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For Life
2005.02.10

Hello! Tomorrow the always-welcome three-day weekend begins, which means you'll have ample time to relax and recover from the week's labor. So you'll forgive us if we use this opportunity to introduce a rather challenging WordMaster. These two expressions are VERY commonly confused, so read the explanation carefully, take a good look at the examples, and maybe after today you'll be able to count yourself among the few non-native speakers who have mastered the difference. Good luck!

Today's LessonCATEGORY: 混同しやすい言葉
IN THE END vs. AFTER ALL   最終的に vs. 結局

Explanation

  • If something happens in the end, it was the final result.

    If something happens after all, it was different from what you expected.
  • in the end は、最後にどうなったか、について言うときに使います。

    after all は、自分が思っていたのと違う結果になった場合に使います。

examples

  1. I love Hollywood movies! Everyone's always so happy in the end.
  2. (to a child studying for entrance exams)
    I know this year has been hard for you, but it will be better for you in the end.
  3. You were right after all. I'm sorry I didn't believe you.

英会話レッスンWere you able to understand the difference in the end? Well, maybe it wasn't really so difficult after all!