adverb

after all

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After all (adverb) means used to say that something turned out to be true or to happen in spite of what was expected or arranged. Example: “The rain held off, so we had the party outside after all.”

adverb

Used to say that something turned out to be true or to happen in spite of what was expected or arranged.

"The rain held off, so we had the party outside after all."

"He decided not to sell the house after all."

Used to introduce a reason or fact that supports what has just been said, often one the listener should already have in mind.

"Don't be too hard on her — she's only nine, after all."

"It ought to work; after all, it cost enough."

How to use after all

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDespite what you thought would happen, or for this obvious reason.

When to use it

Neutral. Very common in both speech and writing.

Memory tip

Do not confuse it with all in all, which introduces a summary rather than a contrast.

Easily confused with

after all / at last after all / all in all after all / above all

Common pairings

it worked out after all after all this time after all, she's family

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The rain held off, so we had the party outside _____.

Synonyms

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in the end when all is said and done

Related words

finally eventually ultimately in the end to begin with to start with

Rhymes for after all

overall Adderall

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between after all and finally?

Finally means at last, at the end of a sequence of events. After all means contrary to what was expected, or introduces a supporting reason. 'He finally arrived' says he was late; 'he arrived after all' says people thought he would not come.

Where does after all go in a sentence?

Both meanings can sit at the start or the end. The 'contrary to expectation' sense strongly prefers the end of the clause — we went after all. The 'here's the reason' sense reads more naturally at the start, set off with a comma.

Is after all the same as at the end of the day?

They overlap in the reason-giving sense, but at the end of the day is more informal and means 'what really matters is'. After all points to a fact both speakers already know.

What is the meaning of after all?

"after all" (adverb) means used to say that something turned out to be true or to happen in spite of what was expected or arranged.

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