finally

finally, at last, in the end

这三者都可表示“最后”。它们的区别在于:
1.in the end的意思是经过许多变化、困难和捉摸不定的情况之后,某事才发生。例如:
We made eight different plans for our holiday, but in the end we went to Harbin again .我们定了八种不同的度假方案,但是最后我们又一次去了哈尔滨。
2.at last指一个动作从发生一直延续到结束,意思是“终于”。例如:
In spite of every obstacle, we arrived at last.冲破种种障碍,我们终于到达了。
Her wish to be a doctor has come true at last.她想做一个医生的愿望终于实现了。
She felt joyful at the prospect of seeing him at last.她为终将看到他而感到欣喜。
3.finally在列举事物时可以用来引出最后一项内容,或者是直接放在动词之前, in the end和at last则不能。例如:
We need to increase productivity.We need to reduce unemployment.And finally, we need to make our exports competitive on world market.我们需要提高生产力,我们需 要降低失业率; 最后我们还需要使我们的出口商品在国际市场上具有竞争力。
They finally cracked the defence and scored a goal.他们终于突破了防守,射进一球。
4.finally在主观上有“等了好久才…”的含义。例如:
After toying it three times, we finally managed to have a holiday in Greece.经过三次延期之后,我们终于在希腊度了一次假。
What by policy and (what by) force they finally liberated that town.部分用策略,部分用武力,他们终于解放了那个城镇。
5.at last也在主观上有“等了好久才…”的含义,但语气上比finally强得多,且at last也可以作感叹语。例如:
When at last they found him, he was almost dead.当人们终于找到他时,他快死了。
At last!Where the hell have you been?总算找到你了!你到底上哪去了?