[ti:Finally, Eventually, Ultimately: What’s the Difference?] [by:www.51voa.com] [00:00.00]更多听力请访问51VOA.COM [00:00.04]This week on Ask a Teacher, we answer a question [00:05.52]from Thuy Duong Le, who writes: [00:08.92]What is the difference between finally, eventually and ultimately? [00:16.00]Dear Thuy, Thank you for your question. [00:20.08]It centers on three words that act as adverbs. [00:25.32]Adverbs can change the meaning of a verb, adjective, [00:30.12]another adverb, or even a whole sentence. [00:35.32]Finally, eventually, and ultimately generally show time. [00:41.28]They often suggest the idea of a later time [00:45.76]or the end of a period of time. [00:49.60]In some cases, they are very close in meaning. [00:54.60]But there are some differences in the ways [00:58.08]that English speakers use these terms. [01:01.64]Let's explore a few of them. [01:04.36]Finally is often used to introduce the last [01:09.08]in a series of statements. [01:11.72]When used in this way, finally is especially common [01:16.60]in speeches, presentations, or in formal writing [01:21.52]such as in an academic paper or a job application. [01:26.96]For example, a person might end a presentation by saying: [01:33.48]Finally, I'd like to thank the conference organizers [01:37.08]for putting together this event. [01:39.52]Eventually means at some later time or in the end. [01:45.24]It can be used to talk about something [01:48.48]that will happen in the future. [01:51.32]For example, you might hear a basketball fan say: [01:56.40]The Celtics have some good young players. [02:00.00]In a few years, they'll eventually win the championship. [02:03.96]Or, you might hear a gardener talk about a tree [02:08.24]that will grow to a tall height, as in: [02:12.00]This tree will eventually reach a height of 50 meters. [02:16.96]Ultimately can mean: in the most important way [02:21.36]or at the most basic level. [02:24.12]When it has this meaning, speakers often use it [02:28.40]at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence, as in: [02:33.72]Ultimately, it is a question for the voters to decide. [02:38.72]It is ultimately a question for the voters to decide. [02:42.76]The next time you read in English or listen to English speakers, [02:48.52]try to pay careful attention to words [02:51.64]such as finally, eventually, and ultimately. [02:56.04]Over time, you will notice regular ways [02:59.76]that speakers use these terms. [03:02.52]With hard work and careful study, [03:05.96]you will eventually understand how to use these terms with ease. [03:11.56]If you have a question for our staff of teachers, [03:15.92]send it by email to learningenglish@voanews.com. [03:22.44]And that's Ask a Teacher! [03:25.04]I'm John Russell. [03:27.64]更多听力请访问51VOA.COM