effort or difficulty

In this meaning, finally often expresses relief, satisfaction or impatience.

• The train finally arrived after a two-hour delay.
• She finally passed her driving test.

2. To introduce the last step

We also use finally to introduce the last action or point in a sequence.

• First, complete the form. Next, attach a photograph. Finally, sign your name.
• We visited the museum, had lunch and finally went shopping.

Finally can mean: after waiting or effort, or the last step in a process.

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At Last

We use at last when something happens after a long wait and the speaker feels relieved, pleased or satisfied.

It is more emotional than eventually.

• The parcel has arrived at last!
• We are home at last.

At last means: after a long wait, with relief

It is often used in exclamations because it expresses emotion.

Compare:

• He eventually found a job.
  This is neutral.
• He found a job at last!
  The speaker feels relieved or pleased.

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Lastly

We use lastly to introduce the final point, person or idea in a list, speech, essay or presentation.

It is formal and structured.

• First, we need a plan. Second, we need funding. Lastly, we need an experienced team.
• Lastly, remember to check your answers before submitting the test.

Lastly means: the final point in a list

Do not use lastly to describe something happening after a delay.

Incorrect: The train lastly arrived.

Correct:

• The train finally arrived.
• The train arrived at last.
• The train eventually arrived.

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Eventually vs Finally

Both eventually and finally can describe something happening after a delay.

Compare:

• We eventually found the hotel.
• We finally found the hotel.

Both sentences are correct, but the feeling is slightly different.

Eventually is usually neutral. It focuses on the passage of time.

• We took several wrong turns but eventually found the hotel.

Finally often expresses relief, impatience or satisfaction.

• We finally found the hotel! I thought we would be driving around all night.

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Finally vs At Last

Finally and at last can both express relief after a delay.

• The bus has finally arrived.
• The bus has arrived at last.

However, at last usually sounds more emotional.

• At last, we can relax!
• The weekend is here at last!

Finally is more flexible because it can also introduce the last step in a sequence.

• Finally, click the save button.

We would not normally say:

• At last, click the save button.

That would sound as if clicking the button were an event everyone had been waiting for with great excitement.

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Finally vs Lastly

Both words can introduce a final point, but they are not always interchangeable.

Use finally for the last action or stage in a process:

• Finally, put the cake in the oven.

Use lastly for the final point in a formal list or presentation:

• Lastly, I would like to discuss the budget.

In many presentations, both are possible:

• Finally, I would like to thank my team.
• Lastly, I would like to thank my team.

However, finally is more common in everyday English, while lastly sounds more formal and organised.

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In the End vs Eventually

These expressions can sometimes appear in similar situations, but they focus on different things.

In the end focuses on the final result.

• We considered several destinations, but in the end, we chose Italy.

Eventually focuses on the time or process leading to the result.

• After discussing it for several weeks, we eventually chose Italy.

Quick Comparison Chart

in the end	the final result	decisions and outcomes	In the end, we stayed at home.
at the end	the final part of something	time, place or events	At the end of the lesson, we did a quiz.
eventually	after some time	neutral delay or process	She eventually found a job.
finally	after waiting, or the last step	relief, effort and sequences	The train finally arrived.
at last	after a long wait, with emotion	relief or satisfaction	At last, we can go home!
lastly	the final point in a list	essays and presentations	Lastly, let us discuss the cost.

Practice Quiz

Once you understand the difference between eventually vs finally, it becomes easier to choose between at last, in the end, at the end and lastly as well.

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• 30 Time Expressions in English 
• 12 Tips to Build Your Vocabulary

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