Have you ever paused mid-sentence wondering whether to use “afterward” or “afterwards”? You’re not alone. These two adverbs are nearly identical in meaning, yet their spelling and usage can confuse even experienced writers. Let’s break down the difference, meaning of afterward vs afterwards, their origins, regional preferences, and when to use one over the other.
Whether you’re writing for a U.S. audience, British readers, or a global audience, this article will help you make a confident choice every time.
Why People Confuse “Afterward” and “Afterwards”
At first glance, afterward and afterwards seem interchangeable. They mean the same thing and function as adverbs indicating that something happened later in time. So why does confusion persist?
Because their difference is subtle and tied mostly to regional spelling preferences, not to their definitions or grammatical roles. Many people mistakenly assume one is more formal or “correct” than the other.
Let’s clear it up once and for all.
What Do “Afterward” and “Afterwards” Mean?
Both words are adverbs and refer to a later time or subsequent event. They are used to connect two events in time, one following the other.
Definitions:
- Afterward (US spelling): At a later time; subsequently.
- Afterwards (UK spelling): At a later or future time; subsequently.
Both terms belong to a category of adverbs known as adverbs of time, and neither carries any formal or informal connotation inherently.
Example: We had dinner, and afterward, we watched a movie.
Example: We had dinner, and afterwards, we went for a walk.
Functionally, there’s no difference in meaning.
Is There a Real Difference Between Them?
The truth is: there is no difference in meaning between afterward and afterwards. The interchangeability of forms is widely accepted in modern English, with only spelling differences based on the region.
| Term | Meaning | Function | Formality | Interchangeable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afterward | Later in time | Adverb | Neutral | Yes |
| Afterwards | Later in time | Adverb | Neutral | Yes |
So where does the divergence happen? In regional usage, not in grammar.
Usage in American English vs British English
This is where things get interesting. The difference lies in which variant of English you’re using.
American English:
- Prefers “afterward”
- Avoids the “-s” endings for most adverbs
- Aligns with simpler suffix use
British English:
- Prefers “afterwards”
- Follows a broader pattern of adding -s to directional or time-related adverbs
This also applies to other word pairs:
- toward (US) vs towards (UK)
- backward (US) vs backwards (UK)
- forward (US) vs forwards (UK)
Quick Comparison Table:
| Spelling Variant | Preferred In | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Afterward | USA | She left shortly afterward. |
| Afterwards | UK, Ireland | He apologized afterwards. |
Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand English Conventions
How do other English-speaking countries treat these words?
Canadian English:
- Often blends UK and US conventions
- Both “afterward” and “afterwards” are used
- Slight preference toward UK style in formal writing
Australian English & New Zealand English:
- Tend to favor British spelling, so “afterwards” is more common
- That said, “afterward” won’t be seen as incorrect
Tip: When writing for a global audience, choose one form and stick to it. That’s where consistency in writing becomes crucial.
Which One Should You Use?
Usage Guidance Based on Target Audience:
- Writing for U.S. readers? Use afterward.
- Writing for a British or international audience? Use afterwards.
- If unsure, match the style guide or publication standard you’re working with.
Consistency in writing is more important than the actual choice between the two. Mixing both forms in a single document can distract readers or appear unpolished.
Examples in Context
Understanding the meaning of afterward vs afterwards is easier with real-world usage.
Afterward Examples:
- “The concert ended, and we went home afterward.”
- “He was tired afterward, but happy.”
- “I’ll speak with her afterward about the meeting.”
Afterwards Examples:
- “They watched a movie and went out for drinks afterwards.”
- “Afterwards, I realized I had forgotten my umbrella.”
- “She smiled, and afterwards, she waved goodbye.”
Notice how the tone doesn’t change at all. It’s purely a spelling variation.
Synonyms & Similar Expressions
Both afterward and afterwards can be swapped with other time-based adverbs depending on the tone or context.
Interchangeable Synonyms:
- Later
- Then
- Subsequently
- Next
Context-Specific Alternatives:
- In the aftermath
- In due course
- Later on
- Soon after
Comparison Table:
| Phrase | Usage Context | Formality |
|---|---|---|
| Later | Informal | Low |
| Subsequently | Academic, legal | High |
| In due course | Polite, delayed event | Medium |
| After the fact | Retrospective analysis | Medium |
Tip: When you want variety in writing, swap in these alternatives to avoid repetition.
Origins of the Terms “Afterward” and “Afterwards”
Origins of “Afterward”
- From Old English “æfterweard”, meaning “toward the back or rear”
- The suffix -ward means “in the direction of”
- Adopted into Middle English as “afterward”
Origins of “Afterwards”
- Formed by adding the -s to the base word “afterward”
- Reflects the British English pattern of adding -s to certain adverbs
- The “-s” ending does not change the meaning—only the regional style
Adverbs Ending in -ward vs -wards
This is part of a larger trend in English:
| US Preferred | UK Preferred |
|---|---|
| toward | towards |
| forward | forwards |
| upward | upwards |
| backward | backwards |
| afterward | afterwards |
The -ward form tends to be slightly more direct or formal, but the distinction has more to do with tradition than function.
Common Misconceptions & Mistakes
Let’s clear up a few lingering myths:
❌ Myth: “Afterwards” is more formal
Truth: Both are neutral in tone. Formality comes from sentence structure, not the word form.
❌ Myth: “Afterward” is more modern
Truth: Both forms date back hundreds of years. Neither is more “modern” than the other.
❌ Mistake: Mixing both forms in one document
Fix: Choose one and be consistent throughout. Use the form aligned with your audience.
Case Study: Real-World Usage Analysis
Academic Writing:
- American journals like Harvard Review use “afterward”
- British publications such as The Guardian use “afterwards”
Fiction Writing:
- U.S. novelists (e.g., Stephen King) use “afterward”
- UK authors (e.g., J.K. Rowling) use “afterwards”
“He closed the door softly. Afterward, there was only silence.” — Stephen King
“They walked through the garden. Afterwards, she wouldn’t remember the scent of the roses.” — J.K. Rowling
This shows how both forms function identically across different tones and styles.
Quick-Reference Table: Afterward vs Afterwards
| Feature | Afterward | Afterwards |
|---|---|---|
| Region | American English | British English |
| Common In | US, Canada (mixed) | UK, Australia, NZ |
| Form | Adverb | Adverb |
| Tone | Neutral | Neutral |
| Example | “Let’s talk afterward.” | “They left afterwards.” |
Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?
There’s no winner in the afterward vs afterwards debate—only context and consistency.
If you’re in the U.S. or writing for American readers:
Use: Afterward
If you’re writing for British, Australian, or international audiences:
Use: Afterwards
And if you’re writing for a mixed audience or global web content? Pick one form and stick with it throughout your piece.
The goal is clarity and consistency, not conforming to imaginary rules.
FAQs About Afterward vs Afterwards
Can I use “afterwards” in American writing?
Yes, but it’s less common. “Afterward” is more standard in U.S. English.
Is “afterward” wrong in British writing?
Not wrong, but less common. “Afterwards” is the usual choice.
Are “afterward” and “afterwards” interchangeable in grammar?
Yes. The only difference is spelling and regional preference.
Why do some adverbs end in -ward and others in -wards?
It’s a British English pattern to add -s. In American English, the simpler -ward is favored.
Which form should I teach ESL students?
Teach both. Explain the regional differences, and let them choose based on context.
In the end, whether you choose “afterward” or “afterwards,” what matters most is clarity and consistency. Both words are correct. So write confidently, know your audience, and never second-guess this subtle choice again.