The terms afterward and afterwards are often used interchangeably, but some subtle differences exist. Both words generally mean “at a later time” or “following an event,” and they can function as adverbs in a sentence. The variation mainly arises in their usage across different regions and contexts.
In American English, afterward is more commonly used, while afterwards is favored in British English. Despite this distinction, both words convey the same meaning, and neither is incorrect. The choice between the two usually depends on the regional preference or the writer’s style.
Why is There Confusion?
The confusion between afterward and afterwards stems from their shared meaning and interchangeable use. Both words essentially serve the same function, leading many to wonder if one is preferred over the other. The difference, however, lies more in regional preferences rather than any significant difference in meaning.
Another reason for the confusion is that both forms are derived from the same root word, “after,” which has evolved into two acceptable adverbs over time. As both are grammatically correct, it’s easy for speakers and writers to mix them up, especially when there is no hard rule enforcing one over the other.
What Do ‘Afterward’ and ‘Afterwards’ Mean?
Both afterward and afterwards mean “at a later time” or “following an event.” They are used to describe something that happens after a particular moment or action. For example, “We went for a walk, and afterward, we had dinner.”
These words can also convey a sense of consequence or sequence, indicating that one event happens following another. The usage of either word doesn’t change the meaning, only the regional preference or style choice.
“Afterward” vs “Afterwards”: The Differences
The primary difference between afterward and afterwards is regional preference. In American English, afterward is more commonly used, while in British English, afterwards is preferred. Despite this, both words have the same meaning and can be used interchangeably.
Another distinction is stylistic, with some writers or speakers opting for one form over the other based on personal or formal preferences. However, this choice doesn’t impact the overall understanding of the sentence, as both words convey the same concept of something happening later.
British English Words Ending in ‘s’ vs American English
In British English, words that end in “s” often retain the plural form in situations where American English may use a singular version. For instance, in British English, you might see “statistics” or “news” treated as plural, while American English might sometimes use a singular construction for clarity or style.
Another difference involves certain words like “licence” and “defence” in British English, which end in “s” but are spelled as “license” and “defense” in American English. These variations can often cause confusion, but they are merely spelling preferences that reflect regional linguistic evolution.
Which One Should You Use: “Afterward” or “Afterwards”?
The choice between afterward and afterwards largely depends on the version of English you’re using:
American English: Use afterward. It’s the preferred form in the U.S.
British English: Use afterwards. It’s more commonly used in the UK.
Canadian English: Both forms are acceptable, but afterward might be more common in casual writing.
Australian English: Similar to British English, afterwards is generally preferred.
In general, both forms are correct, but knowing the regional preference can help ensure you align with the style of English you’re using.
Examples in Context
Afterward (American English)
“We had a great time at the party, and afterward, we went for ice cream.”
“The presentation was intense, but afterward, I felt much more confident.”
“He studied all night, and afterward, he felt exhausted.”
“We went to the beach, and afterward, we watched a movie.”
“She had a long day at work, and afterward, she went straight to bed.”
“We tried the new restaurant, and afterward, we took a walk in the park.”
“I finished my report, and afterward, I took a break.”
“They had a heated debate, but afterward, they made up.”
“We hiked up the mountain, and afterward, we enjoyed a picnic.”
“He called his parents, and afterward, he went to his friend’s house.”
Afterwards (British English)
“The event was exhausting, and afterwards, we went for drinks.”
“She ran a marathon, and afterwards, she felt very accomplished.”
“They had a long meeting, and afterwards, they took a group photo.”
“The kids played outside, and afterwards, they watched TV.”
“He completed the course, and afterwards, he received his certificate.”
“We enjoyed the play, and afterwards, we talked about it for hours.”
“She did all the shopping, and afterwards, she went home to relax.”
“He finished his workout, and afterwards, he treated himself to lunch.”
“They attended the lecture, and afterwards, they discussed it over coffee.”
“I went to the market, and afterwards, I visited my friend.”
Synonyms and Similar Terms to “Afterward” and “Afterwards”
Later
“We can talk about it later.”
Subsequently
“The meeting ended, and subsequently, everyone left the room.”
Then
“We went for a walk, and then, we had coffee.”
Following that
“He made a quick decision, and following that, he called his team.”
Eventually
“She returned to work eventually, after a long break.”
In due course
“You will receive the information in due course.”
Soon after
“The team celebrated, and soon after, they went home.”
Next
“They completed the task, and next, they moved to the next phase.”
At a later time
“We can discuss that at a later time.”
In the aftermath
“The company made changes in the aftermath of the crisis.”
More Specific Alternatives
Post-event
“The team gathered for dinner post-event to discuss the results.”
In the wake of
“The company made changes in the wake of the incident.”
Following the conclusion
“The audience applauded following the conclusion of the performance.”
After the fact
“The decision was made after the fact, once more information was available.”
In the ensuing period
“The company focused on improvements in the ensuing period.”
As a result
“She felt better as a result of the rest she had after the long meeting.”
In the aftermath
“The changes were implemented in the aftermath of the project’s completion.”
Following that
“The event was a success, and following that, there was a reception.”
On the heels of
“The new policy was introduced on the heels of the successful campaign.”
Thereafter
“The policy was adopted, and thereafter, improvements were seen.”
Origins of “Afterward” and “Afterwards”
Origins of “Afterward”:
The word “afterward” has its origins in Old English, specifically from the word “æfterweard”. This word combines “æfter” (meaning “after”) and “weard” (meaning “direction” or “toward”). “Æfterweard” essentially meant “in the direction of after” or “subsequently.” Over time, this evolved into Middle English as “afterwarde” and later into the modern form “afterward”. This form became more widely used in American English as the preferred choice.
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Origins of “Afterwards”:
The word “afterwards” also stems from Old English, derived from “æfterweard” in a similar manner to “afterward.” However, in Middle English, the form “afterwardes” or “afterwardes” emerged, adding the “s” to imply a more plural or continuing action. This form continued to evolve into “afterwards”, which became the preferred usage in British English. The addition of the “s” can be seen as part of the general evolution of English to make some adverbs more versatile or to give them a sense of continuity.
FAQ’S
Is there a difference between “afterward” and “afterwards”?
No, both words mean the same thing: “at a later time” or “following an event.” The difference is mainly regional.
Which one is used more in American English?
Afterward is the preferred form in American English. It is commonly used in casual and formal contexts.
Which one is favored in British English?
Afterwards is more common in British English. It’s the preferred choice for most British speakers and writers.
Can I use “afterward” and “afterwards” interchangeably?
Yes, you can use both interchangeably without changing the meaning. The choice depends on the regional preference.
Conclusion
The difference between afterward and afterwards is primarily based on regional usage. Afterward is more commonly used in American English, while afterwards is favored in British English.
However, both words have the same meaning and can be used interchangeably without altering the sentence’s meaning. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the region or personal preference.
