1 two meanings
“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.
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.
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.
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.
2 not used for ‘finally’
“After all” does not mean ‘finally’, ‘at last’, ‘in the end’.
After the theatre we had supper and went to a nightclub; then we finally went home, (NOT … after all we went home.)
• see after all , see discourse markers.
For more information consult a good dictionary like Langman, Oxford, Merriam Webster, or Collins.
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