Afterward vs. Afterwards: Meaning, Usage & Key Differences

Ever caught yourself second-guessing whether to add that ‘s’ at the end of “afterward”? You’re not alone in this common writing dilemma. In today’s connected world, understanding these subtle language differences matters more than ever.

Let’s dive straight in: both “afterward” and “afterwards” are correct adverbs meaning “later” or “following.” The key difference lies in regional preferences rather than meaning. Think of them as siblings – same family, slightly different styles.

Why Do People Get Confused?

The confusion stems from the evolving nature of English variants across the globe. When writing for international audiences, these small variations can cause big hesitations. It’s like choosing between saying “elevator” or “lift” – both work, but each feels more natural in different parts of the world.

Many writers struggle because they’ve encountered both forms in their reading and professional lives. The rise of global communication and social media has blurred these linguistic lines even further, making it harder to know which version to choose.

“Afterward” vs “Afterwards” Meaning and Usage

At their core, both terms function as temporal relationship markers, indicating that something happens after a previous event. Their role in sentence structure remains identical, much like how “subsequently” or “thereafter” work in our language.

Consider this: You attend a conference, and then head to a café. Both “afterward” and “afterwards” would perfectly describe the sequence of these events. The meaning stays crystal clear regardless of which form you choose.

What’s the Difference Between “Afterward” and “Afterwards”?

The primary distinction lies in regional spelling norms and cultural preferences. Think of it like driving on different sides of the road – neither is wrong, but each region has its established convention.

American English strongly favors “afterward,” reflecting a broader tendency to streamline spellings. This aligns with other American simplifications in spelling conventions, showing a pattern of efficiency in language use.

Meanwhile, British English, along with Australian English, Canadian English, and New Zealand English, typically embrace “afterwards.” This preservation of the ‘s’ ending reflects these regions’ more traditional approach to language evolution.

“Afterward” vs “Afterwards” Synonyms and Similar Terms

When seeking alternatives, writers can choose from a rich palette of expressions. Each option brings its own subtle shade of meaning to your writing:

• “Subsequently” adds a formal touch
• “In the wake of” suggests immediate succession
• “Eventually” implies a longer time gap
• “Soon after” indicates quick progression
• “At a later date” offers specific timing

These variations help maintain flow and prevent repetition in your writing style. Like a chef selecting spices, choosing the right word can enhance your message’s flavor.

Is There a Grammar Rule for Using “Afterward” and “Afterwards”?

Interestingly, no strict grammar rules govern this choice. It’s more about linguistic preference than correctness. This flexibility extends to several similar directional words:

The pattern follows consistent regional spelling preferences for words like:

• Forward/Forwards
• Toward/Towards
• Upward/Upwards
• Outward/Outwards

American English vs British English: Which One Uses Which?

Understanding these linguistic comparisons helps navigate writing for different audiences:

British English	American English	Example Sentence (British)	Example Sentence (American)
Afterwards	Afterward	I’ll see you afterwards.	I’ll see you afterward.
Forwards	Forward	He took a step forwards.	He took a step forward.
Towards	Toward	She walked towards the car.	She walked toward the car.
Backwards	Backward	He stumbled backwards.	He stumbled backward.
Downwards	Downward	The road slopes downwards.	The road slopes downward.
Upwards	Upward	Prices are trending upwards.	Prices are trending upward.
Inwards	Inward	He turned inwards in thought.	He turned inward in thought.
Outwards	Outward	The force pushes outwards.	The force pushes outward.
Homewards	Homeward	We are heading homewards.	We are heading homeward.
Northwards	Northward	They traveled northwards.	They traveled northward.

Examples of “Afterward” and “Afterwards” in Sentences

Examples of “Afterward”

Contemporary contexts showcase natural usage:

• The wedding ceremony ended, and afterward guests enjoyed the reception.
• After the workout, she immediately checked her progress.
• The chef finished cooking, and afterward explained each dish’s inspiration.

Examples of “Afterwards”

Real-world applications in various settings:

• Following the networking event, afterwards people exchanged business cards.
• She completed her book review, and afterwards started a new novel.
• The repairman fixed the issue, and afterwards provided maintenance tips.

Can You Use “Afterward” and “Afterwards” Interchangeably?

Yes, these terms function perfectly well as interchangeable adverbs in most contexts. The choice rarely impacts meaning or clarity. The key is maintaining consistency within a single piece of writing.

Modern language evolution has made both forms widely recognized across English-speaking regions. Even in formal academic papers or business communications, either version will effectively convey your message.

Professional editors and style guides increasingly accept both forms, acknowledging the global nature of modern communication.

Which One Should You Use in Writing?

Your choice should consider several factors that influence effective communication:

Target audience location plays a crucial role in lexical choice. Writing for an American publication? “Afterward” feels more natural. Addressing British readers? “Afterwards” might be the better pick.

Consider your writing context too. Formal writing might benefit from following stricter regional conventions, while informal writing allows more flexibility.

Where Did “Afterward” and “Afterwards” Come From?

The Origin of “Afterward”

The journey begins in Old English with “æfterwearde,” combining elements meaning “after” and “direction.” This etymology reveals how language shapes our expression of time and sequence.

Through Middle English, the word evolved, simplifying to “afterward.” This transformation reflects broader patterns in language evolution, showing how words adapt to serve changing communication needs.

The Origin of “Afterwards”

The ‘s’ suffix emerged during the transformation of Old English into Modern English. This adverbial suffix ‘-s’ appeared in many directional words, creating what we now recognize as the British standard form.

The addition of ‘s’ follows a pattern seen in many English words, where the suffix helps establish the word’s function as an adverb.

Common Mistakes People Make with “Afterward” and “Afterwards”

Writers often stumble over several common issues when using these terms:

Mixing forms within the same document breaks consistency and can confuse readers. Stick to one version throughout your writing to maintain professional polish.

Placement matters – these words work best at the beginning or end of clauses, not randomly inserted mid-sentence.

Digital Communication Impact

Modern technology has influenced how we use these terms:

Global digital platforms have exposed writers to both forms more frequently, leading to increased acceptance of variation.

Social media’s character limits sometimes favor the shorter “afterward,” though this shouldn’t dictate formal writing choices.

Style Guide Considerations

Different style guides offer varying perspectives:

Associated Press (AP) Style typically recommends “afterward” for American audiences, while British style guides prefer “afterwards.”

Many international organizations now accept both forms, recognizing the global nature of modern communication.

Regional Variations Beyond America and Britain

Canadian English often aligns with British usage but shows flexibility toward American forms. Australian English and New Zealand English typically follow British conventions but increasingly accept both versions.

This flexibility reflects the interconnected nature of modern English usage across global communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you use after and afterwards?

“After” is a preposition, conjunction, or adverb used to indicate something happening later (e.g., “After dinner, we went for a walk”). “Afterwards” is an adverb meaning “at a later time” (e.g., “We had dinner and went for a walk afterwards”).

What is an example of afterwards?

“We watched a movie and went out for coffee afterwards.”

When to use afterword?

“Afterword” is a noun referring to a concluding section in a book (e.g., “The author included an afterword to explain the inspiration behind the story”).

Is afterwards formal or informal?

“Afterwards” is mostly informal, commonly used in British English conversations. For formal writing, “subsequently” or “thereafter” may be better choices.

Which is proper, afterward or afterwards?

Both are correct! “Afterward” is more common in American English, while “afterwards” is preferred in British English. Choose based on your audience.

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Final Thoughts

The “afterward” vs “afterwards” choice ultimately reflects the beautiful complexity of the English language. Rather than viewing it as a problem to solve, consider it an opportunity to tailor your writing to your audience.

Remember that effective communication transcends these small variations. Focus on clarity, consistency, and context in your writing choices.

Whether you choose “afterward” or “afterwards,” your success as a writer depends more on how well you convey your message than on regional spelling preferences.

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