after all

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   Used to say that something turned out differently from what was planned or expected, often at the end of a sentence.

   Grammar: Usually sits at the end of a clause: we went after all.

   Patterns

   • do something after all

   I thought it would rain, but we had a picnic after all.

   She decided to take the job after all.

   The package arrived on time after all.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   Used to introduce a fact that explains or supports what you have just said.

   Grammar: Usually comes in the middle or end of a sentence, set off by commas: he's tired, after all.

   Don't be hard on him; he's only five, after all.

   You should rest. After all, you've been working since dawn.

   It makes sense to ask, after all.

Common combinations

change your mind after all

He changed his mind after all and came to the party.

not so bad after all

The movie wasn't so bad after all.

after all, it's only

Relax; after all, it's only a game.

turn out well after all

The trip turned out well after all.

Synonyms and how they differ

in the end

In the end only states the final result and does not carry the sense of reminding someone of a reason.

nevertheless

Nevertheless is more formal and links contrasting ideas, whereas after all often shows a surprising change.

anyway

Anyway is looser and can drop a topic, while after all points to an expectation that was reversed.

Commonly confused: after all or afterward?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “after all”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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