after all

A

after all

Meaning

• despite earlier problems or doubts.
• used to add information to something you just said.
• for this reason.
• taking into account all the conditions or circumstances.
• taking into consideration the fact that something occurred, which is typically assumed.

Example Sentences

1. These species are familiar after all.
2. Some things are, after all, private.
3. After all, it was her father’s home.
4. Rita did not have my pictures after all; Robin did.
5. I don’t understand why you are so concerned; after all, it is his problem.
6. Prisoners should be treated with respect and humility; after all, they are human beings.
7. He called to let me know that they couldn’t give me a job after all.
8. The game will continue; after all, the rain has stopped.
9. I do love her; after all, she is my sister.
10. You don’t need to call your father; after all, he never calls you.
11. The world is but a little place, after all.
12. There’s no need to make a call to him. He never calls you after all.

Origin

According to the American Heritage Dictionary, the idiom after all is used to refer to in spite of everything, nevertheless, or to the contrary. It also means that after everything else has been considered, it is synonymous with the idiom “after all is said and done.” History has it that the first written recording of this phrase was in 1560, but there is no reference to who wrote it.

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