Page 61 - Practical English Usage 3ed - Michael Swan, Oxford

31 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 know I said I would help you, but I can't after all. I expected to fail the exam, but I passed after all
Another meaning is 'we mustn't forget that .. :, introducing an argument or reason which may have been forgotten. Position: at the beginning or end of a clause.
Ofcourse 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 nightclub; then we finally
went home. (NOT ••• after aU we went htmte.)
32 age
1 useofbe
We most often talk about people's ages with be + number
At your age 1 already had a job.
33 ago
1 word order: six weeks ago
Ago follows an expression of time.
I met her six weeks ago. (NOT ••• age see ftIeek8.)
2 tenses
a long time ago
.=
He is thirty. (NOT lIe
or be + number + years old (more formal: ... ofage).
He is thirty years old / ofage. (NOT ••• thirty years.)
We ask How old are you?, not normally What is your age?
2 be+ ... age
Note the structure be + ••. age (without a preposition).
When I was your age I was working. (NOT Vlhen" fH(I;9 atyel:t,. age ...) The two boys are the same age. She's the same age as me.
3 prepositions
In other structures, at is common before age.
He could read at the age ofthree. (NOT ••• in the age ...)
tJtiFfy.)
An expression with ago refers to a finished time, and is normally used with a past tense, not a present perfect (see 455.5).
She phoned a few minutes ago. (NOT She has phtmetl . ..) Where's Mike? - He was working outside ten minutes ago.
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