Have you ever found yourself lost and confused on whether to use afterward or afterwards? This is a common problem even for those who know the language well. Although these words look almost the same, there are differences in their application. But do not fret, by the end of this article, the difference between afterward and afterwards will make grammatical sense to you.
In this article, we will analyze what “afterword” and “afterwards” mean, their contexts, and some appropriate use cases to clarify misconceptions. We will also look at these words concerning the similarly pronounced “afterwords’ and “afterword” and make a discussion about their distinctions. If you have been intrigued about “afterward vs. afterwards,” you have hit the jackpot. This guide is a great revision aid for grammar enthusiasts of all ages whether for school, work, or life in general.
To begin, let us start with the fundamentals and solve the puzzle of these two terms. While both “afterward” and “afterwards” denote something that occurs in sequence with an event or time, their usage may vary according to region, preference, style guides, and context. From what we have seen, both words are more or less identical in meaning, which leaves the bone of contention – when does one word sound more natural than the other? Stay with us as we explain everything and offer some tips to help you polish your grammar.
Afterward vs Afterwards: Understanding the Difference
On first glance, it would appear that “afterward’ and ‘afterwards’ are nearly indistinguishable from each other. Both terms imply an occurrence ‘after something has happened’, but their context of usage differs slightly. So, how do we choose the one that best fits our needs? The principal distinction lies in the differences in regions and the preferences of style.
1. Afterward: The American Preference
‘Afterward’ is the preferred term in American English. You’re likely to come across it in novels, essays, and general conversations. Therefore, when traveling to the U.S. or when writing for an American audience, ‘afterward’ is more appropriate than ‘afterwards’. It sounds better in American English, and it is generally accepted in most places.
Example Sentences:
- We went to the movie, and afterward, we grabbed dinner.
- The team had their meeting, and afterward, they discussed the results.
- Afterward, he went home to relax.
2. Afterwards: The British Preference
In its original context, ‘afterwards’ was more popular in British English. If you’re writing for a UK audience, then “afterwards” will be the correct phrase to use. It is widely used and accepted in most forms of written British English.
Example Sentences:
- We watched the play, and afterwards, we went out for drinks.
- She had a busy day at work, and afterwards, she spent time with her family.
- Afterwards, they decided to take a walk in the park.
Although both words are generally interchangeable in terms of meaning, regional habits influence their use. This is the most straightforward way to differentiate them: Americans prefer “afterward,” while Britons prefer “afterwards.”
When to Use “Afterward” or “Afterwards” in Sentences
It’s important to understand when each term fits best in a sentence. In this section, we’ll explore different scenarios where “afterward” and “afterwards” are used.
1. Time and Events: General Usage
Both “afterward” and “afterwards” refer to actions or events that occur following something. Here’s how to decide which one to use:
- If you’re writing for an American audience, use “afterward.”
- If you’re writing for a British audience, use “afterwards.”
Let’s look at a few examples:
| Scenario | American English (Afterward) | British English (Afterwards) |
| Going to the store | Afterward, we decided to go home. | Afterwards, we decided to go home. |
| Movie date | We watched the movie, and afterward, we ate dinner. | We watched the movie, and afterwards, we ate dinner. |
| Picnic plans | The kids played outside, and afterward, they took a nap. | The kids played outside, and afterwards, they took a nap. |
2. Different Forms of Speech: More Complex Sentences
“Afterward” and “afterwards” can both function as adverbs that describe when something happens. In more complex sentences, these words provide clarity by showing the order of actions. Here’s how they can work in action:
- Afterward:
- He finished his homework, and afterward, he watched TV.
- Afterward, they returned to the office to finish the report.
- Afterwards:
- She attended the meeting, and afterwards, she went for a walk.
- Afterwards, they had a chance to discuss their ideas.
In more formal writing, you may notice “afterward” used a bit more frequently in American-style publications, while “afterwards” fits right in with British writing styles.
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Afterwords vs Afterwards: A Common Confusion
Sometimes, people confuse “afterwards” with a very similar word: afterwords. But here’s the crucial difference:
- Afterwards: This is an adverb that means “after the event” or “following the event.”
- Afterwords: This is a completely different word and refers to the “words” that come after the main content, often used in the context of books. An afterword is an additional section at the end of a book, written by someone other than the author, often reflecting on the content or providing context.
| Word | Definition | Example |
| Afterwards | Adverb meaning “following an event” | We had lunch, and afterwards, we went for a walk. |
| Afterwords | Noun meaning “additional words in a book or speech” | The author wrote an afterword at the end of the novel. |
So, remember: “afterwords” has to do with written content, while “afterwards” is about the sequence of events.
Afterward vs Afterwards: Is There a Preference?
While it’s clear that both words exist in the English language, the question remains: Is one “correct” over the other? The answer depends on where you are writing and who you are writing for. Here’s a breakdown:
1. American English: “Afterward” is Preferred
- The overwhelming majority of American publications, including newspapers, books, and magazines, use “afterward.”
- If you are writing a paper for a school or university in the United States, you’ll likely be instructed to use “afterward.”
- It’s more natural to use “afterward” in everyday speech in American English.
2. British English: “Afterwards” is Common
- In the UK, “afterwards” is the more commonly accepted form.
- If you are submitting an assignment for a British school or working in the UK, “afterwards” may be the preferred choice.
- British writers generally feel that “afterwards” flows better in their style.
Table of Preferences:
| Region | Preferred Word | Example Sentence |
| United States | Afterward | We went to dinner, and afterward, we took a walk. |
| United Kingdom | Afterwards | We went to dinner, and afterwards, we took a walk. |
Both versions are technically correct, but understanding the regional nuances can improve your writing and help you follow the right guidelines for your audience.
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Afterward vs Afterwards: Wrapping It Up
Let’s review everything we’ve learned so far. The words “afterward” and “afterwards” are almost identical in meaning, but their usage is influenced by regional differences.
- Afterward is commonly used in American English.
- Afterwards is preferred in British English.
These words are adverbs and are used to refer to something happening after a particular event. However, it’s important to distinguish them from similar terms like “afterword” and “afterwords,” which have different meanings altogether.
Understanding the context, whether you’re writing for an American or British audience, and keeping the nuances of the language in mind will help you choose the right word every time.
Key Insight
Is there a difference between “afterward” and “afterwards”?
Yes! “Afterward” is used more in American English, and “afterwards” is used in British English. They mean the same thing.
Can I use “afterward” and “afterwards” in the same way?
Yes! You can use them in the same way because they both mean something happening after an event. The only difference is where people live.
What does “afterwords” mean?
“Afterwords” is different! It refers to extra words at the end of a book, not something that happens later.
Which one sounds more formal?
Neither! Both words are fine to use in formal writing, but “afterward” is more common in the U.S., and “afterwards” is used in the UK.
Can “afterwards” be a noun?
No, “afterwards” is always an adverb. It can’t be used as a noun.
Which one should I use?
If you’re writing for Americans, use “afterward.” If you’re writing for Brits, use “afterwards.” Both are correct!
Final Thoughts
To sum up, the choice between “afterward” and “afterwards” is based largely on one’s geographical location. Both terms mean the same thing but differ in writing language use – Ernest Elmo Calkins would be rolling over in his grave! American English, for example, prefers “afterward” while British English advocates for “afterwards.”
Whenever you feel uncertain, your audience can help ease your anxieties. In America, “afterward” is the universal option, while “afterwards” reigns supreme across the pond.
With these tips, you will be sure that you have showcased proper grammar, thus making your writing effective. It does not matter if you are drafting an essay, sending an email, or writing an informal message to your friend; comprehension of the difference between “afterward” and “afterwards” enhances the accuracy and coherence of your message. So, the next time you are faced with the choice between “afterward” and “afterwards,” just remember the British are ‘after’ everything while Elmo prefers those who ‘act.’
