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Theses are all translated as “ついに” or “結局は” in Japanese, but the usage is actually different in English.

After all

1. After all means “in spite of what was said before” or “contrary to what was expected.” 

Examples:

I really wanted to come, but I can’t come after all.
I expected to fail the exam, but I passed after all.

2. After all is also used to add information that shows that what you have just said is true. Maybe だって is close in Japanese.

Examples:

I do like her; after all, she is my sister.
Mary has final approval of the guest list; after all, it’s her wedding.

Finally

1. introduces the last element in a series; it is used in a list. = lastly

Example:

We must increase productivity. We must reduce unemployment.
And finally, we must compete in world markets.

2. suggests- very strongly – the idea of impatience or inconvenience resulting from a long wait or delay. It also conveys the feeling of relief. やっと! って感じ

Examples:

Takeshi has finally passed his exams!
You are finally home! I have been so worried!

At last

is the same as no. 2 -“finally” but it is a little more formal.

Examples:

Takeshi has passed his exams at last!
You are home at last! I have been so worried!

In the end

suggests that something happens after a lot of changes or dilemmas (problems). There is little emotion involved. It is usually used in the past tense.　

Example:

We made eight different plans for our holiday, but in the end we went to New York again.

Eventually

is used when something happens after a long time or after a lot of effort.　

Examples:

The car didn’t want to start, but eventually I got it going.
If you practice English often, eventually you will become very skilled.

Practice

I. Choose the correct word for each sentence.

1. The traffic was terrible, but we got there ( eventually / finally ).
2. It will take a long time to master English, but ( eventually / finally ) you will be able to speak it like a native.
3. ( Eventually / Finally ), I would like to thank you for your hard work.
4. Firstly, you need to turn on your amplifier. Secondly, …Thirdly, .. And ( at last / lastly ), you need to turn it to the right.
5. I left in the middle of the movie. What happened after that? Did they get married
( in the end / lastly )?
6. You should not be so angry with her. ( After all / At last ), she is only a child.
7. We waited for 2 hours in snow. ( After all / At last ), the bus came!
8. First, I would like to talk about Tama University. Second, … Third,… And ( finally / in the end ), I would like to talk about my English Shower class.
9. Of course you are tired. ( After all / In the end ), you were up all night.
10. Keisuke has found a job ( at last / eventually ) !

II. Choose: after all / finally / at last / in the end / eventually

a) I failed my driving test many times, but ____________________ I passed it.
b) You deserve to pass the exam. ______________ , you studied so hard!
c) _______________ you have finished your homework! You were up all night trying to finish, weren’t you?
d) I was offered many jobs all over Japan, but __________________, I accepted a job in my home town, so I could live near my family.
e) I talked about my work history, my education, my experiences, and __________________, my goals for the future.
f) I said I was not going to go to London, but I ended up going _________________.
g) If you keep working as hard as you are now, _________________ you will probably get sick. Please watch your health.
h) I accidentally locked myself into the classroom. I waited for 2 hours, and _____________ the porter came to open the door. I was so relieved!
i) I understand that John is still mad at you. Don’t worry. Just give him some time. ________________ he will stop feeling angry and will talk with you.

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A rejoinder is quick response to show that you are interested or paying attention. （あいづち）

A: (asks a question)
What kind of boss would you never like to work for?

B: (thinks and answers)
Ummm, that’s a good question. Let me see….. I guess I wouldn’t like to work for anyone who is too strict. I don’t want to feel like I’m still in school.

A: (gives a REJOINDER + a comment and a follow-up question)
I see. I guess I feel the same. What kind of boss is good then?

B: (answers, and possibly questions)
I’d like a boss who gives me some responsibility, and who is not so stressed. What about you? What kind of bosses do you like?

REJOINDER EXAMPLES:

showing happiness:

That’s great!    Terrific!    Wonderful!   Fantastic!

showing sadness:

That’s too bad.    I’m sorry to hear that.    Oh, no.

showing interest:

I see.         That’s nice.        Oh, yeah?     Oh really?

showing surprise:

You’re kidding!        I can’t believe it!        Oh, really!           You’re pulling my leg!
Get out of town!        No way!                    You can’t be serious!    You’re not serious!

FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS:

What ___ ?  Where ___ ? Why ___ ? When ___ ? Who ___ ? How ___ ?

Like what ___ ?  Like where ___ ? Like who ___ ?

What kind of ___ ?

How big/ far/ late/ long…? (How + adjective)