Afterward or Afterwards is a common grammar confusion that many English learners and even native speakers face. Both words mean “later” or “after something happens,” but their usage depends on style, region, and writing preference. If you’ve ever paused while writing, wondering which one sounds correct, you’re not alone.
In simple terms, “afterward” is more common in American English, while “afterwards” is often used in British English. The good news is that both are correct, and the meaning stays the same. Once you understand the slight difference in tone and location-based usage, you’ll be able to choose the right word confidently in any sentence.
Afterward vs Afterwards — The Short Answer Writers Need
| Word | Meaning | Grammar Role | Main Usage Region |
| Afterward | At a later time | Adverb | American English |
| Afterwards | At a later time | Adverb | British English |
Key fact: There is zero difference in meaning. Only the spelling style changes.
Both words describe something happening later. That’s it. No secret nuance. No hidden grammar twist.
What Does “Afterward(s)” Actually Mean?
Both versions mean:
- At a later time
- Following an event
- Subsequently
It functions as an adverb of time, which means it modifies a verb and answers the question “when?”
Examples
- We watched the game and went home afterward.
- She called me afterwards to explain.
The action happens first. The word points to what follows.
Why This Word Confuses So Many People
The confusion comes from three things:
- It looks like a spelling error
- School grammar rarely explains regional variants
- Many websites claim one is “wrong”
That last part is flat-out incorrect. This is not a right-versus-wrong issue. It’s a style and geography issue.
Think of it like color vs colour. Same meaning. Different audience.
The Real Rule: American vs British English
This is the rule that matters.
| Region | Preferred Form |
| United States | Afterward |
| United Kingdom | Afterwards |
| Australia | Afterwards |
| Canada | Both appear, “afterwards” slightly more common |
| Academic US writing | Afterward |
If you write for an American audience, drop the “s.”
If you write for a British or international audience, the “s” often stays.
Why British English Adds the “-s”
This pattern appears in several adverbs. It’s not random.
| American English | British English |
| Toward | Towards |
| Forward | Forwards |
| Backward | Backwards |
| Afterward | Afterwards |
The extra “s” is a traditional British style feature. It does not change the grammar function.
Grammar Role: Part of Speech
Both forms act as adverbs.
Adverbs describe:
- When something happens
- Where something happens
- How something happens
“Afterward(s)” answers when.
Example Breakdown
| Sentence | Verb | Adverb |
| He left afterward. | left | afterward |
| They met afterwards. | met | afterwards |
Remove the adverb and the time detail disappears.
Where to Place “Afterward” or “Afterwards” in a Sentence
Placement affects tone more than grammar.
Most natural position
- We talked afterward.
At the beginning
- Afterward, we discussed the results.
Less natural
- We afterward discussed the results.
That last one sounds stiff. English prefers the end or start.
Read More:Empathetic vs Empathic: Meaning, Differences, and Psychology Explained
Afterward vs Later — Not Always the Same
People treat these words as twins. They aren’t identical.
| Word | Tone | Precision |
| Afterward(s) | Slightly formal | Refers to a specific previous event |
| Later | Casual | General time in the future |
Example
- We had dinner. We talked afterward.
- I’ll call you later.
“Afterward” connects to something already mentioned.
Afterward vs Then — Timing Difference
| Word | Meaning |
| Then | Immediate sequence |
| Afterward(s) | Later, not necessarily immediate |
Example
- She finished work then went home.
- She finished work and went home afterward.
The second leaves room for time in between.
Common Mistakes Writers Make
Mixing styles
Using “afterward” and “afterwards” in the same article makes writing look careless.
Using it as a noun
❌ The afterward was exciting.
It’s not a noun.
Overusing it
Sometimes “later” sounds more natural.
Is One More Formal?
No. The “s” doesn’t add sophistication. It signals geography, not elegance.
Style Guide Preferences
| Style Guide | Recommendation |
| AP Stylebook | Afterward |
| Chicago Manual of Style | Afterward |
| British publishing standards | Afterwards |
Professional American publications favor the no-“s” form.
SEO and Audience Targeting Tip
Search engines notice language patterns.
If your site uses color, organize, and center, use afterward.
If you use colour, organise, and centre, use afterwards.
Consistency builds authority signals.
Sentence Examples in Context
American Style Paragraph
We completed the training session and reviewed notes afterward. Everyone felt clearer about the process.
British Style Paragraph
We completed the training session and reviewed notes afterwards. Everyone felt clearer about the process.
Same idea. Different regional voices.
Case Study: News Writing
American outlets like CNN and The New York Times consistently use afterward. British papers like The Guardian prefer afterwards. Editors follow house style to maintain uniformity.
When You Should Avoid Both Words
Sometimes another word works better.
| Instead of | Consider |
| Afterward(s) | Later |
| Afterward(s) | Subsequently |
| Afterward(s) | Eventually |
Variety keeps writing natural.
Quick Memory Trick
If your document says favorite, choose afterward.
If it says favourite, choose afterwards.
Advanced Usage Insight
In legal and academic US writing, the shorter afterward appears more often because American English favors simpler forms. The “-s” version survives in British institutional language.
Historical Note
Earlier English used both forms freely. Over time, American English simplified spellings while British English preserved older variants.
Pronunciation
Both words sound almost identical. The final “s” barely changes sound in normal speech.
Do Other Adverbs Follow This Pattern?
Yes. This is part of a larger spelling system difference.
| Type | American | British |
| Direction | Toward | Towards |
| Movement | Forward | Forwards |
| Time | Afterward | Afterwards |
Seeing the pattern makes the rule easier.
How to Choose the Right One Every Time
Follow this checklist:
- Identify your audience
- Match regional spelling
- Stay consistent
- Don’t mix forms
That’s all you need.
Examples in Professional Writing
Business Email
We finished the presentation and sent the slides afterward.
Storytelling
He apologized afterwards and offered to fix the mistake.
FAQ
Is “afterwards” wrong in American English?
No, but it looks out of place.
Can I use both in one article?
Avoid it. Pick one style.
Is “afterward” formal?
It’s neutral.
Is there a meaning difference?
None.
Do many words follow this -s pattern?
Yes, especially direction and time adverbs.
Conclusion
Afterward and afterwards mean the same thing. Both work as adverbs. Both describe something happening later. The only real difference comes down to regional English and writing consistency.
If your audience is American, stick with afterward. If your readers lean British or international, afterwards fits better. That single letter quietly tells readers which language system you follow. It signals polish without shouting for attention.
