Afterward vs. Afterwards: Which Is Correct? Meaning & Usage

Afterward vs. Afterwards have nearly identical meanings, but writers may hesitate over usage, regional English, and accepted grammar for each word. Afterward and afterwards are words that sound alike and look alike, with essentially the same meaning. The main difference is regional usage. In American English, afterward is the usual form. In British English, afterwards is often preferred.

Both are accepted forms, making this choice no grammar problem. The final -s marks a regional distinction, not a change in meaning. Writers may hesitate during choosing, though either form is correct.Both forms function as adverbs that describe what happens after an earlier event or earlier time. You can write that an event ends and something happens afterward or afterwards. Later can express a similar idea. Cambridge and Oxford recognize both forms in English.

Their usage differences reflect regional preferences. The two forms come from the same word and are slightly different only in form. The choice depends on the variety of English you want to follow.

Practical tips can make the choice easier. American English users can pick afterward, while British English users may find afterwards more common. Use the right form for your preferred variety instead of second-guessing each choice. Common mistakes often involve trying to confuse the afterword with these adverbs. An afterword is a section added at the end of a book, not a word describing a time after an event. Learn how each form works to handle these differences, mistakes, and confusion in everyday writing.

Table of Contents

Afterward vs. Afterwards: Quick Answer

Afterward and afterwards are both correct. They mean “at a later time” or “after something that has already happened.”

The key difference is regional preference:

Word	Meaning	Common Usage
Afterward	At a later time	US English
Afterwards	At a later time	British English
Afterward/afterwards	After an earlier event	Both forms

For example:

US: We went out for dinner afterward.
UK: We went out for dinner afterwards.

The meaning doesn’t change. If you’re writing for an American audience, afterward is the best default choice. If you’re following British English conventions, afterwards will usually sound more natural. Cambridge specifically identifies afterward as US English and afterwards as mainly UK English.

What Does Afterward Mean?

Afterward is an adverb that means at a later time or after an event that has already been mentioned.

It helps establish a clear sequence between two events. One thing happens first. Something else follows it.

For example:

We finished the meeting and went to lunch afterward.

First, the meeting ended. Then, the people went to lunch.

You can also place afterward at the beginning of a sentence:

Afterward, everyone returned to work.

Here, the word immediately tells the reader that the action follows something discussed earlier.

Cambridge defines afterward as meaning “after the time mentioned” and lists afterwards as a mainly UK alternative.

Afterward Examples

Consider these examples:

I finished my homework afterward.
Afterward, we watched a movie.
She called me shortly afterward.
They discussed the decision afterward.
We went for coffee afterward.
He apologized soon afterward.
The students returned to class afterward.

In each example, afterward points to a time following something already established in the sentence or context.

Common Expressions With Afterward

Certain combinations occur naturally in everyday English.

soon afterward
shortly afterward
immediately afterward
right afterward
long afterward
not long afterward

For example:

The company announced the change, and shortly afterward, employees received an email.

These phrases make the timing clearer. Immediately afterward suggests almost no delay, while long afterward indicates a substantial gap.

Oxford gives examples such as “shortly afterward” and describes the word as referring to a later time following an event.

What Does Afterwards Mean?

Afterwards has the same basic meaning as afterward. It means at a later time or after something else has happened.

The important distinction isn’t meaning. It’s regional preference.

British English commonly uses afterwards, while American English generally prefers afterward. Oxford labels afterwards as especially British English and notes that North American English usually uses afterward.

For example:

We had dinner and went for a walk afterwards.

This sentence sounds perfectly natural in British English.

You can also put afterwards at the beginning:

Afterwards, they returned to the hotel.

The sentence structure works exactly like it does with afterward.

Afterwards Examples

Here are several natural examples:

We talked about it afterwards.
Afterwards, she went home.
They went for coffee afterwards.
He felt much better afterwards.
She apologized shortly afterwards.
We discussed the results afterwards.
They stayed for a while afterwards.

Notice that replacing afterwards with afterward doesn’t change the meaning.

We talked about it afterward.

We talked about it afterwards.

Both sentences tell you the conversation happened after an earlier event.

Afterward vs. Afterwards: What Is the Difference?

The biggest mistake is assuming that these words have different definitions. They don’t.

The difference is primarily regional.

Difference in Meaning

Both words describe a later time.

Afterward = at a later time
Afterwards = at a later time

The extra s doesn’t create a new meaning. It simply appears in the form that British English commonly favors.

Collins likewise treats afterward and afterwards as forms referring to a later or subsequent time.

Difference in American and British English

This is where the distinction becomes useful.

American English generally prefers:

We went home afterward.

British English commonly prefers:

We went home afterwards.

Neither sentence is grammatically wrong.

The choice works much like a regional spelling preference. Your intended audience can guide the decision.

Difference in Formality

Neither afterward nor afterwards is inherently more formal.

Both can appear in:

Everyday conversation
Emails
Academic writing
Professional writing
News writing
Fiction
Essays

So don’t assume that afterwards sounds more sophisticated because it contains an extra letter. It doesn’t.

Likewise, afterward isn’t automatically more casual because it’s shorter.

The more important factor is which variety of English you’re using.

Afterward or Afterwards: Which Is Correct in American English?

If you’re writing in US English, choose afterward as your normal form.

For example:

We discussed the issue afterward.

Afterward, the team returned to work.

She called me shortly afterward.

This doesn’t mean Americans never use afterwards. Dictionaries recognize it in American English too. Cambridge’s American dictionary, for example, lists afterwards as an alternative.

Still, afterward is the more typical American choice.

For an American grammar article, school assignment, business document, or website, afterward is therefore the safest default.

Afterward or Afterwards: Which Is Correct in British English?

British English commonly favors afterwards.

For example:

We went home afterwards.

Afterwards, they discussed the results.

She felt tired shortly afterwards.

However, afterward isn’t incomprehensible or automatically incorrect in British English. The two forms overlap.

The important point is preference rather than a strict grammatical boundary.

Oxford lists afterwards as especially British and says North American English usually uses afterward.

A Simple Regional Rule

If you’re unsure, use this shortcut:

US English → afterward

British English → afterwards

That simple rule will handle most situations.

How to Use Afterward in a Sentence

Because afterward is an adverb, it can modify the timing of an action.

Its position can vary depending on the sentence.

Afterward at the Beginning of a Sentence

Putting afterward first emphasizes the sequence of events.

Afterward, we went back to the office.

Afterward, she realized that she had forgotten her keys.

Afterward, everyone talked about the surprising result.

When a sentence begins, a comma usually follows the introductory adverb.

Afterward at the End of a Sentence

The sentence-final position is also extremely common.

We went back to the office afterward.

She realized her mistake afterward.

Everyone talked about the result afterward.

This position often sounds especially natural in everyday American English.

Afterward With Time Adverbs

You can make the timing more precise by adding another adverb.

Compare:

afterward
soon afterward
shortly afterward
immediately afterward
long afterward

Each version gives the reader a slightly different picture.

The bell rang. Immediately afterward, the students left.

Here, the second event follows almost at once.

The incident happened years ago. Long afterward, people still remembered it.

This version creates a much wider time gap.

How to Use Afterwards in a Sentence

The same sentence patterns work with afterwards.

Afterwards at the Beginning

Afterwards, we went back to school.

Afterwards, she called her parents.

Afterwards, the group discussed what had happened.

This structure works particularly naturally in British English.

Afterwards at the End

We went back to school afterwards.

She called her parents afterwards.

The group discussed it afterwards.

The meaning stays the same.

Afterwards With Time Expressions

You can also use:

soon afterwards
shortly afterwards
immediately afterwards
not long afterwards
long afterwards

For example:

The store closed, and shortly afterwards, the street became quiet.

Oxford lists several of these combinations in its examples of afterwards.

Afterward vs. Afterwards Examples

Seeing the two forms side by side makes the distinction much easier.

American English	British English
We went home afterward.	We went home afterwards.
Afterward, she called her sister.	Afterwards, she called her sister.
He apologized shortly afterward.	He apologized shortly afterwards.
We talked about the meeting afterward.	We talked about the meeting afterwards.
They went out for coffee afterward.	They went out for coffee afterwards.
She felt better soon afterward.	She felt better soon afterwards.

The important thing to notice is what doesn’t change.

The meaning remains the same. The grammatical function remains the same. Only the preferred regional form changes.

Afterward vs. Afterwards in Different Contexts

The choice becomes easier when you consider the type of writing you’re doing.

In Academic Writing

Both forms are grammatically acceptable.

However, if your paper follows American English conventions, afterward is the natural choice.

The researchers collected the data and analyzed it afterward.

British academic writing may use:

The researchers collected the data and analyzed it afterwards.

In Business Writing

Choose the form that matches your organization’s English style.

For a US-based audience:

We’ll review the proposal afterward.

For a UK-based audience:

We’ll review the proposal afterwards.

Consistency makes professional writing look more polished.

In Everyday Conversation

Both forms work naturally.

I’ll call you afterward.

I’ll call you afterwards.

The first sounds more typical in American English. The second is especially common in British English.

In Online Content

If your website targets readers in the United States, afterward is generally the better choice.

If you’re writing specifically for British readers, afterwards may fit the audience better.

The important thing is not to treat one as “right” and the other as “wrong.”

After vs. Afterward vs. Afterwards

Another source of confusion is the word after.

Although these words relate to time, they don’t always perform the same grammatical job.

Word	Typical Function	Example
after	Preposition	We left after dinner.
after	Conjunction	We left after dinner ended.
afterward	Adverb	We left afterward.
afterwards	Adverb	We left afterwards.

Cambridge explains that after can function as a preposition and conjunction. It can also work as an adverb in certain constructions.

After Before a Noun

Use after when a noun or noun phrase follows it.

We went home after the meeting.

Here, the meeting follows after.

After Before a Clause

You can also use after before a clause.

We went home after the meeting ended.

The word introduces the clause the meeting ended.

Afterward as a Standalone Adverb

Now compare:

The meeting ended. We went home afterward.

You don’t need to repeat the earlier event.

The word simply points back to it.

That’s one reason afterward and afterwards can make writing more concise.

Afterward vs. Afterwards vs. Later

Later is another word that often gets mixed up with these forms.

Although the meanings overlap, later can be broader.

Compare:

I’ll call you later.

This doesn’t necessarily identify what event the call follows.

Now consider:

We finished dinner and went for a walk afterward.

Here, afterward clearly connects the walk to dinner.

Cambridge notes that later can refer to a later time, while afterward more directly follows an earlier event.

Compare These Sentences

I’ll see you later.

This simply means at some later point.

I’ll see you afterward.

This suggests that the meeting or event already mentioned happens first.

That small difference can make your writing more precise.

Afterward vs. Afterwards vs. Subsequently

Subsequently is another useful alternative.

It means something happened later or after an earlier event. However, it often sounds more formal than afterward.

Compare:

The company changed its policy and explained the reasons afterward.

The company changed its policy and subsequently explained the reasons.

The second sentence has a more formal tone.

Cambridge notes that subsequently can describe something happening after an event and often fits more formal contexts.

When to Use Each Word

Afterward — natural American English
Afterwards — natural British English
Later — general reference to a later time
Later on — conversational
Subsequently — more formal
Thereafter — formal and often used for an ongoing period following an event

Choosing the right word depends on both meaning and tone.

Common Mistakes With Afterward and Afterwards

Mistake: Saying One Form Is Wrong

A common misconception is that afterward is correct while afterwards is incorrect.

That’s not true.

Both are established English words. The distinction is mainly regional.

Cambridge, Oxford, and Collins all recognize both forms.

Mistake: Assuming the Final S Changes the Meaning

It doesn’t.

Compare:

We left afterward.

We left afterwards.

Both mean that leaving happened after an earlier event.

The -s is part of the regional form. It doesn’t create a different tense, meaning, or grammatical category.

Mistake: Switching Between Regional Forms Without a Reason

Mixing forms isn’t necessarily grammatically wrong. However, consistent style usually makes writing cleaner.

If you’re writing an American English article, use afterward throughout.

If you’re writing in British English, afterwards may be the better consistent choice.

Mistake: Confusing After With Afterward

Don’t automatically replace after with afterward.

For example:

We ate after the movie.

You can’t simply write:

We ate afterward the movie.

Instead, use:

We ate afterward.

Or:

We ate after the movie.

The grammar changes because after and afterward don’t perform the same role.

A Practical Case Study: Choosing the Right Form

Imagine an American company sends this message:

The meeting will end at 3 p.m. We’ll send the documents afterward.

That wording fits standard American usage.

Now imagine a British organization writing:

The meeting will end at 3 p.m. We’ll send the documents afterwards.

The meaning remains identical.

The audience changes. The preferred form changes with it.

This is a useful lesson for editors and content writers: regional consistency matters more than trying to label one form as universally correct.

Afterward vs. Afterwards in Formal Writing

When writing professionally, the safest approach is to follow the English variety expected by your audience.

For American English, choose afterward:

The committee reviewed the proposal and issued its recommendation afterward.

For British English, choose afterwards:

The committee reviewed the proposal and issued its recommendation afterwards.

Neither version sounds inherently more professional.

What matters is consistency with the surrounding language.

If the rest of a document uses American conventions, afterward will fit naturally. If the document follows British conventions, afterwards will usually blend in better.

How to Remember Afterward vs. Afterwards

A simple memory trick can make the choice effortless.

Think:

Afterward = American English

Afterwards = British English

The shorter American form has no s at the end.

The British form usually adds s.

You don’t need to memorize a complicated grammar rule. Just identify your audience.

Quick Memory Chart

If you’re writing for…	Use…
United States	afterward
United Kingdom	afterwards
General international audience	Either
American academic audience	afterward
British academic audience	afterwards

Afterward vs. Afterwards: Which One Should You Use?

The answer depends on your target variety of English.

Choose Afterward When:

You’re writing in US English.
Your audience is primarily American.
You’re following American editorial conventions.
You want the standard North American form.

Choose Afterwards When:

You’re writing in British English.
Your audience is primarily British.
You’re following a British style.
The surrounding text already uses British conventions.

Either Form Works When:

The audience understands both varieties.
Regional consistency isn’t a major concern.
You’re discussing English usage itself.
You’re quoting or preserving someone else’s regional style.

The most important rule is simple: don’t treat a regional preference as a grammar error.

FAQs:

Is “afterward” grammatically correct?

Yes. Afterward is grammatically correct and is the usual form in American English. It means at a later time or after an earlier event.

Is “afterwards” grammatically correct?

Yes. Afterwards is also correct. It’s especially common in British English.

Is afterward or afterwards more common in American English?

Afterward is the usual American English form. However, afterwards is also recognized and understood in American English.

Is afterwards more common in British English?

Yes. Afterwards is the more typical British English form, although afterward can also appear.

Do afterward and afterwards mean the same thing?

Yes. Both mean at a later time or after something that has already happened.

Can you use afterward at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes.

Afterward, we returned to the office.

This is grammatically correct and natural.

Can you use afterwards at the end of a sentence?

Yes.

We returned to the office afterwards.

This construction is especially common in British English.

Is “afterwards” wrong in American English?

No. Afterwards is a recognized variant in American English. However, afterward is generally the preferred US form.

Is “afterward” more formal than “afterwards”?

No. Neither form is inherently more formal. The main difference is regional preference.

Can afterward and afterwards be used interchangeably?

In most contexts, yes. They carry the same basic meaning. Your choice should usually depend on the variety of English you’re using.

Conclusion:

Afterward and afterwards have the same meaning and are both correct. The main difference is regional usage: afterward is more common in American English, while afterwards is widely used in British English. Choose the form that matches your preferred style, and remember that afterword has a different meaning.