Afterward or Afterwards: Meaning, Grammar Rules explains the difference between afterward and afterwards in a simple way for everyday writing and communication.
When you reach the end of a sentence and start wondering about the right choice, afterward and afterwards may seem confusing, but their meaning is the same. Both words are an adverb used for something that happens later, often after a following event or action. The only real difference is regional usage and style. American English and North American writers tend to favor afterward, while British English and many English speakers outside the U.S. and Canada often prefer afterwards. Knowing this grammar point helps your writing sound more natural, accurate, and clear.
Across the English-speaking world, there is no strict rule saying that one form is correct and the other incorrect. North America commonly favors one, while outside North America the other remains common, and both are interchangeable. Modern usage also shows a directional suffix pattern involving -ward and -wards. Each pair has a parallel relationship, although some pairs have different definitions. Forward and forwards, for example, can share meanings without being completely identical in every context. This suffix pattern can help you find out why these forms exist. For a plain, simple guide, the safest approach is to use the form that matches your regional preference, writing style, and situation. In formal work and exams, consider clarity and accuracy, while in everyday communication, either form is safe.
“Let’s dive in”
Afterward or Afterwards: Quick Answer
The short answer is simple:
| Word | Meaning | Common Usage |
| Afterward | At a later time; after something happens | More common in American English |
| Afterwards | At a later time; after something happens | More common in British English |
Both words function as adverbs and mean “later” or “after an event has happened.”
Examples:
- We went to dinner afterward.
- We went to dinner afterwards.
Both sentences are correct. The meaning does not change.
However, if you’re writing for an American audience, afterward is usually the preferred choice. If you’re writing for British readers, afterwards may sound more natural.
What Does Afterward Mean?
Afterward means “at a later time” or “after something else has happened.” It describes an action that takes place following another event.
The word is an adverb, which means it modifies a verb by explaining when something happens.
For example:
“She finished her exam and checked her answers afterward.”
In this sentence, afterward tells us when she checked her answers. She did it after completing the exam.
Common Examples of Afterward
- We can discuss the details afterward.
- He apologized afterward for his mistake.
- They went home afterward because they were tired.
- I realized my error only afterward.
Notice that afterward usually appears after the action it describes, although it can appear in different positions.
Examples:
- Afterward, we visited the museum.
- We visited the museum afterward.
Both sentence structures work.
What Does Afterwards Mean?
Afterwards has the same meaning as afterward. It also means “later” or “after something happens.”
The extra “s” does not create a different meaning. It simply reflects a common variation in English.
Examples:
- We had lunch and went shopping afterwards.
- She called me afterwards to explain what happened.
- The team celebrated afterwards.
You’ll often see afterwards in British English writing, including books, newspapers, and formal documents from the United Kingdom.
Afterward vs. Afterwards: What Is the Difference?
The biggest difference between afterward and afterwards is not meaning. It is mainly about where and how people use them.
Here is a closer comparison:
| Feature | Afterward | Afterwards |
| Meaning | Later; after something happens | Later; after something happens |
| Word type | Adverb | Adverb |
| Extra “s” | No | Yes |
| American English | More common | Less common |
| British English | Less common | More common |
| Formal correctness | Correct | Correct |
Think of them like two roads leading to the same destination. One road may be used more often in one country, while another road is preferred somewhere else.
Is Afterward or Afterwards More Correct?
Neither word is more grammatically correct.
Many people assume that one version must be wrong because the spelling differs slightly. However, English often contains multiple accepted forms of the same word.
For example:
- Toward / Towards
- Forward / Forwards
- Backward / Backwards
The same pattern appears with:
- Afterward / Afterwards
Both versions have existed in English for centuries.
The better choice depends on your audience.
Choose Afterward When:
- Writing for American readers
- Creating business content in the United States
- Following American style guides
- Writing academic papers using US English
Example:
“The researchers analyzed the results afterward.”
Choose Afterwards When:
- Writing for British readers
- Following UK English conventions
- Creating content aimed at international audiences familiar with British English
Example:
“The researchers analyzed the results afterwards.”
Read More: Empathetic vs. Empathic: Meaning, Differences
American English vs. British English: Afterward and Afterwards
Language changes depending on location. English speakers around the world may choose different words even when the meaning stays the same.
In the United States, afterward is more common.
Example:
“We talked afterward about the project.”
In the United Kingdom, afterwards appears more frequently.
Example:
“We talked afterwards about the project.”
Neither version sounds strange to native speakers. The difference is similar to other spelling and vocabulary variations:
| American English | British English |
| Color | Colour |
| Favorite | Favourite |
| Toward | Towards |
| Afterward | Afterwards |
If your goal is clear communication, consistency matters more than choosing one “perfect” version.
Why Does Afterwards Have an Extra “S”?
The extra s in afterwards comes from a historical English pattern.
Many English adverbs developed by adding endings that showed direction, time, or relationship.
Words like:
- Always
- Sometimes
- Afterwards
- Besides
contain endings that became part of normal English usage.
Over time, both forms survived:
- Afterward
- Afterwards
English did not eliminate one version. Instead, speakers continued using both.
This is common in English because the language grows through everyday use rather than strict mathematical rules.
How to Use Afterward Correctly in a Sentence
Although afterward is simple, writers sometimes place it incorrectly.
The word usually explains what happens after another event.
Correct Examples:
- I finished my work and relaxed afterward.
- She felt nervous at first but became confident afterward.
- The meeting ended, and everyone left afterward.
Incorrect Style:
- I afterward finished my work.
This sentence is not technically impossible, but it sounds unnatural in everyday English.
A more natural version would be:
- I finished my work afterward.
How to Use Afterwards Correctly in a Sentence
The rules for afterwards are the same.
Examples:
- We watched a movie afterwards.
- He called his friend afterwards.
- They discussed the problem afterwards.
You can also begin a sentence with it:
- Afterwards, they went home.
- Afterwards, everyone shared their opinions.
The comma is commonly used when afterwards begins a sentence because it acts as an introductory adverb.
Afterward vs. Afterwards vs. Later: What’s the Difference?
Many people confuse these words because they all relate to time.
However, there are small differences.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Afterward | After a specific event | We talked afterward. |
| Afterwards | Same meaning as afterward | We talked afterwards. |
| Later | At a future time, not always connected to a previous event | I’ll call you later. |
Compare These Examples:
Afterward:
I went to the gym and showered afterward.
The shower happened after the gym.
Later:
I’ll go to the gym later.
The gym visit will happen sometime in the future.
The key difference is connection. Afterward usually connects directly to a previous event.
Afterward or Afterwards in Formal Writing
Both words work in formal writing. However, writers should consider their audience.
For American professional writing:
“The company reviewed the report afterward.”
sounds more natural.
For British professional writing:
“The company reviewed the report afterwards.”
may fit better.
In academic writing, consistency is important. If you choose afterward at the beginning of an article, avoid switching randomly to afterwards later.
Readers may not notice the change consciously, but consistent language creates a smoother experience.
Common Mistakes With Afterward and Afterwards
Even though these words are simple, several mistakes appear often.
Using Them as Adjectives
Incorrect:
The afterward meeting was productive.
Correct:
The following meeting was productive.
Afterward and afterwards describe actions. They do not usually describe nouns.
Confusing Afterward With After
Incorrect:
Afterward the meeting, we left.
Correct:
After the meeting, we left.
Use after before a noun.
Use afterward after an event has happened.
Mixing Styles Without Reason
Example:
We talked afterward and celebrated afterwards.
This is not grammatically wrong, but it sounds inconsistent.
Choose one style and stick with it.
Easy Trick to Remember Afterward vs. Afterwards
Here’s a simple memory trick:
Think about your audience.
- Writing for Americans? Choose afterward.
- Writing for British readers? Choose afterwards.
Remember:
Afterward = American preference
Afterwards = British preference
The meaning stays the same.
Real-Life Examples of Afterward and Afterwards
Everyday Conversation
- “Let’s grab coffee afterward.”
- “We can talk about it afterwards.”
Workplace Communication
- “Please send the updated file afterward.”
- “The manager explained the changes afterwards.”
Storytelling
- “The hero discovered the truth afterward.”
- “The characters celebrated afterwards.”
Academic Writing
- “The samples were tested afterward.”
- “The researchers evaluated the results afterwards.”
FAQs:
Is “afterward” or “afterwards” correct?
Both afterward and afterwards are correct. They have the same meaning and function as adverbs referring to something that happens later. The main difference is regional preference.
Is “afterward” more common in American English?
Yes. Afterward is generally more common in American English, while afterwards is widely used in British English and other varieties outside North America.
Is “afterwards” more formal than “afterward”?
No. Neither form is inherently more formal. Your choice usually depends on regional usage, writing style, and personal preference rather than formality.
Can I use “afterward” and “afterwards” interchangeably?
Yes. In most contexts, you can use them interchangeably without changing the meaning of your sentence. Choose the form that sounds natural for your variety of English.
Which one should I use in formal writing?
Both are acceptable in formal writing. However, it’s best to follow the variety of English you’re using consistently. If you write in American English, afterward may feel more natural.
Conclusion:
Afterward and afterwards have the same basic meaning, and neither is grammatically wrong. The main distinction comes from regional usage: afterward is more common in North American English, while afterwards is more common in British English and other varieties. Understanding this small difference can help you make a confident choice in everyday communication, academic work, and formal writing.
