Afterward or Afterwards: What’s the Difference?
Afterward vs afterwards means the same thing, but afterward is more common in American English, while afterwards is common in British English. Both are adverbs that mean later or after an earlier event.
Use afterward for a US audience and afterwards for a British audience. This is a regional preference, not a strict grammar rule. For example, “We spoke afterward” and “We spoke afterwards” are both correct. Choose one form and use it consistently throughout your writing.
Don’t confuse either word with afterword. An afterword is a final section in a book, often written by the author or another contributor. A simple check helps: if the word means later, use afterward or afterwards. If it names closing text in a book, use afterword. This distinction keeps schoolwork, emails, articles, and professional writing clear and accurate. It also prevents a common spelling mistake in everyday English.
Quick Answer: Afterward or Afterwards?
Use afterward when writing for a US audience.
We finished the meeting and talked afterward.
Use afterwards when following British English.
We finished the meeting and talked afterwards.
The meaning stays the same. Only the regional preference changes.
| Word | Meaning | Common preference | Part of speech |
| Afterward | At a later time | American English | Adverb |
| Afterwards | At a later time | British English | Adverb |
| Afterword | A closing section in a book | All varieties of English | Noun |
What Do Afterward and Afterwards Mean?
Afterward and afterwards are adverbs of time. They show that something happened later than another event.
An adverb is a word that adds information about an action, description, or complete idea. In this case, the word explains when an action happened.
- We ate dinner and watched a movie afterward.
- She called her manager afterwards.
- The students stayed behind afterward.
- He felt better afterwards.
In each sentence, the word means later or after that.
Simple Definitions
Afterward means:
- later
- after that
- following an event
- at a later point
Afterwards has exactly the same meanings.
Consider these two sentences:
- The class ended, and we spoke afterward.
- The class ended, and we spoke afterwards.
Both sentences are correct. The first sounds more natural in American English, while the second sounds more typical in British English.
Read this also: Waste vs. Waist: Meaning, Difference, Examples, and Correct Usage
Afterward vs. Afterwards: What Is the Main Difference?
The main difference is regional usage, not meaning or grammar.
American writers usually prefer afterward without an s. British writers more often use afterwards with an s.
| Feature | Afterward | Afterwards |
| Meaning | Later or after that | Later or after that |
| Grammar role | Adverb | Adverb |
| Common in US English | Yes | Less common |
| Common in British English | Less common | Yes |
| Formality | Neutral | Neutral |
| Can begin a sentence | Yes | Yes |
| Can end a sentence | Yes | Yes |
The final s does not change the word’s meaning. It simply reflects a regional pattern.
Is One Form More Correct?
No. Afterward and afterwards are both standard English.
However, “correct” writing also depends on context. A school, publisher, employer, or client may require one variety of English.
For example:
- A US company will usually expect afterward.
- A British publication may prefer afterwards.
- An international company may accept either form.
- A style guide may require consistency across all documents.
Therefore, the safest choice is not always the form you personally prefer. Use the spelling your intended audience expects.
Is “Afterwards” Wrong in American English?
No. American readers understand afterwards, and the word is grammatically correct.
However, it may sound slightly British or less typical to a US reader. For polished American writing, afterward is usually the better default.
Is “Afterward” Wrong in British English?
No. British readers also understand afterward.
Still, afterwards is more common in everyday British speech and writing. As a result, the version with s may sound more natural to a British audience.
How Afterward and Afterwards Work in a Sentence
Both words function as adverbs. They usually describe an action by showing that it happened later.
- We met for coffee afterward.
- They returned to the office afterwards.
The verbs are met and returned. The adverbs explain when those actions happened.
At the Beginning of a Sentence
Both forms can appear at the start of a sentence.
- Afterward, we discussed the results.
- Afterwards, they went out for dinner.
A comma is usually helpful after the opening word. It separates the introductory adverb from the main sentence.
In the Middle of a Sentence
The words can also appear in the middle. However, this placement sometimes sounds formal or awkward.
- We afterward discussed the results.
- She afterwards admitted that she was wrong.
These sentences are grammatical, but most speakers would choose a more natural position:
- We discussed the results afterward.
- She admitted afterwards that she was wrong.
In modern American English, the end position is often the smoothest.
At the End of a Sentence
The final position is especially common.
- We went home afterward.
- I sent her an email afterwards.
- The team reviewed the mistake afterward.
- They celebrated afterwards.
A comma is usually unnecessary when the adverb appears at the end.
Correct:
- We spoke afterward.
Usually unnecessary:
- We spoke, afterward.
The second version creates an unnatural pause unless the writer wants special emphasis.
Punctuation With Afterward and Afterwards
Punctuation depends on where the word appears.
At the Beginning
Use a comma when the word introduces the sentence.
- Afterward, the manager answered our questions.
- Afterwards, we walked back to the hotel.
A sentence without the comma may still be understandable. However, the comma improves readability.
At the End
Do not normally place a comma before the word.
- We answered questions afterward.
- The children played outside afterwards.
Between Two Complete Ideas
Do not use afterward alone to join two complete sentences with only a comma.
Incorrect:
- The meeting ended, afterward we went to lunch.
This is a comma splice because both parts can stand as full sentences.
Better:
- The meeting ended. Afterward, we went to lunch.
- The meeting ended, and we went to lunch afterward.
- After the meeting ended, we went to lunch.
See this also: Ladder vs. Latter: Meaning, Pronunciation, and Correct Usage
When to Use Afterward
Use afterward as your default when writing in American English.
It fits naturally in casual conversations, school assignments, workplace emails, reports, articles, and professional documents.
Everyday American Examples
- We grabbed lunch afterward.
- Call me afterward.
- She felt embarrassed afterward.
- The kids cleaned the room afterward.
- I’ll explain everything afterward.
School Examples
- The professor answered questions afterward.
- We submitted our papers and left afterward.
- The class discussed the experiment afterward.
Workplace Examples
- We can review the budget afterward.
- The manager sent a summary afterward.
- The team met with the client and created a new plan afterward.
Email Examples
- Please complete the form and contact me afterward.
- We’ll discuss the remaining details afterward.
- You can send the supporting documents afterward.
Although these examples are correct, a specific time phrase may sometimes be clearer.
Less precise:
- Send the report afterward.
More precise:
- Send the report after the meeting.
- Send the report later that afternoon.
When to Use Afterwards
Use afterwards when following British English or writing for readers who expect British spelling and usage.
The word works in formal and informal situations.
Everyday British Examples
- We went for tea afterwards.
- She called me afterwards.
- They visited their parents afterwards.
- I felt tired afterwards.
Professional Examples
- The board reviewed the proposal afterwards.
- We contacted each applicant afterwards.
- The manager spoke to the team afterwards.
Storytelling Examples
- He closed the door and regretted it afterwards.
- They escaped the storm but talked about it for years afterwards.
- She learned the truth afterwards.
American readers will understand each sentence. Still, the final s may signal a British style or voice.
Formal, Informal, and Academic Usage
Neither form is automatically more formal.
Afterward is not more professional simply because it is shorter. Likewise, afterwards is not casual or incorrect.
Regional convention matters more than formality.
Formal Writing
- The committee reviewed the evidence afterward.
- The committee reviewed the evidence afterwards.
Both versions are formal enough. Choose the form that matches the document’s regional style.
Academic Writing
In academic work, precision is often more important than choosing between the two forms.
Vague:
- The participants completed another survey afterward.
More precise:
- The participants completed another survey two weeks after the first interview.
Use afterward or afterwards when the sequence is already clear. However, give an exact time when timing affects the reader’s understanding.
Professional Writing
For a US workplace, choose afterward unless the company follows another style.
- We will review your application afterward.
However, that sentence may be too vague in a professional email. A clearer version would be:
- We will review your application after the interview.
- We will review your application within three business days.
Good grammar matters, but clear information matters more.
Real-Life Case Study: Fixing Inconsistent Website Copy
Imagine a US company publishing these instructions:
Complete the registration form. Afterwards, verify your email. You can update your profile afterward.
Both spellings are grammatical. However, switching between them makes the page look inconsistent.
A copy editor would revise the instructions to match American usage:
Complete the registration form. Afterward, verify your email. You can update your profile afterward.
The edit does not change the meaning. Instead, it creates a consistent voice.
The same principle applies to articles, reports, books, apps, and business documents.
Choose one regional style and use it consistently.
Common Mistakes With Afterward and Afterwards
Treating “Afterwards” as Bad Grammar
Incorrect claim:
- Afterwards is always incorrect.
Correct explanation:
- Afterwards is standard English, but it is more common in British usage.
Regional preference does not make the other form ungrammatical.
Mixing Both Spellings Without a Reason
Inconsistent:
- We met the client afterward. We wrote the report afterwards.
Consistent American English:
- We met the client afterward. We wrote the report afterward.
Consistent British English:
- We met the client afterwards. We wrote the report afterwards.
Switching forms is not a serious grammar error. However, it can make edited writing look careless.
Adding an Apostrophe
Incorrect:
- We spoke afterward’s.
Correct:
- We spoke afterward.
Afterward is not possessive. Therefore, it does not need an apostrophe.
Using the Words as Adjectives
Awkward:
- We had an afterward meeting.
Better:
- We had a meeting afterward.
- We had a later meeting.
- We met again after the presentation.
Afterward and afterwards are normally adverbs, not adjectives placed before nouns.
Using Them as Nouns
Incorrect:
- The afterward of the book explained the ending.
Correct:
- The afterword of the book explained the ending.
If you mean a section at the end of a book, you need afterword.
Creating an Unclear Timeline
Unclear:
- Jenna spoke to Mia after the presentation and called Rosa afterward.
What happened afterward? Did Jenna call Rosa after speaking to Mia or after the presentation?
Clearer:
- After speaking to Mia, Jenna called Rosa.
- Jenna called Rosa after the presentation.
- Later that evening, Jenna called Rosa.
Use a more exact phrase when several events could serve as the reference point.
Afterward vs. Afterword
Afterword is a completely different word.
An afterword is a closing section that appears near the end of a book or another written work. It may provide background, commentary, updates, or reflection.
- The author added an afterword to the new edition.
- I read the afterword after finishing the final chapter.
- The historian wrote an afterword about the book’s influence.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Word | Meaning | Part of speech | Example |
| Afterward | Later | Adverb | We talked afterward. |
| Afterwards | Later | Adverb | We talked afterwards. |
| Afterword | Closing section of a book | Noun | The book includes an afterword. |
Why People Confuse Them
The words look and sound similar:
- afterward
- afterword
However, their endings provide a useful clue.
- -ward relates to direction or sequence.
- word reminds you of written words in a book.
A Simple Memory Trick
An afterword contains words that come after the main text.
If you mean later, use afterward or afterwards.
Similar -ward and -wards Words
The same regional pattern appears in several other words.
| Common US form | Common British alternative |
| toward | towards |
| backward | backwards |
| upward | upwards |
| downward | downwards |
| afterward | afterwards |
American English often favors the shorter -ward adverb. British English uses many -wards forms more often.
However, these pairs are not identical in every sentence.
Adjectives Usually Use -ward
When a word appears before a noun as an adjective, the version without s is normally required.
Correct:
- a backward glance
- an upward movement
- a forward step
Incorrect or nonstandard:
- a backwards glance
- an upwards movement
- a forwards step
This distinction does not create an adjective form of afterward. Phrases such as an afterward discussion remain unnatural.
Use:
- a later discussion
- a discussion afterward
Synonyms for Afterward and Afterwards
Several words and phrases can express a similar idea.
Later
- We spoke later.
- We spoke afterward.
Later is broad and does not always identify the earlier event.
After That
- We finished dinner. After that, we went home.
This phrase makes the sequence clear and works well in conversation.
Then
- We finished dinner and then went home.
Then often shows the next action in a series. However, it can also refer to a particular time.
Subsequently
- The company subsequently changed its policy.
Subsequently is more formal. It appears often in reports, academic writing, and legal contexts.
Later On
- We discussed the issue later on.
This phrase is informal and common in speech.
Following the Event
- Following the meeting, we revised the proposal.
This phrase sounds more formal and identifies the earlier event clearly.
How to Choose the Best Word
Use this decision process:
- Decide whether you mean later.
- Identify your audience.
- Use afterward for American English.
- Use afterwards for British English.
- Check whether a required style guide prefers one form.
- Keep the spelling consistent.
- Replace the word with a specific time phrase if the sequence is unclear.
Quick Decision Table
| Situation | Best choice |
| US blog or website | Afterward |
| US school assignment | Afterward |
| US business email | Afterward |
| British publication | Afterwards |
| British dialogue in fiction | Afterwards |
| Closing section of a book | Afterword |
| Exact timing is important | Use a specific phrase |
Easy Memory Tricks
The Shorter Form for American English
American usage often favors afterward, the shorter version.
This is not a perfect rule for every English word. However, it works well for this pair.
Connect the S With British Usage
Think of the s in afterwards as a reminder of British-style forms such as towards and backwards.
Use the Later Test
Replace the word with later.
- We spoke later.
- We spoke afterward.
If later fits, afterward or afterwards will probably work.
Look for “Word” in Afterword
If the term refers to words at the end of a book, choose afterword.
Practice: Afterward, Afterwards, or Afterword?
Choose the best word for each sentence.
- The author added an ______ to the anniversary edition.
- We finished the interview and spoke ______.
- In British English, they met for coffee ______.
- The US team reviewed the results ______.
- I read the final chapter and then the ______.
- ______, the students asked several questions.
- She apologized immediately ______.
- The book’s ______ explains what happened to the main characters.
- We attended the ceremony and had dinner ______.
- The company updated its policy shortly ______.
Answer Key
The author added an afterword to the anniversary edition.
Afterword is correct because it names a section of a book.
We finished the interview and spoke afterward.
For American English, afterward is the preferred form. Afterwards would also be grammatical.
In British English, they met for coffee afterwards.
Afterwards matches the usual British preference.
The US team reviewed the results afterward.
Afterward is the natural American choice.
I read the final chapter and then the afterword.
The sentence refers to the book’s closing section.
Afterward, the students asked several questions.
The word begins the sentence, so a comma improves readability.
She apologized immediately afterward.
Afterward means later than the earlier action. No comma is needed at the end.
The book’s afterword explains what happened to the main characters.
Only afterword can work as a noun in this sentence.
We attended the ceremony and had dinner afterward.
This is the usual American form. British English would commonly use afterwards.
The company updated its policy shortly afterward.
Shortly afterward is a common phrase meaning a short time later.
Read this also: In Route vs. En Route: Meaning, Correct Usage, and Clear Examples
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.What is the difference between afterward and afterwards?
They have the same meaning. Afterward is preferred in American English, while afterwards is more common in British English.
Q2.Is afterwards wrong in American English?
No. Afterwards is correct, but afterward usually sounds more natural to American readers.
Q3.Which word should I use in professional writing?
Use afterward for a US audience and afterwards for a British audience. Follow your company or publication style guide when one is available.
Q4.Are afterward and afterword the same?
No. Afterward means later, while afterword is a final section at the end of a book.
Q5.Can afterward and afterwards begin a sentence?
Yes. Use a comma after either word when it introduces a sentence: “Afterward, we discussed the results.”
Conclusion
The difference between afterward vs afterwards is regional, not grammatical. Both words are adverbs that mean later or after an event. Afterward is more common in American English, while afterwards is more common in British English. Neither form is wrong, but you should match your audience and stay consistent. Also, don’t confuse them with afterword, which means a closing section in a book.
