Language evolves like a living thing—growing, adapting, and often blurring the lines between right and wrong.
One of the best examples of this is the pair “afterward” and “afterwards.” Both words mean later or at a subsequent time, yet people often wonder if one is more correct than the other.
This confusion doesn’t come from their meaning—it comes from where and how they’re used.
If you’ve ever written a sentence and paused at afterward vs. afterwards, you’re not alone. Writers across the globe ask the same question every day.
In this article, we’ll uncover everything you need to know about these two adverbs—from their history and grammar to real-world examples and regional differences.
By the end, you’ll know exactly when to use afterward or afterwards—and why both are right.
The Core Meaning: What Do “Afterward” and “Afterwards” Really Mean?
Let’s start with the basics. Both afterward and afterwards mean “later” or “after a particular event or time.” They describe when something happens.
- Afterward: Used to indicate a later time or sequence of events.
- Example: “We went for dinner afterward.”
- Afterwards: Same meaning, slightly different form.
- Example: “We went for dinner afterwards.”
Both are adverbs of time, so they modify verbs and tell us when something occurred.
Quick Tip: There’s no difference in meaning. The only difference lies in regional preference and style.
Synonyms You Can Use Instead
To add variety to your writing, you can use synonyms depending on tone and formality:
- Later
- Subsequently
- Then
- Thereafter
- In due course
Each of these can replace afterward(s) in most contexts, though subsequently sounds more formal.
Word Origins: The History Behind the -ward / -wards Endings
The suffixes “-ward” and “-wards” come from Old English and Germanic roots. They originally indicated direction or movement toward something.
- The suffix “-ward” comes from the Old English -weard, meaning toward or in the direction of.
- The “-wards” variant appeared later, mainly in British English, emphasizing motion or continuity of direction.
For instance:
- Toward / Towards
- Forward / Forwards
- Backward / Backwards
- Upward / Upwards
Over time, these suffixes became interchangeable in meaning. However, regional writing styles determined which version became dominant.
Fun fact: The word “afterward” first appeared in Middle English around the 14th century, while “afterwards” gained traction later in British usage as language shifted.
Regional Preference: American vs. British English
The key difference between afterward and afterwards lies in where you’re writing.
| Region | Preferred Form | Example | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Afterward | “We’ll discuss it afterward.” | American English tends to drop the “s.” |
| United Kingdom | Afterwards | “We’ll discuss it afterwards.” | British English keeps the “s.” |
| Canada | Mixed | “He left afterward(s).” | Both are acceptable. |
| Australia / New Zealand | Afterwards | “They went to dinner afterwards.” | Follows British convention. |
Linguists often point out that American English favors more streamlined words. The “s” in “afterwards” was seen as unnecessary, so it gradually disappeared from American writing.
What Style Guides Say
- APA (American Psychological Association): Recommends “afterward.”
- Chicago Manual of Style: Prefers “afterward.”
- Oxford English Dictionary: Accepts both but lists “afterwards” as the main British form.
- Cambridge Dictionary: Notes both as correct but labels “afterward” as US English.
So, if you’re writing for an American audience, use “afterward.” For British or international readers, “afterwards” feels more natural.
Real-World Examples: How Each Form Appears in Published Writing
Let’s look at how established publications use each version:
| Source | Sentence | Country |
|---|---|---|
| The New York Times | “He returned to the stage afterward to thank the crowd.” | United States |
| The Guardian | “Afterwards, she said the experience was unforgettable.” | United Kingdom |
| The Washington Post | “They went to a late dinner afterward.” | United States |
| BBC News | “Afterwards, he described the meeting as productive.” | United Kingdom |
You’ll notice that both versions appear frequently—but within their own linguistic regions. Neither is wrong. The difference is purely stylistic.
Grammar Role: Where “Afterward/Afterwards” Fits in a Sentence
Both words act as adverbs of time, which means they tell us when something happens relative to something else.
Here’s how you can use them in sentences:
- At the end of a sentence:
- We met at the café afterward.
- They went home afterwards.
- Between clauses:
- We talked for hours; afterward, she walked me to the station.
- He studied hard; afterwards, he felt confident about the exam.
- At the beginning (less common but acceptable):
- Afterward, they celebrated with champagne.
Tip: Never confuse afterward(s) with afterwardsly—that’s not a real word (even if it sounds like one).
Common Confusion: Afterward vs. Afterword
One of the most frequent mix-ups is between afterward(s) and afterword. Despite sounding similar, they’re completely different in meaning and part of speech.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afterward | Adverb | Later in time | We met afterward. |
| Afterwards | Adverb | Later in time | They left afterwards. |
| Afterword | Noun | A concluding section of a book | The author added an afterword explaining the story’s origin. |
Afterword comes from word, not ward, and refers to text added after the main content of a book—often written by the author or editor.
Quote:
“A book’s afterword is where the author steps out from behind the curtain and speaks directly to the reader.” – Literary Review Journal
How Context Shapes Choice: Clarity, Audience, and Consistency
When deciding between afterward and afterwards, context is everything.
Consider three factors:
- Audience:
- Writing for American readers? Use afterward.
- Writing for British or global readers? Use afterwards.
- Tone:
- Formal writing (academic or business): “afterward” often looks cleaner.
- Conversational or narrative writing: “afterwards” can sound more natural.
- Consistency:
- Whichever you choose, stick with it throughout your piece. Mixing them can confuse readers.
Example of inconsistency:
❌ We went to lunch afterward, and afterwards we watched a movie.
Choose one and stay consistent:
✅ We went to lunch afterward, and afterward we watched a movie.
Easy Memory Tips to Tell Them Apart
Here are some simple tricks to remember which one fits your context:
- “Afterward” = American
The word America doesn’t end with “s”—neither does afterward. - “Afterwards” = British
The British seem to love adding “s” to words—towards, forwards, afterwards. - Shorter Word = Simpler Style
Americans tend to shorten words: color, neighbor, afterward. - Longer Word = Traditional Form
British English often retains older endings: colour, neighbour, afterwards.
Mnemonic:
“If you’re in the U.S., drop the S.”
Summary: Choosing the Right Word Every Time
Let’s recap the essentials:
| Point | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Both mean later or after a particular time. |
| Part of Speech | Adverb |
| Regional Use | “Afterward” → American English; “Afterwards” → British English |
| Correctness | Both are correct in all forms of English |
| Consistency | Use one form throughout your writing |
In short, neither is wrong. The difference is stylistic and cultural. What matters most is understanding your audience and being consistent.
Final Tip: When in doubt, check your region’s dominant usage or follow your style guide.
FAQs
Is “afterward” more formal than “afterwards”?
Not necessarily. Both are neutral in tone. However, “afterward” often appears in American academic or business writing, which may make it feel slightly more formal.
Can I use “afterward” and “afterwards” interchangeably?
Yes, you can. The meaning remains the same. The only thing that changes is the regional style.
Why do Americans drop the “s”?
American English historically simplifies spellings. Dropping the “s” from words like “afterwards” aligns with other simplifications such as “toward” (vs. “towards”) and “forward” (vs. “forwards”).
Is “afterword” related to “afterward”?
No. “Afterword” refers to a section at the end of a book, while “afterward(s)” means “later.” They sound similar but differ completely in meaning and function.
Which should I use in professional writing?
Follow your target audience’s convention. If you’re writing for American readers, use “afterward.” For international or British readers, “afterwards” feels more natural.
Conclusion
Language thrives on variation, and afterward vs. afterwards perfectly illustrates that. Both forms have stood the test of time, carrying the same meaning but taking slightly different linguistic paths. Whether you’re writing a business email, a novel, or an academic paper, choosing the right form is easy once you know your audience.
So remember—there’s no wrong choice, only a regional one. Write clearly, stay consistent, and your readers will understand you perfectly—no matter which side of the Atlantic they’re on.
I’m Sameer — a passionate English enthusiast who loves exploring words, grammar, and the art of effective communication. ✍️