In the end vs. at last

[Degarashi]

Test No. errors/elem-3 "She works hard", question 8

At last we decided it was stupid to wait any longer for a bus.

(a) At last
(b) stupid
(c) for

Test No. errors/elem-3 "She works hard", answer 8

In the end we decided it was stupid to wait any longer for a bus.

Correct entry: In the end
The error was: (a) At last
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What's the difference between "at last" and "in the end"? I think both are the same meaning...Thanks.

[Alan]

Hi,

Both expressions refer to the final part in the matter of time. In the end refers to the last part of a sequence of events: We missed the bus, we couldn't find the railway station, we were unable to get a taxi and so in the end we walked home. At last again refers to the last part but in this case we are also expressing relief that what we wanted has happened: We waited and waited for the bus and at last the number 26 arrived and we were able to get home.

Hope this helps

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story A day in the life of a driving instructor

[Torsten]

In addition you might want to take a look at this:
http://www.english-test.net/forum/ftopic390.html
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Test Of English for International Communication
TOEIC Preparation & TOEIC Vocabulary

[Sidle Jinks]

Hello!

[Alan]

Hi Sidle Jinks,

Finally in this sentence isn't really suitable here because it's too dramatic and sudden and in this sentence you need to show that the decision came as simply the last thing you did.

Alan
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English as a Foreign Language
You can read my EFL story Too Many Words

[Sidle Jinks]

Thank you very much for your explanation, Alan!
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Factum non fabula