An ending should complete the thought
A good ending states how events turned out or how the speaker evaluates the result. A marker helps connect it to earlier events, but does not replace the final event itself.
Not every story needs a separate marker. If the last event clearly finishes the plot, simple We went home can be natural. Here we learn to choose a marker deliberately when it clarifies meaning.
The rain stopped, and we went home.
The rain stopped, and we went home.
The plot can end without a special marker: the final action already closes the account.
In the end, we stayed for another day.
In the end, we stayed for another day.
In the end marks a final result after preceding events or a change of plan.
In the end: the final outcome
In the end means a final outcome after a process, changes, reflection or discussion. It works well when alternatives or difficulties preceded the ending.
Distinguish in the end from at the end. At the end identifies the final part of a specific period, event or thing and often takes of: at the end of the film. Do not use in the end before of.
In the end, + final result
We changed our plans twice. In the end, we took the train.
We changed our plans twice. In the end, we took the train.
The marker introduces a final decision after changes.
At the end of the film, everyone clapped.
At the end of the film, everyone clapped.
At the end of identifies a point in the film’s time structure rather than a process’s outcome.
Eventually, finally and at last
Eventually says something happened after time, effort or problems. It does not mean “possibly”. Finally can also mark a result after time or difficulty, or introduce a final item or step.
At last is used when a delay prompted impatience, anticipation or relief. Eventually, finally and at last can sometimes describe the same event; the choice changes emphasis rather than grammaticality.
Eventually / finally + delayed result; At last, + long-awaited event
After an hour of searching, we eventually found the path.
After an hour of searching, we eventually found the path.
Eventually emphasises the time and effort before the result.
At last, the bus arrived!
At last, the bus arrived!
At last conveys relief after waiting.
We finally reached the village before dark.
We finally reached the village before dark.
Finally naturally describes an outcome after a difficult journey.
Luckily and unfortunately: evaluating the result
Luckily presents a result as fortunate or helpful to the speaker. Unfortunately expresses regret or a negative assessment. These evaluative adverbs comment on the entire event, rather than merely identify its position in the story.
The same event can receive different assessments depending on the speaker’s goal. A closed-answer task must therefore clearly establish whether the outcome is good or bad.
Luckily / Unfortunately, + evaluated outcome
Luckily, nobody was hurt.
Luckily, nobody was hurt.
The speaker evaluates the lack of injury as a fortunate result.
Unfortunately, the last train had already left.
Unfortunately, the last train had already left.
Unfortunately expresses a negative reaction to the final situation.
Lastly is not the same as eventually
Lastly introduces the final item in a list, speech or sequence of advice. It does not describe a result after prolonged effort. For that result, use eventually, finally, at last or in the end according to meaning.
Finally has two roles: a result after delay or a final point. To avoid ambiguity at A2, identify whether the context is a list or a process.
Lastly, + final list item or point
Lastly, check the address before you leave.
Lastly, check the address before you leave.
The final piece of advice in a list, rather than a result of a long process.
After several calls, I finally spoke to the manager.
After several calls, I finally spoke to the manager.
Finally concerns a delayed result here, rather than a final item.
Position and commas
These markers are often followed by commas at the start: Eventually, we found the hotel. In the end, we went home. Luckily, the door was open. This position clearly signals the final turn.
Eventually and finally can also appear within a sentence: We eventually found the hotel; We finally found the hotel. These are grammatical alternatives. Single-key exercises explicitly specify the required position.
Eventually, we found the hotel.
Eventually, we found the hotel.
Initial position and a comma clearly mark the connection with the earlier story.
We eventually found the hotel.
We eventually found the hotel.
Mid-sentence position is also natural, not an error.
Using the markers in your own account
First decide your purpose: summarising a process, showing a long wait, expressing relief, evaluating an outcome or adding a final item. Only then choose the marker.
The ending should logically address the previous problem. If the characters were lost, it can state whether they found their way. If plans changed, it should identify the final decision.
We missed one bus and took the wrong road. Eventually, we reached the beach. In the end, the day was wonderful.
We missed one bus and took the wrong road. Eventually, we reached the beach. In the end, the day was wonderful.
Eventually closes the search; In the end assesses the whole story. Each marker has its own function.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:In the end of the film, everyone cheered.
Correct:At the end of the film, everyone cheered.
For the final part of a specific event before of, use at the end of; in the end does not form in the end of.
Incorrect:Eventually, we did found the right road.
Correct:Eventually, we found the right road.
Did requires base-form find; the simple past here can just use found without did.
Incorrect:Unfortunately that, the last train had left.
Correct:Unfortunately, the last train had left.
The evaluative adverb directly comments on the sentence; that after unfortunately is unnecessary and breaks this construction.
Incorrect:At last of the long wait, the doors opened.
Correct:At the end of the long wait, the doors opened.
To identify the end of a specific period with of, use at the end of.
Incorrect:In end, we chose the smaller room.
Correct:In the end, we chose the smaller room.
The fixed outcome marker is in the end, including the.