Finally means “after a long time” or “at last”; in a list, it means “lastly”. In a story, it says that something long awaited has happened at last: We finally found a flat. In instructions or an essay, Finally with a comma introduces the last step or the last point: Finally, add the cheese.
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subject + finally + verb; have/has/will + finally + verb; Firstly…, Secondly…, Finally, + last point
- After two hours in traffic, we finally reached the hotel at midnight.
- Firstly, cycling is cheap. Secondly, it keeps you fit. Finally, it doesn't pollute the air.
- I've finally finished my thesis, so this weekend I'm going to sleep.
What changed
First versionAfter three months of searching, we found finally a flat near the park.
RevisionAfter three months of searching, we finally found a flat near the park.
It may seem that finally can go anywhere, for example straight after the verb. But in English finally doesn't go between the verb and its object: it comes before the main verb, or after have or will if there is one: we have finally found. Only finally was moved.
At last also means “finally”, but with a sense of relief after a long wait: At last, the rain has stopped. It isn't used to introduce the last point of an essay; for that you need Finally. In the end is about the outcome after doubts or changes: We looked at ten flats, and in the end we took the first one.
Your turn
First, heat the oven. Next, mix the flour, sugar and eggs. ___, bake the cake for forty minutes.
Show the answer
Finally — This is the last step of the instructions, after First and Next, and Finally introduces it. In the end means “eventually, as it turned out”: it gives the outcome of a story, and it isn't used to mark the steps of a recipe.
Explain to a friend how to get from the station to your home. Describe three steps and start the last one with Finally.
First, take the number 12 bus to the market. Then walk past the church on your left. Finally, turn right and look for the blue door at number 8.
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