Is “Finally” an Adverb?

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Yes, “finally” is an adverb. It is a versatile word that serves several functions in the English language. Let’s dive deep into the grammatical specifications, examples, and theoretical explanations to understand the nuances of using “finally” as an adverb.

Grammatical Specification of “Finally” as an Adverb

1. Indicating the End of a Prolonged Period or Overcoming Obstacles

  • “Finally” can be used to indicate that something has happened after a long wait or after overcoming difficulties.
  • Example: “The performance finally started half an hour late.”
  • Example: “Two years of hard work and waiting were finally over.”

2. Marking the Last Item in a List or Sequence

  • “Finally” can be used to indicate the last act or occurrence in a series.
  • Example: “And finally, I would like to thank you all for coming here today.”
  • Example: “Finally, stir in the fruit and walnuts.”

3. Indicating a Definitive and Irreversible Decision or Action

  • “Finally” can be used to convey that a decision or action is conclusive and decisive.
  • Example: “I have reason for asking this question which you have answered so finally.”
  • Example: “She said it so finally that Mr. Pumblechook could not protest.”

4. Introducing a Concluding Statement or Thought

  • “Finally” can be used to introduce a final statement or thought, providing a sense of closure.
  • Example: “Finally, I’d like to thank the fans for their great support.”

5. Indicating the Ultimate Outcome or Result

  • “Finally” can be used to mark the ultimate or final outcome of an action or process.
  • Example: “What finally matters is whether you’re likely to drink enough of the organisms to make you sick.”

Examples of “Finally” Used as an Adverb

is finally an adverb

  1. “We’re making steady progress and may finally finish this project.”
  2. “Ten years of salvage work and accident forensics finally pinpointed the cause as a breakdown in the forward machine guns’ interruptor.”
  3. “Boeing’s Starliner capsule with two astronauts aboard was finally launched into space Wednesday after a series of delays.”

Theoretical Explanation of “Finally” as an Adverb

“Finally” is a versatile adverb that serves multiple functions in discourse. It can be used to:

  1. Indicate the end of a process or the completion of a task after a prolonged period or overcoming obstacles.
  2. Mark the last item in a list or sequence, providing a sense of finality.
  3. Convey that a decision or action is definitive and irreversible.
  4. Introduce a concluding statement or thought, offering a sense of closure.
  5. Highlight the ultimate outcome or result of an action or process.

The adverb “finally” helps to structure and organize discourse, guiding the reader or listener through the progression of events, decisions, or conclusions. It can be used to emphasize the significance of a particular moment or to signal the culmination of a series of actions or thoughts.

Reference Links

  1. Cambridge English Dictionary – Finally: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/finally
  2. Dictionary.com – Finally: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/finally
  3. Merriam-Webster – Finally: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finally