Afterward vs Afterwards can confuse many writers, as both are common, interchangeable, and depend on regional English preferences and context.
In spoken and written communication, knowing when to use afterward or afterwards improves clarity, sentence flow, and prevents confusion among English speakers. Writers should consider temporal expressions, directional adverbs, and sequence markers.
Paying attention to stylistic choices, word nuance, historical origins, and regional spelling ensures effective writing. Using these words with precision, consistency, and clarity enhances communication, reader comprehension, and overall writing skill.
Understanding the Confusion
Many people mix up afterward and afterwards because they both indicate that something happens later in time. The confusion usually comes from:
- Regional differences: “Afterward” is common in American English, while “afterwards” dominates in British English.
- Style and tone: Some writers feel “afterwards” sounds slightly more formal or literary, while “afterward” fits casual American writing.
- Sentence rhythm: Both words are often placed at the end of a sentence, but stylistic preferences can influence which feels smoother.
Knowing these factors helps avoid mistakes and ensures your writing flows naturally.
Definitions of ‘Afterward’ and ‘Afterwards’
Both words are adverbs that indicate an action occurs later in time.
- Afterward: Happening at a later time; more common in American English.
- Afterwards: Happening at a later time; more common in British English.
Example sentences:
- American English: “We went to the park and afterward had ice cream.”
- British English: “We went to the park and afterwards had ice cream.”
Both are correct; the choice depends on regional norms and style preferences.
Key Differences Between ‘Afterward’ and ‘Afterwards’
While the meaning is nearly identical, differences appear in region, style, and sentence rhythm:
- Region:
- Afterward: Predominantly American English.
- Afterwards: Predominantly British English.
- Style:
- “Afterward” tends to appear in casual or modern writing.
- “Afterwards” may feel slightly formal or literary, especially in UK English.
- Sentence rhythm:
- Both can appear at the end of sentences, but “afterwards” often flows better in formal British contexts.
Tip: For American audiences, use afterward; for British audiences, use afterwards.
Which One Should You Use?
Choosing between the two depends on audience, style, and context:
- American English writing: Use afterward for journalism, essays, or casual writing.
- British English writing: Use afterwards for novels, newspapers, academic writing, or casual communication.
- Formality: Both words work in formal or informal contexts, but following regional preference is best.
Examples:
- Formal American writing: “The meeting ended, and we discussed the project afterward.”
- Informal British writing: “We watched the movie and went for dinner afterwards.”
Usage Examples in Context
Seeing the words in real sentences helps you remember them better.
Afterward Examples (American English)
- We visited the museum and afterward grabbed lunch at a nearby café.
- He apologized and afterward felt a sense of relief.
- The kids played in the garden, and afterward, they went inside to do homework.
- She finished her report and afterward shared it with her manager.
- They took a short walk and afterward returned to the hotel.
Afterwards Examples (British English)
- We watched the football match and went for drinks afterwards.
- She submitted her essay and afterwards celebrated with friends.
- The seminar ended, and afterwards, attendees had the opportunity to ask questions.
- He visited his grandparents and afterwards went to the library.
- They had dinner and afterwards went to a concert.
Tip: Both forms are usually placed at the end of sentences, but the rhythm and flow differ slightly.
Synonyms and Alternative Words
Using synonyms can make writing clearer and less repetitive.
Synonyms for Both “Afterward” and “Afterwards”
- Later
- Subsequently
- Thereafter
- Following that
- In the end
More Specific Alternatives
- Formal / Academic: Subsequently, Thereafter
- Casual / Conversational: Later, Then
- Storytelling / Narrative: After that, Following that
Example sentences:
- Formal: “The experiment was conducted and subsequently analyzed.”
- Casual: “We had ice cream later.”
- Narrative: “He finished work, and after that, he went home.”
Historical Origins and Etymology
Understanding a word’s history explains why differences exist.
- Afterward: Comes from Middle English “afterwarde,” combining “after” + “ward” (meaning direction or toward). This form became popular in American English in the 18th–19th centuries.
- Afterwards: Evolved similarly but kept the “-s” ending in British English, reflecting older adverbial forms.
Interesting fact: The “-s” ending in adverbs is common in British English (towards, forwards, backwards), while American English often drops it (forward, backward).
Common Mistakes and Misunderstandings
Even skilled writers make errors with these words. Watch out for:
- Mixing forms: Using “afterwards” in American writing may feel inconsistent.
- Overuse: Repeating “afterward” or “afterwards” too often can make text monotonous.
- Incorrect placement: Avoid placing the word awkwardly in the middle of sentences.
Quick tips:
- Identify your audience (US vs UK).
- Use synonyms to vary sentences.
- Read aloud to ensure natural flow.
Quick Reference Guide
Here’s an easy comparison:
| Feature | Afterward | Afterwards |
| Region | US English | UK English |
| Style / Tone | Casual, modern | Slightly formal, literary |
| Sentence Placement | End of sentence preferred | End of sentence preferred |
| Synonyms | Later, Subsequently | Later, Subsequently |
| Common Mistakes | Using in UK contexts | Using in US contexts |
Cheat sheet: Use afterward for American English, afterwards for British English, and mix synonyms to avoid repetition.
Case Study: Media Usage
Looking at media shows how the words are used in practice:
- The New York Times (US): “The committee met and afterward issued a statement.”
- BBC News (UK): “The guests attended the lecture and afterwards joined a Q&A session.”
- The Guardian (UK): “She completed the interview and afterwards left the building.”
- CNN (US): “He apologized and afterward updated his followers on social media.”
Observation: Media usage aligns perfectly with regional norms, highlighting why the audience matters.
Conclusion
Understanding Afterward vs Afterwards helps you write with clarity and confidence. While both are correct, afterward is preferred in American English and afterwards in British English. Paying attention to context, sentence flow, and stylistic choices ensures your writing is professional, smooth, and easily understood by readers. Small distinctions like these can elevate your writing skill and make communication more precise.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use afterward and afterwards interchangeably?
Yes, both are generally interchangeable, but regional preference matters: afterward for American English, afterwards for British English.
Q2: Is one form more formal than the other?
No, both forms are acceptable in formal and informal writing. Focus on consistency within your text.
Q3: Where should I place afterward/afterwards in a sentence?
They typically come at the end of a sentence or after the main clause, depending on flow and timing of events.
Q4: Are there common mistakes with these words?
Writers often mix them up due to regional differences or overthinking timing markers. Stick to one style in a document.
Q5: Do these words affect clarity in writing?
Yes, using them correctly enhances sentence flow, reader comprehension, and overall writing clarity.
