eventually

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "eventually" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate something will happen after a certain amount of time, although it may take longer than expected. Example: We eventually arrived at the restaurant after spending three hours in traffic.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Ocean's Eleven director eventually sold his project to pay TV network HBO in the US, making it ineligible for film's most high-profile awards ceremony.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Eventually we got water in plastic containers, which we are passing around the carriage.

The Guardian

Ayarci then pulled out a megaphone and began chanting in support of the law before she was eventually squeezed out.

The Guardian

"If you say no, you'll eventually get to yes, but the journey will be very painful".

The Economist

She added that the yield could eventually rise half a percentage point more than if the president nominated Ms. Yellen instead.

The New York Times

So the fact that the TARP was eventually passed doesn't mean that the initial vote against it didn't matter.

The Economist

#EmergingUS will exist primarily on the web, but some of the work will eventually appear in the printed version of the paper.

The Guardian

Unfathomable Ruination were in radio contact with organisers on the outside and, happily, the door handle eventually worked.

The Guardian - Arts

Zoe Quinn, the game developer whose online harassment eventually spawned the anti-feminist GamerGate movement, said it was "nice to see Twitter trying to address this issue".

The Guardian - Tech

"The manager told us just to keep the ball down and play, then we would be fine," said Nathan Redmond, who was instrumental in ensuring Norwich eventually prevailed.

The Guardian - Sport

"I want to be a teacher eventually," he says.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "eventually" to clearly indicate that an outcome is expected to occur after a certain period or process, emphasizing the passage of time and the eventual resolution of a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "eventually" when referring to immediate or near-immediate actions. "Eventually" implies a notable duration before the outcome is realized.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "eventually" functions as an adverb of time, indicating that an action or event occurs at a later point. As Ludwig AI confirms, this word is usable in written English. Examples in the provided data illustrate its use to show outcomes after a period of time or a sequence of events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Sport

7%

Arts

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverb "eventually" is a versatile and grammatically sound term used to indicate that an action or event occurs at a later time. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is usable in written English. Its high frequency in news and media sources highlights its widespread acceptance across various registers, though it is most commonly found in formal contexts. When using "eventually", ensure that the context aligns with the implication of a delayed or subsequent outcome, avoiding its use for immediate actions. Consider synonyms such as "in the end" or "ultimately" to fine-tune your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the end

Focuses on the final outcome after a process or period.

ultimately

Emphasizes the final result as the most important or decisive factor.

in due course

Suggests something will happen at the appropriate time, often implying a natural progression.

subsequently

Indicates that something happens after something else in a sequence

sooner or later

Implies certainty that something will happen, without specifying when.

after some time

Simply indicates that something happens following a period of time.

down the line

Indicates something will happen at a later point, often in a sequence of events.

in the fullness of time

Suggests that something will happen when the time is right, often implying patience.

by and by

Implies a gradual or unhurried process leading to a result.

with time

Highlights that time is a necessary factor for something to occur.

FAQs

How do I use "eventually" in a sentence?

Use "eventually" to indicate that something will happen at a later time, often after some delay or difficulty. For example: "We "eventually" reached our destination after many detours."

What can I say instead of "eventually"?

You can use alternatives like "in the end", "ultimately", or "sooner or later" depending on the context.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "eventually"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "eventually", especially when you want to emphasize the time that passed before something happened. For instance: "Eventually, the truth came out."

What is the difference between "eventually" and "finally"?

"Eventually" implies a process that takes time, while "finally" often suggests the end of a series of attempts or a long wait. You might say, "He "eventually" understood the concept," indicating it took him some time. You could also say, "He "finally" passed the test," after many failed attempts.