Afterward vs. Afterwards: Which One Should You Use and Why?

Afterward vs. Afterwards: Which One Should You Use and Why? explains the difference between two correct and interchangeable forms in English.

In my writing, I find afterward and afterwards equally safe to use because neither is incorrect. Across the English-speaking world, North American writers often favor afterward, while English speakers outside the U.S. and Canada often prefer afterwards. There is no strict rule, and exceptions are easily found. In modern usage, afterward uses the directional suffix -ward, while afterwards uses the parallel -wards ending. Both forms are common, especially in different regions, and in America, the -ward form is generally more common. Either form works when it sounds better in context.

A similar pattern appears in related pairs, including forward and forwards, though their definitions are not always identical. With afterward and afterwards, the meanings remain undifferentiated and exactly the same. I also see afterward confused with afterword because these words are homophones, or near homophones: they sound alike, but are spelled differently and have different meanings. The two have little in common beyond their similar sound. Afterword is a publishing term for material at the end of a book, so keeping the words separate makes the distinction clearer.

Afterward vs. Afterwards: The Quick Answer

Here’s the simplest possible rule:

• Afterward = preferred mainly in American English
• Afterwards = used mainly in British English
• Both words mean the same thing
• Both are adverbs
• Both are grammatically correct

For example:

“We had dinner, and afterward we watched a movie.”

And:

“We had dinner, and afterwards we watched a movie.”

The meaning doesn’t change. The movie still happens after dinner. Nothing magical happens because one version has an extra s.

According to Merriam-Webster’s definition of “afterward”, the word means “at a later or succeeding time.” The dictionary also lists afterwards as a variant. Cambridge similarly identifies afterward as mainly American and afterwards as mainly British.

What Does Afterward Mean?

Afterward means later, after that, or following a previously mentioned event.

It usually refers back to something that has already happened or has just been mentioned.

For example:

• “We finished the meeting and talked afterward.”
• “She felt nervous before the interview but relaxed afterward.”
• “The storm passed, and the streets were quiet afterward.”
• “What happened afterward surprised everyone.”

In each example, afterward points to a later point in time.

Think of it like a small arrow pointing forward:

Event A → Afterward → Event B

For example:

Job interview → afterward → coffee with a friend

The word helps connect the second event to the first.

Afterward as an Adverb

Grammatically, afterward functions as an adverb. That means it adds information about when something happens.

Consider this sentence:

“They celebrated afterward.”

The word afterward answers the question:

When did they celebrate?

The answer is: after the event already mentioned or understood from context.

You can place it in different parts of a sentence:

• Afterward, we discussed the results.
• We afterward discussed the results.
• We discussed the results afterward.

The last version usually sounds the most natural in everyday American English.

Common Ways to Use Afterward

Writers often use afterward to describe what happened following:

• a meeting
• a conversation
• a meal
• an event
• a decision
• an accident
• a major change

For example:

“The team announced the decision, and employees received more details afterward.”

The sentence creates a clear timeline without repeating the entire earlier event.

That’s one reason afterward is useful. It keeps writing moving instead of dragging the reader back through information they already know.

What Does Afterwards Mean?

Afterwards has essentially the same meaning as afterward.

It means:

• after that
• later
• following that event
• at a later time

For example:

• “We went for a walk afterwards.”
• “She called me afterwards.”
• “The presentation ended, and afterwards everyone asked questions.”
• “I didn’t understand the decision until much later afterwards.”

That final example is technically possible, but it sounds awkward because later and afterwards already express similar ideas. Usually, one time marker is enough.

Cambridge defines afterwards as an adverb meaning after the time mentioned and labels it mainly British, with afterward as the usual American form.

Does the “S” Change the Meaning?

No.

This is the heart of the afterward vs. afterwards debate.

The extra s does not create a new meaning. It doesn’t make the action happen later. It doesn’t make the word more formal. It simply reflects a variation in English usage.

Compare:

“We spoke afterward.”

“We spoke afterwards.”

Same action. Same timeline. Same meaning.

The difference lies mainly in regional convention.

Afterward vs. Afterwards: The Main Differences

The table below shows the practical distinction between the two forms.

Feature	Afterward	Afterwards
Meaning	At a later time	At a later time
Part of speech	Adverb	Adverb
Grammatically correct?	Yes	Yes
Common in American English	Yes	Less common
Common in British English	Yes	Especially common
Meaning changes with spelling?	No	No
Best default for US readers	Yes	Usually no
Best default for UK readers	Acceptable	Often yes

The important point is simple: this is not a battle between right and wrong.

It’s mostly a question of which version sounds most natural to your audience.

Afterward vs. Afterwards in American English

If you’re writing for a US audience, afterward is generally the safest choice.

For example:

“The concert ended, and we went out for dessert afterward.”

That sounds completely natural to American readers.

You may still see afterwards in American writing. It isn’t automatically incorrect. However, Cambridge labels afterward as the usual American form and afterwards as mainly British.

Why Audience Matters

Imagine you’re writing:

• a blog for US readers
• a college essay using American English
• website content for an American business
• marketing copy aimed at the United States

In those cases, afterward fits the broader language convention.

That doesn’t mean an American reader will stare at afterwards like they’ve discovered an alien transmission. They’ll understand it perfectly.

Still, natural writing often comes down to small choices. These choices help your content sound like it belongs to the audience you’re trying to reach.

Afterward vs. Afterwards in British English

In British English, afterwards is especially common.

For example:

“We went to the theater and had dinner afterwards.”

That sentence sounds natural in British usage.

However, afterward isn’t forbidden in British English. The key difference is preference rather than strict grammar.

This pattern appears in other English word variations too. English is full of regional choices, from spelling differences like color/colour to vocabulary differences like apartment/flat.

The lesson is straightforward:

Choose the English variety you’re writing in, then stay consistent.

Afterward vs. Afterwards in Formal Writing

Neither afterward nor afterwards is automatically more formal.

That’s an important point because many writers assume the longer word must sound more sophisticated. English doesn’t work that way.

Adding one letter doesn’t put on a tuxedo.

Both forms can work in:

• academic writing
• business documents
• professional emails
• journalism
• reports
• creative writing

The real issue is clarity.

Consider:

“The company changed its policy. Afterwards, customer complaints declined.”

The sentence works. However, if the timing matters, a more precise phrase may be stronger:

“The company changed its policy in March. Customer complaints declined during the following quarter.”

The second version gives readers a clearer timeline.

Afterward in Academic Writing

In academic or analytical writing, afterward can help connect events:

“The researchers collected the data and analyzed it afterward.”

However, if the order of events is central to your argument, vague timing may weaken the sentence.

Instead of:

“The results were reviewed afterward.”

You might write:

“The research team reviewed the results after completing the statistical analysis.”

That version tells the reader what happened first.

The rule isn’t “never use afterward.” It’s:

Use afterward when the earlier event is already clear. Use a specific phrase when precision matters.

Afterward in Business Writing

In professional communication, both forms can work. For a US audience, though, afterward usually feels more natural.

Examples:

• “We’ll send the summary afterward.”
• “Please share your feedback afterward.”
• “The training session will include a short survey afterward.”

Clear. Simple. No unnecessary fuss.

Afterward vs. After: Why They Aren’t Always Interchangeable

This is where many writers run into trouble.

After and afterward are related, but they don’t always work the same way.

Using After Before a Noun

You can write:

“We went home after dinner.”

Here, after introduces dinner.

You cannot simply replace it with afterward:

“We went home afterward dinner.” ❌

That’s incorrect.

Instead, write:

“We had dinner, and we went home afterward.” ✅

Using After Before a Clause

You can also write:

“We left after the meeting ended.”

Again, after connects directly to the clause.

You wouldn’t say:

“We left afterward the meeting ended.” ❌

The correct version is:

“The meeting ended, and we left afterward.” ✅

Merriam-Webster lists after in several grammatical roles, including as an adverb, preposition, and conjunction. Afterward, by contrast, is specifically an adverb referring to a later or succeeding time.

A Simple Test

Use this shortcut:

If you need a word before a noun or clause, use “after.”

• after lunch
• after the meeting
• after she arrived

If you’re referring back to an earlier event, afterward or afterwards may work.

• We ate lunch. We talked afterward.
• The meeting ended. She left afterwards.

Afterward vs. Later: Is There a Difference?

Yes, although the two words often overlap.

Compare:

“We talked afterward.”

“We talked later.”

Both suggest that the conversation happened after something else.

However, afterward usually creates a stronger connection to a previously mentioned event.

For example:

“The game ended at 6. We grabbed pizza afterward.”

The timeline is clear:

Game → Pizza

Now consider:

“We grabbed pizza later.”

Later than what?

The reader may understand from context. Still, later can be less specific about the reference point.

When to Use Each Word

Use afterward when you want to connect an action directly to something already mentioned.

Use later when the exact reference point doesn’t matter as much.

For example:

“Call me later.”

That sentence doesn’t need an earlier event.

But:

“Finish the appointment first. Call me afterward.”

Now afterward clearly connects the second action to the appointment.

Afterward vs. Subsequently: Which Sounds Better?

Subsequently also means something happened later, but it usually sounds more formal.

Compare:

“The team reviewed the proposal afterward.”

“The team subsequently reviewed the proposal.”

Both can work. The first sounds more natural in everyday writing.

The second may fit:

• research papers
• legal documents
• formal reports
• technical writing

However, don’t replace a simple word with a longer one just to sound intelligent.

A sentence shouldn’t wear a three-piece suit when a clean T-shirt will do.

Use subsequently when the tone genuinely calls for it. Otherwise, afterward often gives readers a smoother experience.

Common Mistakes With Afterward and Afterwards

Assuming One Form Is Incorrect

Both words are standard English.

The difference is primarily regional, not grammatical.

Switching Between Both Forms Randomly

Suppose your article starts with:

“Afterward, the team met with the client.”

Then later says:

“Afterwards, they sent the final report.”

Nothing has technically gone wrong. Still, the variation may look careless.

Choose one form for a document unless you have a specific reason to switch.

Thinking the Extra “S” Changes Meaning

It doesn’t.

Afterward and afterwards communicate the same basic time relationship.

Using Afterward Before a Noun

Incorrect:

“Afterward the meeting, we went home.” ❌

Correct:

“After the meeting, we went home.” ✅

Or:

“The meeting ended, and we went home afterward.” ✅

Using a Vague Time Word When Precision Matters

Consider:

“The company changed its policy, and afterward sales increased.”

The sentence is understandable. But how long afterward?

One day? One month? One year?

If timing matters, provide it:

“The company changed its policy in January, and sales increased 18% over the following three months.”

Specific details often beat vague transitions.

Real-World Writing Examples

Everyday Conversation

Afterward:

“Let’s grab coffee afterward.”

Afterwards:

“Let’s grab coffee afterwards.”

Both are correct. For a US audience, the first version is generally the more natural default.

Professional Writing

“The team will discuss the proposal afterward.”

For a British audience:

“The team will discuss the proposal afterwards.”

Academic Writing

“Participants completed the questionnaire and were interviewed afterward.”

If you’re writing for readers who use British English:

“Participants completed the questionnaire and were interviewed afterwards.”

Creative Writing

“The room fell silent. Afterwards, nobody spoke for several minutes.”

The British form can also help support a character’s regional voice.

That’s one place where the afterward vs. afterwards choice becomes more than a spelling preference. It can subtly support the setting, narrator, or character.

A Quick Case Study: Writing for Different Audiences

Imagine a company publishes the same article for two audiences.

Version for the United States

“Customers can contact support afterward if they need additional help.”

Version for the United Kingdom

“Customers can contact support afterwards if they need additional help.”

The meaning stays exactly the same.

The change simply aligns the language with the reader’s expected variety of English.

Now imagine the article says:

“Customers can contact support afterwards. Afterward, they may receive a follow-up email.”

This mixed style isn’t necessarily ungrammatical. It may simply feel inconsistent.

A good editor would usually standardize the wording unless the publication has a reason to preserve both forms.

How to Choose Between Afterward and Afterwards

Use this quick decision guide.

Your Situation	Best Choice
Writing for a US audience	Afterward
Writing for a UK audience	Afterwards
Following an American style guide	Usually afterward
Following British English conventions	Often afterwards
Writing fiction with a British voice	Afterwards may fit naturally
Writing for an international audience	Either, but stay consistent
Editing an existing document	Match the established language style

When in doubt, ask one simple question:

Who is reading this?

That answer usually solves the problem.

Afterward vs. Afterwards: Example Sentences

Here are more examples to show how naturally both forms work.

Sentence-Initial Examples

• Afterward, we reviewed the results.
• Afterwards, we reviewed the results.
• Shortly afterward, the lights went out.
• Soon afterwards, the company announced a new plan.

Sentence-Final Examples

• We reviewed the results afterward.
• We reviewed the results afterwards.
• The lights went out shortly afterward.
• The company announced a new plan soon afterwards.

With Longer Sentences

“After the conference ended, several attendees stayed behind, and the organizers answered questions afterward.”

“The company launched the product in April, and afterwards it expanded distribution to several additional markets.”

The second sentence isn’t more formal simply because it uses afterwards. The choice is still mainly regional.

Quick Grammar Test: Afterward or Afterwards?

Try these sentences.

“We finished the project and celebrated ______.”

Answer: Afterward or afterwards

Both are grammatically correct.

Read More: Linchpin vs. Lynchpin: The Real Difference, Correct Spelling & How to Use It

“The manager announced the changes. ______, employees asked questions.”

Answer: Afterward or afterwards

Again, both work.

“What happened ______ changed the entire situation.”

Answer: Afterward or afterwards

Both forms fit.

If you’re writing in American English, choose afterward for consistency. If you’re writing in British English, afterwards is often the more natural choice.

Conclusion:

When it comes to afterward vs. afterwards, there isn’t a difference in basic meaning. Both words are adverbs that mean “at a later time” or “after something has happened.”

The main distinction is regional usage. Afterward is the usual form in American English, while afterwards is more strongly associated with British English. Cambridge specifically labels afterward as US usage and afterwards as mainly UK usage.

For a US audience, afterward is the safest default:

We finished dinner and talked afterward.

If you’re writing for British readers, afterwards is perfectly natural:

We finished dinner and talked afterwards.

Neither form is inherently wrong. The important thing is to match your audience and remain consistent throughout your writing.

One final distinction is worth remembering: after isn’t simply a shorter version of either word. Use after when it introduces a noun, pronoun, or clause, such as “after lunch” or “after we arrived.” Use afterward or afterwards when you mean later or after that.

FAQs:

Is “afterward” or “afterwards” correct?

Both are correct. They have the same basic meaning. Afterward is more typical of American English, while afterwards is more common in British English.

Which is better for American English: afterward or afterwards?

For American English, choose afterward as your default. Cambridge identifies it as the US form, and Merriam-Webster lists afterwards as a variant of afterward.

Is “afterwards” wrong in American English?

No. American English speakers understand and use afterwards. However, afterward is generally the more typical American choice, so it’s preferable when you’re deliberately writing in a US style.

Is “afterward” more formal than “afterwards”?

Not really. The distinction is primarily regional, not one of formality. Both can appear in everyday and formal writing.

What does “afterward” mean?

Afterward means at a later time or after something else has happened.

The meeting ended, and we spoke afterward.

Merriam-Webster defines it as occurring at a later or succeeding time.