I
noun
BAD : First we listened to the tape, then we answered some questions, and at last we wrote the story.
GOOD : First we listened to the tape, then we answered some questions, and finally we wrote the story.
BAD : We went from one restaurant to another, but all of them were full. At last we decided to buy some pizzas and take them home.
GOOD : We went from one restaurant to another, but all of them were full. In the end we decided to buy some pizzas and take them home.
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FINALLY · IN THE END · EVENTUALLY · AT LAST · AFTER ALL · AT THE END
Finally and lastly are used (1) 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.’ (2) 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’.
II
adverb
BAD : At last but not least, I must mention the climate.
GOOD : Last but not least, I must mention the climate.
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last but not least (WITHOUT at ): 'Last but not least, I'd like to thank our sponsors for making this evening possible.'
III
determiner
1
BAD : Did you hear what happened on last Friday?
GOOD : Did you hear what happened last Friday?
BAD : He looks thinner than when I saw him in the last summer.
GOOD : He looks thinner than when I saw him last summer.
BAD : The last Monday was a terrible day.
GOOD : Last Monday was a terrible day.
2
BAD : In the last years many people have stopped smoking.
GOOD : In recent years many people have stopped smoking.
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in recent weeks/months etc (NOT last ): 'In recent months this stretch of the road has seen three serious accidents.'
Compare: 'Over the last few years many people have stopped smoking.'
3
BAD : As a dress designer, I am very interested in the last fashions.
GOOD : As a dress designer, I am very interested in the latest fashions.
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last = (the one) before this one; (the one) at the end of a list, sequence or series: 'Our last meeting was in Rome.' 'I answered all the questions except the last one.'
latest = designed/produced/published etc more recently than any other: 'Have you seen Toyota's latest models?' 'The BBC World Service always has the latest news.'