WAEC 2024 English Language · Question 74

I have eventually found the book.

Question

From the words lettered A-D below each of the following sentences, choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentences. I have eventually found the book.

In the original paper part of this question is underlined. The underline isn't shown here: see the explanation below.

A.actually
B.lately
C.presently
D.finally

Answer: D. finally

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the word nearest in meaning to "eventually" in the sentence: I have eventually found the book.

Step 2: Explain the concept "Eventually" means in the end, after a long time, effort, or delay. It suggests that something happened after a process or some difficulty. A common mistake is to confuse it with words that look or sound like it, such as "actually."

Step 3: Examine each option

A. actually: means "in fact" or "really." It does not show time or a delay. In many languages, similar-looking words (false friends) cause confusion, but in English the meaning is different.
B. lately: means "recently." It refers to a recent period, not to an outcome after a delay.
C. presently: means "soon" or "at the moment." It does not carry the idea of "after a long search."
D. finally: means "after a long time or in the end." This matches "eventually" closely.

Step 4: Test it in the sentence "I have finally found the book" means the same as "I have eventually found the book": after searching, I found it at last.

Answer: D. finally

Tip: Link the words in your mind: eventually = finally = in the end = at last. Beware of "actually," which is a classic trap in WASSCE and JAMB lexis questions. It means "in fact," never "in the end."

AI can make mistakes. Report anything that looks wrong.