Afterward and afterwards—two words that often leave you second-guessing. Have you ever paused mid-sentence, wondering which one fits best? You’re not alone! These commonly confused words seem interchangeable, but subtle differences set them apart. Understanding when and how to use each can instantly sharpen your writing and make you sound more polished.
But here’s the good news: mastering them is easier than you think! Whether you’re drafting an email, writing an essay, or simply curious about language quirks, this quick guide will clear up the confusion. Stick around, and you’ll never mix them up again!
Let’s take a closer look and clear up the mystery together!
What Do “Afterward” and “Afterwards” Mean?
Both “afterward” and “afterwards” mean the same thing: at a later time or subsequently. Handy synonyms include “later,” “then,” and “subsequently.” They’re adverbs, which means they describe when something happens.
For example:
- “We went to the park, and afterward, we had ice cream.”
- “I’ll call you afterwards to discuss the meeting.”
In both example sentences, “afterward” and “afterwards” tell us what happens later.
Is There a Difference Between the Two?
Here’s the good news: there’s no real difference in meaning between “afterward” and “afterwards.” They’re interchangeable in most situations. The only difference is in their usage based on where you live.
- “Afterward” is more common in American English.
- “Afterwards” is more common in British English.
That’s it! If you’re writing for an American audience, you might want to stick with “afterward.” If you’re writing for a British audience, “afterwards” is the way to go.
Why Are There Two Versions?
The difference comes down to historical language changes. Both “afterward” and “afterwards” originated in Old English, where adding “-s” to adverbs was common. Over time, American English dropped the “-s” in many words, while British English kept it.
This is why we also see pairs like:
- “Toward” (American) vs. “Towards” (British)
- “Forward” (American) vs. “Forwards” (British)
It’s just a quirky difference in this classic British vs American spelling split!
How Do You Use Them in Sentences?
Let’s look at some real-life examples to make things clearer.
Using “Afterward”:
- “She finished her homework and went to the movies afterward.”
- “The meeting ended, and afterward, everyone went for lunch.”
- “He called me afterward to apologize.”
Using “Afterwards”:
- “I’ll meet you for coffee, and we can go shopping afterwards.”
- “They had a lovely dinner and walked along the beach afterwards.”
- “He didn’t say much during the event but opened up afterwards.”
Notice how the meaning stays the same no matter which word you use — try this substitution test: swap one for the other and the sentence still works.
Are Both Forms Correct?
Yes, both “afterward” and “afterwards” are correct! The choice depends on your preference and the style of English you’re using. In formal writing, the safest move is to match the regional spelling your audience expects.
Here’s a tip:
- If you’re writing or speaking formally in the U.S., go with “afterward.”
- For casual or British settings, “afterwards” is perfectly fine.
What About Other Adverbs with “-ward” and “-wards”?
As we mentioned earlier, the “-ward” vs. “-wards” debate isn’t unique to “afterward” and “afterwards.” Here are a few more examples:
- “Upward” vs. “Upwards”
- “Backward” vs. “Backwards”
- “Outward” vs. “Outwards”
In each case, the rule stays the same: American English favors the version without “-s,” while British English prefers the “-s” version.
Fun Fact: The History of “Afterward”
Did you know that “afterward” has been around since the 14th century? It comes from the Old English word “æfterweard”, which means “following in time or order.” The “-ward” ending originally indicated direction or orientation, like moving “toward” something. Over time, it evolved into the adverbs we use today.
Quick Tips to Remember
- Both words mean the same thing: “at a later time.”
- American vs. British English:
- Use “afterward” in American English.
- Use “afterwards” in British English.
- Stay consistent: If you’re writing something formal, pick one version and stick with it throughout your text.
Common Questions About “Afterward” and “Afterwards”
1. Can I use “afterward” at the beginning of a sentence?
Yes, but it’s less common. Here’s an example:
- “Afterward, we decided to explore the city.”
This works, but it often sounds smoother to place it later in a sentence.
2. Is “afterwards” more formal than “afterward”?
Not really! Both can be used in formal or informal writing. It’s more about regional preference than formality.
3. Can I use “afterward” or “afterwards” interchangeably?
Absolutely! They mean the same thing, so you can swap them depending on your audience.
Practice Time: Fill in the Blanks!
Let’s test what you’ve learned. Fill in the blanks with either “afterward” or “afterwards”:
- “The movie was great, and we went out for dessert ______.”
- “I’ll clean the house now and relax ______.”
- “The speech was inspiring; everyone felt motivated ______.”
(Answers: 1. afterward/afterwards, 2. afterward/afterwards, 3. afterward/afterwards—both are correct!)
Conclusion
So, what’s the takeaway? “Afterward” and “afterwards” are two versions of the same word, with the only difference being regional preference. Whether you’re using American or British English, both forms are correct and perfectly acceptable.
The next time you’re writing or speaking, just pick the version that feels most natural—or matches your audience. And remember, it’s all about helping your readers or listeners understand your message clearly.
Now you’re ready to use “afterward” and “afterwards” like a pro. With a little repetition, the British vs American distinction becomes second nature. Happy writing!
Exceptions to the Rule: Tricky Edge Cases
The “American drops the -s, British keeps it” rule works most of the time — but a few edge cases break it. First, backward vs. backwards: as an adjective, backward wins on both sides of the Atlantic (“a backward glance”). As an adverb, Americans still say backward (“he fell backward”), while the British prefer backwards. Second, “afterwardly” is not a word at all — don’t invent it. Third, “toward” and “towards” are always adverbs or prepositions, never adjectives, so the same regional logic applies. The takeaway: the regional pattern is a strong guide, not a law. When a specific word feels uncertain, check a trusted dictionary — it takes ten seconds and saves you from the rare exception.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between afterward and afterwards?
There is no difference in meaning — both mean “at a later time” or “subsequently.” The only difference is regional: “afterward” is the standard choice in American English, while “afterwards” is preferred in British English. You can swap them without changing what your sentence says.
Is afterward American or British English?
“Afterward” (without the -s) is American English. “Afterwards” (with the -s) is British English. This follows the same pattern as “toward/towards” and “forward/forwards” — American English dropped the final -s over time, while British English kept it.
How do you use afterward in a sentence?
Place it where the timing feels natural: “We finished dinner and went for a walk afterward.” It can also open a sentence: “Afterward, we decided to explore the city.” Just stay consistent — don’t mix “afterward” and “afterwards” in the same piece of writing.
What are common mistakes with afterward and afterwards?
The biggest mistake is inventing “afterwardly” — it isn’t a word. Another is mixing both spellings in one document, which looks sloppy; pick one and stick with it. Finally, don’t assume “afterwards” is more formal — the choice is about region, not formality.
