Transition Words for Finally

Updated 2026-10-12 · Synonyms List editorial team

Quick answer: When you want to indicate that an event has just occurred after a long wait, transition words for finally are essential. These specific phrases signal to your reader that a delay has ended and the expected outcome is now happening, adding necessary emphasis to your narrative or argument without sounding repetitive.

Best Transition Words For Finally

finally: Use this when an action happens after a long delay, as in: She finally arrived at the airport after hours of traffic.
at long last: Employ this formal phrase to show relief that something has occurred, as in: We watched the sunrise at long last after missing it yesterday.
eventually: Select this to show a result reached after a process, as in: Eventually, the team solved the complex coding problem.
in the end: Use this to summarize the final outcome, as in: In the end, the hard work paid off for everyone involved.
ultimately: Pick this for a formal conclusion, as in: Ultimately, the decision rested with the project manager.
subsequently: Pick this for a formal sequence, as in: The report was submitted and subsequently reviewed by the board.
consequently: Indicates a result that follows after a delay, for example, he worked all night and consequently fell asleep late.
in due course: Indicates an event will happen when the time is right, for example, the repairs will be done in due course.
at that point: Highlights a specific moment when something finally happens, like at that point the engine stopped and we had to wait.
when all was said and done: Refers to the final result after everything has occurred, such as when all was said and done the trip was more trouble than it was worth.
afterward: Shows what happens after a long sequence of events, for instance, they waited hours and afterward the movie began.
by that time: Indicates a situation is resolved by a certain later moment, for example, by that time the sun had risen and we could see clearly.

More Transition Words for Finally by Purpose

now that: Purpose: condition. Use this to introduce a new fact, as in: Now that you are here, we can begin.
after all this: Purpose: emphasis on duration. Use this to highlight time spent, as in: After all this, we are ready.
then: Purpose: basic order. Use this for simple steps, as in: First cook, then serve.
at last: This expression conveys relief at a long-awaited moment, showing at last the train arrived safely.
by then: This phrase points to a specific future time when something is complete, as by then we will have finished the project.
come to that: This phrase introduces the final or most important point, stating come to that we must consider the budget carefully.
in conclusion: This phrase wraps up a discussion with a final thought, noting in conclusion that patience is key to success.
to wrap it up: This informal phrase signals the final moments of a talk, telling us to wrap it up before the meeting ends.
last but not least: This phrase highlights the final item in a list while noting its importance, saying last but not least is the winner of the contest.
to put it plainly: This phrase offers a clear final statement without complexity, remarking to put it plainly we must stop now.
in the final analysis: This phrase presents the ultimate judgment after considering all factors, arguing in the final analysis that honesty matters most.

Transition Words for Finally in Example Sentences

Finally, the project was completed on time.
At long last, the guests arrived for the party.
Eventually, the clouds cleared and the sun appeared.
In the end, we decided to travel by train.
Ultimately, the team achieved their main goal.
After a long time, she learned to play the piano.
After all this effort, the cake tasted delicious.
Now that the storm has passed, we can play outside.
He called me afterward to thank me for the help.
Then we went to the beach for the afternoon.
She submitted the form and subsequently received approval.
Consequently, the meeting was moved to the next day.

Weak Choices and Better Ones

lastly: This is often used for lists rather than final events; use finally instead for events after delays.
and then: This is too casual for formal writing; use subsequently or then alone for better flow.
after that: This is vague; use afterward or subsequently to specify the sequence clearly.
at the end: This describes location or time but not transition; use in the end or ultimately for results.
then again: This implies repetition or doubt; use finally if you mean a delayed conclusion.

Tips for Using Them

Start by identifying the specific moment you want to highlight in your story or argument, then choose a transition word that matches the tone you wish to convey. Avoid using the same word like finally repeatedly in one paragraph to keep your writing fresh and engaging. Always ensure the sentence before your transition word sets up the context of a delay or a sequence so the reader understands why the transition is necessary. Proofread your work to check that the transition flows naturally and does not interrupt the rhythm of your sentences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between finally and eventually?

Finally emphasizes that a delay has ended and an event is occurring now, often with a sense of relief, while eventually simply states that something happened after a period of time without necessarily implying relief or a long wait.

Can I use at long last in formal essays?

Yes, at long last is acceptable in formal essays when you need to emphasize the relief of a long-awaited event, but it is more emphatic than words like eventually or ultimately, so use it only when the emotion of relief is important.

Should I use now that as a transition for finally?

No, now that is not a transition for finally because it introduces a condition rather than a delayed event; use it to show that a new situation allows for a new action, whereas finally shows a conclusion after waiting.

How do I choose between in the end and ultimately?

Use in the end for general summaries of a narrative or story where the tone is neutral, while use ultimately for more formal arguments or conclusions where you want to emphasize the final, decisive outcome of a logical process.