After all

1) two meanings

After all can mean 'in spite of what was said before' or 'contrary to what was expected'. Position: usually at the end of a clause.

I'm sorry. I can't come after all.

I expected to fail the exam, hut I passed after all. Another meaning is 'we mustn't forget that...', introducing an important argument or reason which may have been forgotten. Position: at the beginning or end of a clause.

I think we should let Sylvia go camping with her boyfriend. After all, she's a big girl now.

Of course you're tired. After all, you were up all night.

Let's finish the cake. Somebody's got to eat it, after all.

2) not used for 'finally'

After all does not mean'finally', 'at last', 'in the end'.

After the theatre we had supper and went to a night club; then we finally went home, (not ... after all we went home.)