What is finally? Pronunciation and usage in English

finally means . Learn how to pronounce and use finally through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of finally

finallyadverb

/ˈfʌɪnəli/
Definition & pronunciation of finally

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "finally" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Core Sounds:

  • F: Pronounced as /f/ (like in "fun")
  • i: Pronounced as /ɪ/ (a short "i" sound, as in "bit")
  • n: Pronounced as /n/ (like in "no")
  • a: Pronounced as /aɪ/ (the "i" sound in "eye") - This is the key tricky part!
  • l: Pronounced as /l/ (like in "lamp")
  • y: Pronounced as /ɪ/ (another short "i" sound, as in "bit")

2. Putting It Together – The Breakdown:

The word is often broken down into two parts:

  • "Fin-": Pronounce this like "fin" – with a very quick, almost swallowed "fin" sound. Think of it almost as a single syllable.
  • "-ally": This is where the trickiness lies. It's pronounced like "eye-ly". The /aɪ/ diphthong (the "i" sound in "eye") is held briefly.

3. The Overall Sound:

Putting it all together, it sounds roughly like: "fin-ALLY" (with a very quick "fin" and a held "eye" sound)

4. Tips and Common Mistakes:

  • Don't say "fih-nally." This is a very common mistake. The "i" sound is not a long "i" like in "fight."
  • Don't elongate the "a" sound. The /aɪ/ diphthong should be a quick, brief sound.
  • Listen to Examples: The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are some resources:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you a native speaker of another language? (Knowing your native language might help me identify common pronunciation challenges for you.)

Usage and examples with the word finally in English

Let's break down how to use the word "finally" in English. It's a useful word to add emphasis and express relief. Here's a detailed explanation with examples:

1. Core Meaning: After a Long Wait or Delay

The most common use of "finally" is to indicate that something has happened after a period of waiting, difficulty, or frustration. It suggests a release of tension.

  • Example: "I finally got my driver's license after six months of waiting!" (This expresses relief after a long process.)
  • Example: "The rain finally stopped, and the sun came out." (It took a long time for the rain to end.)
  • Example: "After years of searching, we finally found the lost treasure."

2. Placement in a Sentence – Before the Main Clause

This is the most frequent way to use "finally." It signals that the main event is the culmination of something that took time.

  • Example: Finally, she finished her report. (Emphasizes that she finally completed it after effort.)
  • Example: Finally, the train arrived on time. (Highlights the relief that the train didn’t delay.)

3. Placement in a Sentence – At the Beginning of a Clause

You can also place “finally” at the start of a clause, though this is less common. It can still add emphasis.

  • Example: Finally, I realized I’d left my keys at home. (Expresses the realization after a period of worry.)

4. Expressing Resolution or a Successful Outcome

“Finally” can be used to show that a problem has been solved or a goal has been achieved.

  • Example: "After many attempts, they finally managed to fix the computer." (They succeeded after numerous tries.)
  • Example: "Despite the challenges, our team finally reached the summit." (They overcame obstacles to achieve their goal.)

5. With a List (Less Common, but Valid)

You can use "finally" to introduce the last item in a list, especially if it's a concluding point or a summary.

  • Example: "We need to buy groceries, laundry detergent, and finally, a new sofa." (The sofa is the last, and perhaps most desired, item.)

Important Notes & Considerations:

  • Don't overuse it: “Finally” loses its impact if used too frequently. Save it for situations where the delay or wait is genuinely significant.
  • It's often redundant: Sometimes, “finally” can be implied. “I finished my report” is often enough; "I finally finished my report" is a bit redundant if finishing it took a long time.
  • Tone: “Finally” can convey a range of emotions – relief, frustration, and even a little exasperation. The context will determine the precise tone.

Let's Practice!

Give me a situation and I'll help you rewrite a sentence using "finally." Or, tell me if you'd like me to give you some sentence starters using "finally" so you can create your own examples.

Would you like to:

  • Try a sentence-building exercise?
  • Discuss a specific situation where you want to use "finally"?

Synonyms for the word finally

Practice with vocabulary finally

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

Complete the following sentences with the most appropriate word.

  1. After months of meticulous planning and countless revisions, the team _______ submitted their groundbreaking proposal.
  2. The workshop agenda includes an introduction, group activities, and _______, a Q&A session with the guest speaker.
  3. Despite numerous delays and technical difficulties, the project was _______ completed and delivered on time.
  4. Have you heard from the hiring committee _______? The deadline for applications was last week.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

Select the best word(s) to complete each sentence. There may be more than one correct answer.

  1. After years of dedicated research and experimentation, the scientists were able to _______ confirm their hypothesis. A) promptly B) ultimately C) immediately D) finally

  2. To access the advanced features, users must first log in, then navigate to their profile, and _______ click 'Save Changes'. A) afterwards B) subsequently C) finally D) last

  3. The protracted negotiations over the new trade agreement seemed endless, but the delegates _______ reached a consensus yesterday. A) hardly B) seldom C) eventually D) finally

  4. The company reported a significant drop in quarterly profits; _______, they announced a restructuring plan to cut costs. A) previously B) consequently C) initially D) ultimately

  5. _______, the investment opportunity appeared very promising, but further due diligence revealed several hidden risks. A) Eventually B) Initially C) Subsequently D) Finally

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

Rewrite each sentence according to the instructions provided.

  1. Rewrite the sentence to emphasize the completion of a long process or effort. Despite numerous technical glitches and unforeseen challenges, the development team managed to deploy the new system.

  2. Rewrite the sentence using a related form of "finally" to indicate completion. The committee reached a decision on the budget allocation after an extensive and detailed discussion.

  3. Rewrite the sentence, replacing "eventually" with a word that suggests a logical outcome or consequence, without using "finally". The heavy rainfall caused significant flooding in the low-lying areas, and eventually, the local authorities had to issue an evacuation order.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. finally
  2. finally
  3. eventually
  4. lately

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) ultimately, D) finally
  2. C) finally, D) last
  3. C) eventually, D) finally
  4. B) consequently
  5. B) initially

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Despite numerous technical glitches and unforeseen challenges, the development team finally managed to deploy the new system.
  2. The committee finalized its decision on the budget allocation after an extensive and detailed discussion.
  3. The heavy rainfall caused significant flooding in the low-lying areas, and consequently, the local authorities had to issue an evacuation order.

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