At last

USAGE SUMMARY

"at last" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is typically used to express relief or satisfaction that something has finally happened after a long time. For example, "At last, we can start to enjoy the summer weather!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

AT LAST they came.

The Economist

AT LAST it is official.

The Economist

At last, at last.

The New Yorker

At last, something happens!

The New Yorker

At last, a match!

Independent

At last he explained.

The New York Times

At last she smiles.

The New Yorker

At last, it has.

The New York Times

At last he spoke.

The New York Times - Health

"At last!" he thought.

The New Yorker

At last! Justice!

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "At last" to emphasize a sense of relief or satisfaction when something you have been waiting for finally happens. For example, "At last, the rain stopped, and we could go outside."

Common error

Avoid using "At last" for trivial or everyday occurrences. Save it for situations where there has been genuine anticipation or effort involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "At last" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying the verb or clause that follows it. It indicates the timing or culmination of an event, as seen in Ludwig's examples, where it often introduces a statement about something finally happening.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

24%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

8%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "At last" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express a sense of finality and relief after a period of waiting or anticipation. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, primarily in news and media contexts, with neutral formality. When writing, use "At last" to emphasize a desired outcome after genuine anticipation, but avoid overusing it for minor events. Alternatives such as "finally", "eventually", or "in the end" can be used to maintain a formal and professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

At long last

A more emphatic version of the original phrase, stressing the duration of the wait.

Finally

Expresses the same sense of something happening after a long wait, but is more concise.

In the end

Similar to "At last", but focuses on the outcome or result.

Eventually

Indicates that something happened after some time, without necessarily implying relief.

Ultimately

Emphasizes the final result after a series of events or considerations.

After a long time

More explicit in stating the duration of the wait.

After all this time

Highlights the length of the waiting period, often with a hint of frustration.

Sooner or later

Indicates that something was expected to happen eventually, without a specific timeframe.

In due course

Suggests that something will happen at the appropriate or expected time.

In the fullness of time

Emphasizes that something happened when the circumstances were right, often after a considerable period.

FAQs

How can I use "At last" in a sentence?

"At last" is typically used at the beginning of a sentence or clause to express relief or satisfaction that something has finally happened after a long wait. For instance, "At last, the package arrived!" or "The project is, "at long last", complete."

What's a more formal alternative to "At last"?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "Finally", "Eventually", or "After much anticipation" to convey a similar meaning as "At last".

Is "At last" always used to express positive outcomes?

While "At last" often conveys relief or satisfaction, it can also be used sarcastically to express impatience or resignation about a negative outcome that was expected. The tone of voice and context are crucial in determining the intended meaning.

What are some common synonyms for "At last"?

Some common synonyms for "At last" include "finally", "eventually", "in the end", and "ultimately". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.