Language/English/Grammar/After-all
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After all
In spite of what was said before' or ‘contrary to what was expected’[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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'[edit | edit source]
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)
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- INDEFINITE PRONOUNS
- Common Mistake What That
- How Some pointers when using Adjectives
- Prepositions
- Adverbs of Time
- Afraid
- Mass noun
- Indefinite Article
- Grammar Gaffes (mistakes, errors)
- Nouns