Difference between “finally”, “at last”, “lastly” and “in the end”

The following words and phrases are very similar:

finally
at last
lastly
in the end

But the meaning is in fact slightly different. Let’s look at each one in more detail.

finally – Use 1

“finally” presents the last element of a series or list.

Examples:
Mark: What do we need from the supermarket?
Jane: We need eggs, milk, sugar and finally, a frying pan.

First, we need to rent an office. Then we need to buy some desks. Finally we need to recruit a secretary.

finally – Use 2

We use “finally” to express that one has been waiting a long time for something.

Position in a sentence

“finally” goes in the middle position of a sentence.

If the sentence has a main verb, then we put “finally” before the main verb.
Example: The bus finally arrived at midnight.

If the sentence has an auxiliary or modal verb, then we put “finally” after the auxiliary / modal verb and before the main verb.
Example: Andrew has finally bought a new car.

If the sentence has the verb “be” as a main verb (a linking verb), then we put “finally” after the verb “be”.
Example: The baby is finally asleep.

at last

“at last” also expresses that one has been waiting a long time for something. “at last” strongly expresses impatience or inconvenience at the long wait.

Position in a sentence

We can put “at last” at the beginning, middle or end position.

Examples:

Beginning position: At last Mark has passed his degree.
Middle position: Mark has at last passed his degree.
End position: Mark has passed his degree at last.