Finally, Eventually, Ultimately: What's the Difference?
2021-06-12
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1This week on Ask a Teacher, we answer a question from Thuy Duong Le, who writes:
2What is the difference between finally, eventually and ultimately?
3Dear Thuy,
4Thank you for your question.
5It centers on three words that act as adverbs.
6Adverbs can change the meaning of a verb, adjective, another adverb, or even a whole sentence.
7Finally, eventually, and ultimately generally show time.
8They often suggest the idea of a later time or the end of a period of time.
9In some cases, they are very close in meaning.
10But there are some differences in the ways that English speakers use these terms. Let's explore a few of them.
11Finally is often used to introduce the last in a series of statements.
12When used in this way, finally is especially common in speeches, presentations, or in formal writing such as in an academic paper or a job application.
13For example, a person might end a presentation by saying:
14Finally, I'd like to thank the conference organizers for putting together this event.
15Eventually means at some later time or in the end.
16It can be used to talk about something that will happen in the future.
17For example, you might hear a basketball fan say:
18The Celtics have some good young players.
19In a few years, they'll eventually win the championship.
20Or, you might hear a gardener talk about a tree that will grow to a tall height, as in:
21This tree will eventually reach a height of 50 meters.
22Ultimately can mean: in the most important way or at the most basic level.
23When it has this meaning, speakers often use it at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence, as in:
24Ultimately, it is a question for the voters to decide.
25It is ultimately a question for the voters to decide.
26The next time you read in English or listen to English speakers, try to pay careful attention to words such as finally, eventually, and ultimately.
27Over time, you will notice regular ways that speakers use these terms.
28With hard work and careful study, you will eventually understand how to use these terms with ease.
29If you have a question for our staff of teachers, send it by email to learningenglish@voanews.com.
30And that's Ask a Teacher!
31I'm John Russell.
1This week on Ask a Teacher, we answer a question from Thuy Duong Le, who writes: 2Question: 3What is the difference between finally, eventually and ultimately? 4Answer: 5Dear Thuy, 6Thank you for your question. It centers on three words that act as adverbs. Adverbs can change the meaning of a verb, adjective, another adverb, or even a whole sentence. 7Finally, eventually, and ultimately generally show time. They often suggest the idea of a later time or the end of a period of time. In some cases, they are very close in meaning. 8But there are some differences in the ways that English speakers use these terms. Let's explore a few of them. 9Finally 10Finally is often used to introduce the last in a series of statements. When used in this way, finally is especially common in speeches, presentations, or in formal writing such as in an academic paper or a job application. 11For example, a person might end a presentation by saying: 12Finally, I'd like to thank the conference organizers for putting together this event. 13Eventually 14Eventually means at some later time or in the end. It can be used to talk about something that will happen in the future. For example, you might hear a basketball fan say: 15The Celtics have some good young players. In a few years, they'll eventually win the championship. 16Or, you might hear a gardener talk about a tree that will grow to a tall height, as in: 17This tree will eventually reach a height of 50 meters. 18Ultimately 19Ultimately can mean: in the most important way or at the most basic level. 20When it has this meaning, speakers often use it at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence, as in: 21Ultimately, it is a question for the voters to decide. 22It is ultimately a question for the voters to decide. 23What can you do? 24The next time you read in English or listen to English speakers, try to pay careful attention to words such as finally, eventually, and ultimately. Over time, you will notice regular ways that speakers use these terms. 25With hard work and careful study, you will eventually understand how to use these terms with ease. 26If you have a question for our staff of teachers, send it by email to learningenglish@voanews.com. 27And that's Ask a Teacher! 28I'm John Russell. 29John Russell wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor. 30_____________________________________________________________ 31Words in This Story 32championship - n. the title of champion in a sport or game 33academic -adj. of or relating to schools and education 34application -n. a formal request to be considered for a job, to be admitted to a school or a similar request