Language/English/Grammar/After-all

After all

In spite of what was said before' or ‘contrary to what was expected’

After all can mean 'in spite of what was said before' or ‘contrary to what was expected’. Position: usually at the end of a clause. 

Examples:

• I’m sorry. I know I said I would help you, but I can't after all.

• I expected to fail the exam, but I passed after all. 

We mustn't forget that

Another meaning is ‘we mustn't forget that', introducing an argument or reason which may have been forgotten.

Position: at the beginning or end of a clause.  

Examples:

• Of course you’re tired. After all, you were up all night.

• Let's finish the cake. Somebody's got to eat it, after all.

"After all" should not be used in the exchange for 'finally'

After all does not mean 'finally', 'at last’, ‘in the end’. 

Example:

• After the theatre we had supper and went to a nightclub; then we finally went home, (not . . . after all we went home)