Finally vs. Finaly — Which is Correct Spelling?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on July 10, 2023
"Finally" is the correct English adverb denoting something happening after a long time or at the end, while "Finaly" is simply a misspelling of "Finally."
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Finally or Finaly
How to spell Finally?
Finally
Correct Spelling
Finaly
Incorrect Spelling
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Key Differences
"Finally" is the correct spelling of the adverb in English, which is used to suggest something happening after a long time or at the end. It can be used to convey relief, emphasize an ultimate point or outcome, or signify the last in a series of items.
On the other hand, "Finaly" is not a recognized term in standard English. If you encounter it, it's most likely a typo, a misspelling of "Finally." Spelling errors like this one can lead to confusion and misinterpretation in written communication.
Spelling words correctly is essential in written English to maintain clear and effective communication. Incorrect spelling can disrupt understanding and present an unprofessional image, especially in formal contexts. So, "Finally" is the appropriate term to use in your writing.
Finally Definitions
As a marker of the ultimate or conclusive decision or action in a process or sequence.
They finally decided on a name for the puppy after a week of discussion.
When used to signify the last event or item in a series.
She performed several songs and finally closed the concert with her most popular hit.
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Forming or occurring at the end; last.
(manner) Definitively, comprehensively.
The question of his long-term success has now been finally settled.
As the end result of a succession or process.
As an expression of relief or the end of patience after waiting for something.
Finally, the wait is over. The holiday season has started.
Of or constituting the end result of a succession or process; ultimate.
An act with both an immediate and a final purpose.
At the end or conclusion; ultimately; lastly; as, the contest was long, but the Romans finally conquered.
Whom patience finally must crown.
Completely; beyond recovery.
Not any house of noble English in Ireland was utterly destroyed or finally rooted out.
To denote something that happens after a long delay or after numerous attempts.
Finally, after dozens of attempts, I was able to solve the puzzle.
At the end or conclusion; ultimately.
The contest was long, but the Romans finally conquered.
(sequence) To finish (with); lastly (in the present).
Finally, I washed my dog.
After a long period of time or an especially long delay.
As a way to introduce an unexpected, surprising, or significant point or fact in a discussion or story.
Finally, you should know that this strategy has a potential risk.
As a signal to shift or transition towards the conclusion or a significant point of an argument or narrative.
After reviewing the facts and the evidence, let's finally look at the eyewitness accounts.
Common Curiosities
Can you start a sentence with finally?
Yes, you can start a sentence with "finally" to indicate that something has happened after a delay or to mark the conclusion of a series of events or thoughts.
Is it finally or finally?
There is only one correct spelling, and that is "finally."
Can you say firstly secondly finally?
Yes, you can say "firstly," "secondly," and "finally" to order points in your argument or steps in a process. These adverbs help to make your ideas clear and understandable.
Is finally informal or formal?
"Finally" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, and its appropriateness depends on the sentence it is used in.
Is finally and in conclusion the same?
While both "finally" and "in conclusion" can be used to signify the end of something, "finally" often carries a sense of relief or long-awaitedness, while "in conclusion" is typically used to summarize or to signal the end of a discussion or speech.
What type of word is finally?
"Finally" is an adverb that modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to express a sense of completion or conclusion.
Can we use multiple finally?
In the context of programming, multiple "finally" blocks in a nested sequence of try-catch-finally blocks are allowed. In English, multiple instances of "finally" can be used in separate sentences or clauses but using "finally" multiple times in a single sentence or clause can be grammatically incorrect or awkward.
What is the difference between finally and finely?
"Finally" refers to something happening after a long time or at the end, while "finely" means something done in a delicate or precise manner.
When should I use finally?
"Finally" is used to signify the end of a series or the last in succession. It can also be used to indicate something happening after a long time or after many attempts.
What is the difference between final and finally?
"Final" is an adjective that indicates the last in a series or the end of something, whereas "finally" is an adverb that denotes an action that occurred after a long time or at the end.
What is the synonym phrase of finally?
Synonym phrases of "finally" include "at long last," "in the end," "after a long time," "in conclusion," and "last but not least."
Should I use lastly or finally?
Both "lastly" and "finally" can be used interchangeably to indicate the last point or element in a series. "Lastly" might sound more formal, while "finally" conveys relief that something is over.
What can you say instead of finally?
Other words that can be used in place of "finally" include "ultimately," "eventually," "at last," "in conclusion," and "lastly."
Why do we use finally and how it differs from the final keyword?
In English, "finally" denotes something that happens at the end or after a long time. In programming, "finally" is used in a try-catch-finally block to ensure a certain block of code always executes, regardless of exceptions. The "final" keyword, on the other hand, can be used in programming languages like Java to make a variable unchangeable, a method un-overridable, or a class unextendable.
Can we write finally alone?
In English language usage, "finally" can be used alone, often for emphasis or to express relief. In a programming context, "finally" cannot stand alone and must be used within a try-catch-finally block.
What is the rule for spelling finally?
"Finally" is spelled as F-I-N-A-L-L-Y. It is derived from the word "final," with the suffix "-ly" added to turn it into an adverb.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.