Eventually

We use the adverb eventually to mean ‘in the end’, especially when something has involved a long time, or a lot of effort or problems:

• I looked everywhere for my keys, and eventually found them inside one of my shoes! (I found them after a long time and a lot of effort.)

warning

Eventually does not mean ‘perhaps/possibly’ or ‘if possible’.

• I asked the receptionist to change my room and give me a bigger one, and, if possible, away from the traffic noise.
• Not: … and, eventually, away from the traffic noise.

We use finally or lastly, not eventually, to refer to the last item in a list or the last point in a discussion:

• Finally*, I think that the best way of facing and dealing with situations like these, is, as I have mentioned, to be diplomatic, nice, patient, sensible and to show respect.*
• Not: Eventually, I think that the …