Both afterward and afterwards are correct, and they mean the exact same thing. The only real difference comes down to style and personal preference, not grammar.
Afterward is the more common form in everyday writing, while afterwards shows up often too. Either one works — the real key is staying consistent.
What Does “Afterward” Mean?
Afterward functions only as an adverb. It modifies a verb by telling you when the action happened — specifically, after something else.
Example Sentences Using Afterward
- We ate dinner, and afterward we watched a movie.
- She apologized and felt better afterward.
- He finished the report and left the office afterward.
Why People Lean Toward Afterward
Shorter words tend to feel snappier in writing. Afterward drops the extra “s,” which makes sentences read a little faster and cleaner — a small but real reason many writers default to it.
More Posts:Advisor or Adviser – Meaning, Differences & Usage
What Does “Afterwards” Mean?
Afterwards means the identical thing as afterward — “at a later time” or “following an event.” The meaning never shifts based on that final letter.
Just like its counterpart, afterwards is strictly an adverb. It never acts as a noun, adjective, or verb.
Example Sentences Using Afterwards
- They talked for hours, and afterwards, everyone went home.
- He felt nervous afterwards but relieved.
- We cleaned the kitchen, and afterwards we relaxed.
When You’ll Still See Afterwards Often
Many novels, memoirs, and formal essays use afterwards simply because it fits the rhythm of the sentence better. Word rhythm — not grammar rules — often drives the choice.
Afterward vs. Afterwards Differences
There is no difference in meaning between these two words. Both describe a sequence — one event, then another.
| Feature | Afterward | Afterwards |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | At a later time | At a later time |
| Part of speech | Adverb | Adverb |
| Common in | News, business writing | Fiction, formal prose |
| Length | Shorter | One syllable longer |
| Correctness | Fully correct | Fully correct |
More Posts:Learned or Learnt – Meaning, Differences & Usage
Which Should You Use in Your Writing?
Pick whichever version matches the tone of your writing project. Business emails, reports, and web content often favor afterward for its shorter, punchier feel.
Longer-form writing — essays, stories, and reflective pieces — sometimes flows better with afterwards, especially at the start of a sentence.
Style Guide Guidance
Most major U.S. style guides, including AP style, lean toward afterward as the standard choice in journalism and business writing.
What to Use for Everyday Writing
For emails, resumes, blog posts, and casual writing, afterward is the safer, cleaner default. It reads naturally in almost any context.
FAQs About Afterward or Afterwards
Can I use “afterward” in the UK?
Yes, it’s understood everywhere, though afterwards is the more common choice in British writing.
Is “afterwards” more formal?
No — formality comes from sentence structure and word choice overall, not from this one spelling difference.
Which should I use in academic writing?
Either works well in academic papers; just stay consistent with your chosen style guide throughout the document.
What’s the difference between “afterwards” and “then”?
“Then” shows a logical or sequential order of events, while afterwards simply marks a point in time after something else happened.
What’s the difference between “subsequently” and “afterwards”?
“Subsequently” often implies cause and effect between two events, while afterwards just states one thing followed another in time.
Conclusion
Both afterward and afterwards are grammatically correct and mean exactly the same thing. Pick the version that fits your writing style, then stay consistent throughout your document. That one habit alone will make your writing look polished and professional.
Hi, I’m John Henry, the voice behind Grammar Nudge. I make grammar simple and easy to understand, from basic rules to advanced writing tips. Clear explanations. Practical examples. No confusion.
Related Posts
