There are two uses: It emphasizes something to be considered; "After all, she is your boss, so invite her" "He is, after all, our chairman." It indicates that something is taking place in spite of expectations; "You came to the party after all." (we didn't expect you to come because of prior events or discussions); "It didn't rain after all." (Something gave use the idea sometime earlier that it would rain in this particular period). Examples: I guess I shouldn't be surprised that the plane ticket to Europe will be expensive. After all, I do want to go right in the middle of the peak season. The sky was very dark this morning and the weather report predicted rain, so I took my umbrella with me, but it didn't rain after all.