When writing in English, you might come across the words “afterward” and “afterwards.” At first glance, they seem almost identical, and you might wonder if there’s any real difference between them. Is one more correct than the other? Do they have different meanings, or can you use them interchangeably? In this article, we’ll explore “afterward vs afterwards,” helping you understand when and how to use each term correctly.
Why is There Confusion?
The confusion between “afterward” and “afterwards” stems from their nearly identical appearance and meaning. Both words indicate something happening later or after a particular event. This similarity often leaves writers questioning whether there’s a meaningful difference between the two and which one is correct to use. Understanding that this confusion is common can help clarify that the distinction between these words is more about preference than correctness.
⚡ Quick Summary
“Afterward” and “afterwards” are adverbs and both are correct terms used to indicate that one event follows another in time. “Afterward” is predominantly used in American English, reflecting a streamlined form that omits the final “s.” Conversely, “afterwards” is the preferred form in British English, where the “s” remains as part of the traditional adverbial suffix. In Canadian and Australian English, usage typically aligns with British conventions, favoring “afterwards.” Despite these regional preferences, both forms convey the same meaning and are understood in all English variants. The choice between the two should be guided by your target audience and the regional spelling norms of your writing. Maintaining consistency with your chosen form helps ensure clarity and coherence across your text.
What Do ‘Afterward’ and ‘Afterwards’ Mean?
Both “afterward” and “afterwards” are adverbs, meaning they modify or describe a verb, adjective, or another adverb. These words specifically indicate that something happens at a later time or after a particular event. For example, in the sentence, “She finished her homework and afterward went for a walk,” the word “afterward” tells us that the walk happened after the homework was completed. Similarly, “afterwards” would convey the same meaning in this context. Whether you use “afterward” or “afterwards,” you’re simply indicating that something takes place later.
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“Afterward” vs “Afterwards”: The Differences
While “afterward” and “afterwards” essentially mean the same thing, their usage can vary based on regional preferences and style. The primary difference lies in their regional popularity rather than their meanings:
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“Afterward” is predominantly used in American English. It is the preferred form in the United States and is commonly found in American writing and speech.
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“Afterwards” is more commonly used in British English. It is the preferred choice in the United Kingdom and other regions that follow British spelling conventions.
Despite these regional preferences, both words function as adverbs and indicate that something happens at a later time. For example, “We had dinner, and afterward, we went for a walk” is interchangeable with “We had dinner, and afterwards, we went for a walk.” The choice between them often depends on the writer’s or speaker’s regional norms or the audience’s expectations.
A Tip For the Writers
When you encounter words like “afterward” and “afterwards,” remember that many adverbs ending in “-ward” have an extra “s” in British English (e.g., “afterwards”), while American English typically uses the form without the extra “s” (e.g., “afterward”).
British English Words Ending in ‘s’ vs American English
| Word | British English | American English |
|---|---|---|
| Forward/Forwards | Forwards | Forward |
| Toward/Towards | Towards | Toward |
| Upward/Upwards | Upwards | Upward |
| Downward/Downwards | Downwards | Downward |
| Inward/Inwards | Inwards | Inward |
| Outward/Outwards | Outwards | Outward |
| Backward/Backwards | Backwards | Backward |
Which One Should You Use: “Afterward” or “Afterwards”?
When deciding whether to use “afterward” or “afterwards,” it largely depends on your audience and the variety of English you are writing in. Here’s a guide to help you choose:
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American English: In the United States, “afterward” is the preferred form. It’s widely used in both written and spoken contexts. If you’re writing for an American audience or publishing content in American English, “afterward” is typically the safer choice.
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British English: In the United Kingdom, “afterwards” is the more common form. It’s used in everyday speech and writing throughout Britain. For British audiences or publications, “afterwards” is generally preferred.
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Canadian English: Canadian English tends to align more closely with British English when it comes to spelling and usage. Therefore, “afterwards” is often favored in Canadian writing. However, both forms are understood, so using “afterward” is also acceptable.
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Australian and New Zealand English: Like British English, Australian and New Zealand English favor “afterwards.” If you are writing for readers in these regions, “afterwards” would be the appropriate choice.
In summary, while both “afterward” and “afterwards” are correct, the choice between them should be guided by the regional conventions of your target audience. If you’re unsure, defaulting to the form that matches your audience’s English variant will help ensure clarity and consistency.
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Examples in Context
Afterward Examples
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We visited the museum in the morning, and afterward we had lunch at a nearby café.
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He completed his workout, then afterward took a relaxing bath.
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The team finished the project early, and afterward they celebrated with a party.
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He attended the conference all day and afterward wrote a detailed report.
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The children played in the park, and afterward they went for ice cream.
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We discussed the new plan in the meeting and afterward sent out an email to all team members.
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She finished reading the book and afterward wrote a review on her blog.
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The chef prepared the meal and afterward presented it to the guests.
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They attended the wedding ceremony and afterward went to a reception.
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The repairman fixed the leaky faucet and afterward cleaned up the work area.
Afterwards Examples
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We visited the museum in the morning, and afterwards went shopping for souvenirs.
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He completed his workout, then afterwards met friends for coffee.
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The team finished the project early, and afterwards reviewed their results.
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He attended the conference all day and afterwards joined a networking event.
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The children played in the park, and afterwards watched a movie.
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We discussed the new plan in the meeting and afterwards organized a brainstorming session.
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She finished reading the book and afterwards started a new one from her reading list.
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The chef prepared the meal and afterwards received feedback from the guests.
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They attended the wedding ceremony and afterwards took a group photo with family.
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The repairman fixed the leaky faucet and afterwards checked for any other issues.
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Synonyms and Similar Terms to “Afterward” and “Afterwards”
When choosing between “afterward” and “afterwards,” you might also consider using some of the following synonyms and similar terms. These alternatives can convey the idea of something happening later, whether you’re referring to events, actions, or sequences.
Synonyms for Both “Afterward” and “Afterwards”
Subsequently: This term is often used to describe events or actions that follow another in time, similar to “afterward” or “afterwards.”
- Example: “He graduated and subsequently found a job.”
Later: “Later” can be used to indicate that something happens after another event, providing a flexible alternative.
- Example: “We’ll discuss this topic later in the meeting.”
Thereafter: This word is used to describe something happening after a particular time or event, much like “afterward” and “afterwards.”
- Example: “She finished her course and thereafter started her internship.”
Following: “Following” can be used to indicate that something occurs after another event, similar to “afterward” or “afterwards.”
- Example: “The meeting was rescheduled following the conference.”
Soon After: This phrase can describe something happening shortly after a previous event.
- Example: “The announcement was made, and soon after, the changes were implemented.”
More Specific Alternatives
Eventually: “Eventually” refers to something happening after a period of time, often implying a longer delay.
- Example: “The project was delayed but eventually completed.”
After a While: This phrase indicates that something happens after a certain amount of time has passed.
- Example: “She returned home after a while.”
In the Wake of: “In the wake of” describes something happening as a result of or following an event.
- Example: “In the wake of the storm, the city began its recovery efforts.”
At a Later Date: This phrase is used to specify that something will occur at some point in the future, similar to “afterward.”
- Example: “The follow-up meeting will be scheduled at a later date.”
In Time: This term indicates that something happens eventually or after some time has passed.
- Example: “In time, the issues were resolved.”
These synonyms and similar terms provide flexible options for expressing the concept of something happening later, whether you’re writing in a formal or informal context.
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Origins of “Afterward” and “Afterwards”
Origins of “Afterward”
“Afterward” traces its roots back to Old English, where it was expressed as “æfterwearde.” This term combines “æft,” meaning “after,” with the suffix “-weard,” which denotes direction, akin to “-ward” in modern usage. The word initially meant “behind” or “in the rear.” Over time, the form evolved, and the variant “afterward” emerged, influenced by the word “after” to streamline the term. The Old English term “æfterweardnes” also existed, meaning “posterity,” reflecting a broader use of the concept of time and sequence. By the Middle English period, “æfterwearde” had become “afterward,” dropping the “s” and settling into its current form, especially prevalent in American English.
Origins of “Afterwards”
“Afterwards” originated around the early 1300s, derived from the earlier form “afterward” with the addition of the adverbial genitive suffix “-s.” This form was influenced by the need to express a temporal relationship with a slight variation in grammatical structure. The “-s” in “afterwards” reflects the older English tendency to add this suffix to adverbs, creating a form that was more consistent with other similar adverbs. The usage of “afterwards” became standard in British English, where it is preferred to indicate that something occurs after a specified event, maintaining a link to its historical linguistic roots.
A Final Look at “Afterward vs Afterwards”
In summary, “afterward” and “afterwards” are two acceptable variations of the same term, each with its own regional preference. Both words are used to indicate that one event follows another in time, but their usage differs based on geographical conventions. Ultimately, the choice between “afterward” and “afterwards” depends on your audience and regional spelling conventions. Both forms are correct and understood, so selecting one over the other can be guided by consistency within your text and adherence to the preferred style of your publication or region.
Sources
Merriam-Webster (Afterward Definition & Meaning), Etymonline (afterward | Etymology of afterward by etymonline), and Etymonline (Etymology of afterwards by etymonline).
