Eventually
What does the word “eventually” mean in the following conversation?
Tina: Are you coming to the office Christmas party this evening?
Dave: Eventually.
1. Maybe Dave will go to the party. Maybe he won’t.
2. Dave will definitely go to the party, but he doesn’t know the exact time.
3. Dave will not be going to the party.
If you chose option 2, Dave will definitely go to the party, but he doesn’t know the exact time, you are correct. In the above example, Dave would probably go on to say something like, “Eventually. First I have to wait until the babysitter comes, and she doesn’t know when her meeting will be finished.” The English word “eventually” and the German word “eventuell” are false friends.
Eventually
To say that something will happen eventually is to say that it will definitely happen, but the speaker does not know when it will happen, and it may happen a long time from now. Here is another example:
I’m going to buy a house eventually, but for now I’m just renting. (I am definitely planning on buying a house, but I don’t know when, and it probably will not be soon.)
Eventuell
If you would like to express the German eventuell, it is best to use words like these: possibly, perhaps, maybe. For example:
· If you need the confirmation urgently, perhaps we could fax it to you.
· We could possibly meet for a drink after the meeting, if there is time.
· Maybe I’ll finish work early on Friday and then we can go see a movie.