Confused about Afterward or Afterwards and their correct usage? This guide explains the meaning, difference, and examples to help you use these words with confidence in everyday English writing today.
English often includes words that look similar but create confusion for writers and learners alike. Understanding the grammar behind afterward and afterwards makes your writing clearer and more natural. This article explores their meanings, usage rules, and practical examples so you can choose the right word easily without second guessing your sentence structure or style.
When you know the small differences between these common English terms, your communication becomes stronger and more effective. Whether you are writing an essay, blog post, or professional message, learning the correct use of afterward and afterwards helps you sound more confident. This complete guide provides simple explanations, helpful examples, and useful tips for readers.
What Does Afterward Mean?
Afterward is an adverb that means later, after something happens, or at a future time following an event.
It tells the reader that one action happens first and another action happens after it.
For example:
- I finished my homework and went outside afterward.
- She apologized afterward for the mistake.
- We visited the museum and had dinner afterward.
In each sentence, the word connects two moments in time. First, something happens. Then another event follows.
The word afterward often appears in American English. Many American writers and speakers naturally use it in conversations and professional writing.
What Does Afterwards Mean?
Afterwards has the same meaning as afterward. It also means later or after something else happens.
Examples:
- We watched the movie and talked about it afterwards.
- He completed the project and celebrated afterwards.
- They went for coffee afterwards.
The extra “s” at the end does not change the meaning. It does not make the word plural and it does not create a different grammatical function.
Think of afterward and afterwards as two versions of the same idea.
Afterward or Afterwards: Is There a Difference?
The biggest question is whether one word is more correct than the other.
The answer:
Both are grammatically correct.
The difference mostly comes from regional preference and writing style.
| Word | Meaning | Common Usage |
| Afterward | Later, after an event | More common in American English |
| Afterwards | Later, after an event | More common in British English |
For example:
American English:
I will call you afterward.
British English:
I will call you afterwards.
Both sentences are correct. A native speaker understands both without confusion.
Why Do Two Similar Words Exist?
English often keeps multiple versions of similar words because the language develops over hundreds of years.
Words change through:
- Different regions
- Historical influences
- Everyday speech habits
- Cultural differences
The ending “-ward” often relates to direction or movement.
Examples:
- Forward
- Backward
- Toward
- Upward
The word afterward follows this pattern because it points toward a time after something.
The ending “-wards” creates another variation:
- Afterwards
- Forwards
- Backwards
Over time, both forms became accepted.
Afterward vs Afterwards in American English
If you are writing for an American audience, afterward may sound slightly more natural.
Examples:
- We discussed the plan afterward.
- She felt better afterward.
- He realized his mistake afterward.
Many American dictionaries list both forms. However, everyday American writing often favors the shorter version.
For professional writing, blog posts, academic work, and business communication, either choice works as long as you use it consistently.
Afterward vs Afterwards in British English
British English often uses afterwards more frequently.
Examples:
- We went shopping afterwards.
- She called me afterwards.
- They cleaned the room afterwards.
This does not mean British English rejects afterward. It simply means afterwards appears more often in everyday British communication.
Language preference is not always about right or wrong. Sometimes it is about what sounds familiar to the reader.
Afterward or Afterwards vs After
Many learners confuse afterward, afterwards, and after because they all relate to time.
However, they work differently.
Afterward and Afterwards
These words act as adverbs.
Example:
- We ate lunch and left afterward.
The word replaces a phrase like:
- After that
- Later
- Following that time
After
The word after usually works as a preposition, conjunction, or adverb.
Examples:
- We left after lunch.
- I called her after I arrived.
- See you after.
Here is a simple comparison:
| Word | Function | Example |
| Afterward | Adverb | We talked afterward. |
| Afterwards | Adverb | We talked afterwards. |
| After | Preposition/Conjunction | We talked after dinner. |
A useful trick:
If you can replace the word with later, use afterward or afterwards.
Example:
“We talked later.”
“We talked afterward.”
Both make sense.
Where Should You Place Afterward or Afterwards in a Sentence?
These words are flexible. You can place them in different parts of a sentence.
At the Beginning
Example:
Afterwards, we decided to leave.
This creates a clear transition.
In the Middle
Example:
She afterward explained what happened.
This is grammatically correct but sounds less common in modern conversation.
At the End
Example:
We went home afterward.
This is the most natural position for many speakers.
Most everyday sentences place afterward or afterwards at the end.
Common Mistakes With Afterward and Afterwards
Even though these words are simple, writers often make small mistakes.
Using Both Words Together
Incorrect:
We finished the meeting afterward afterwards.
Why it is wrong:
You only need one. They have the same meaning.
Correct:
We finished the meeting afterward.
or
We finished the meeting afterwards.
Using Afterward as an Adjective
Incorrect:
The afterward event was interesting.
Why it is wrong:
Afterward does not describe a noun.
Correct:
The event afterward was interesting.
Confusing It With “After”
Incorrect:
I will call you after I finish afterward.
This repeats the same idea.
Correct:
I will call you after I finish.
or
I will call you afterward.
Examples of Afterward or Afterwards in Different Situations
Daily Conversation
- I went to the store and cooked dinner afterward.
- We laughed about the situation afterwards.
Workplace Writing
- The team reviewed the report afterward.
- The manager explained the changes afterwards.
Academic Writing
- Researchers collected the data and analyzed it afterward.
- Students completed the experiment and discussed the results afterwards.
Storytelling
- The hero discovered the truth afterward.
- They never spoke about the event afterwards.
Quick Memory Trick
Here is an easy way to remember:
Afterward = after + word meaning later
If something happens first and another thing happens later, you can use afterward or afterwards.
Think of it like a timeline:
Event → Time passes → Another event
Example:
Finished work → Later → Went home
Sentence:
I finished work and went home afterward.
Similar Words You Can Use Instead
Sometimes repeating the same word can make writing feel dull. You can replace afterward or afterwards with other expressions.
| Alternative | Example |
| Later | I will explain it later. |
| After that | We ate dinner. After that, we watched TV. |
| Subsequently | The company subsequently changed its policy. |
| Following that | Following that decision, the team moved forward. |
However, remember that some alternatives sound more formal.
For example:
Subsequently fits a report.
Later fits a conversation.
Also Read This: Empathetic vs Empathic: The Complete Difference Explained With Examples
Afterward or Afterwards in Formal Writing
Both words work well in formal writing.
Examples:
- The study was completed and the results were reviewed afterward.
- The organization changed its strategy afterwards.
However, academic and professional writers should focus more on clarity than choosing one version.
A clear sentence with a simple word usually beats a complicated sentence that feels unnatural.
Case Study: Choosing the Right Word for Different Audiences
Imagine a writer creates three pieces of content.
Personal Blog
Sentence:
I visited the beach and relaxed afterward.
This sounds friendly and natural.
Business Report
Sentence:
The company analyzed customer feedback afterward.
This sounds professional.
British Audience Article
Sentence:
Customers received support afterwards.
This matches common British usage.
The lesson:
The best choice depends on your audience, not because one word is correct and the other is wrong.
FAQs:
Is Afterward or Afterwards the correct word?
Both afterward and afterwards are correct words in English. They have the same meaning and are used to describe something that happens later or after an event. The main difference is regional preference. Afterward is more common in American English, while afterwards is often preferred in British English.
What is the difference between Afterward and Afterwards?
There is no major difference in meaning between afterward and afterwards. Both work as adverbs and show that one action happens after another. For example, “We had dinner and talked afterward” and “We had dinner and talked afterwards” both have the same meaning.
Can I use Afterward in formal writing?
Yes, you can use afterward in formal writing, including essays, reports, and professional documents. It sounds natural and clear. However, always consider your audience and keep your word choice consistent throughout your writing.
Do Americans use Afterward or Afterwards more?
Most American speakers and writers prefer afterward, although afterwards is also correct and understood. If you are writing for an American audience, choosing afterward may sound slightly more familiar and natural.
Can Afterward or Afterwards be used at the beginning of a sentence?
Yes, both words can appear at the beginning of a sentence. For example, “Afterward, we discussed the results” or “Afterwards, they went home.” Using these words at the start can create a smooth transition between ideas.
Conclusion:
Understanding Afterward or Afterwards does not have to be difficult. Both words are grammatically correct and share the same meaning, but their usage depends mostly on regional preference. Afterward is commonly used in American English, while afterwards is more popular in British English.
The best choice is the one that fits your audience and writing style. By learning these small grammar differences, you can make your writing clearer, more natural, and more confident.
