after all

USAGE SUMMARY

"after all" is a perfectly suitable phrase for use in written English.
It is typically used to mean "in spite of everything else that was just said or thought," or "taking everything else into consideration." For example: "I don't really like oranges, but after all, they are a great source of vitamin C."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After all, opposites attract.

The Economist

After all, it sells.

The New York Times

"After all, we won.

The New York Times

After all that!

The New Yorker

After all, L.S.U.

The New York Times - Sports

(After all, Rosebud).

The New Yorker

After all that buildup?

The New Yorker

After all, trends change.

The New York Times

They're young, after all".

The New York Times

After all: they didn't.

The New York Times - Magazine

After all, she's thirteen.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "after all" to introduce a reason or explanation that might seem obvious but is crucial to the current discussion. It adds a layer of justification or reassurance to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "after all" excessively in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and diminish the impact of the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "after all" functions as an adverbial phrase used to introduce a reason, justification, or concluding thought. It often refers back to something previously stated or implied, as seen in Ludwig examples where it connects a cause to an effect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"After all" is a very common adverbial phrase used to provide a reason or justification, often after a previous statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It appears predominantly in News & Media and Wiki sources, suggesting a neutral register suitable for general communication. When writing, use "after all" to introduce an obvious or underlying reason, but avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Alternatives include "in the final analysis" and "when all is said and done". Be mindful not to confuse it with similar words like "overall" or "eventually", each serving distinct communicative purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the final analysis

Emphasizes a concluding assessment after considering all aspects.

when all is said and done

Highlights the ultimate outcome or consideration.

at the end of the day

Focuses on the most important consideration or result.

taking everything into account

Stresses the importance of considering all factors.

all things considered

Similar to "taking everything into account" but more concise.

in conclusion

Signals a summary or final point.

when you think about it

Invites reflection on previously stated information.

ultimately

Indicates the final result or consequence.

basically

Highlights the fundamental reason or explanation.

fundamentally

Points to the core or essential aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "after all" in a sentence?

Use "after all" to introduce a concluding thought or a reason that explains or justifies a previous statement. For instance, "We shouldn't be surprised that he's tired; "he's been working all night", after all."

What can I say instead of "after all"?

You can use alternatives like "in the final analysis", "when all is said and done", or "at the end of the day" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "after all" or "overall"?

"After all" introduces a justification or explanation, while "overall" summarizes a general impression or result. They serve different purposes and aren't interchangeable. For example, "Overall, the project was a success" versus "The project succeeded, after all, "despite the initial challenges"".

What's the difference between "after all" and "eventually"?

"After all" provides a reason or justification based on previous information, whereas "eventually" indicates something that happens at a later time. "Eventually, we finished the project" describes timing, while "We managed to finish, after all, "thanks to everyone's hard work"" explains the reason for finishing.