You’re writing a sentence: “We went to the park afterward/afterwards.”
And suddenly, you hesitate. Which one is correct? Is it afterward or afterwards?
This is one of those subtle English issues that trips up native speakers, students, and writers alike. Both words are legitimate, but the choice depends on a few nuances: region, formality, and personal preference. Understanding these nuances can make your writing flow naturally and prevent small but noticeable mistakes.
Why People Get Confused
Both words mean the same thing:
“At a later time; following an event.”
So, technically, whether you write afterward or afterwards, the meaning is identical.
The confusion arises mainly from:
- Regional differences – American English favors afterward, while British English leans toward afterwards.
- Frequency in writing – Many people are more familiar with one spelling over the other, making the other seem wrong.
- Pronunciation influence – When spoken, they sound almost identical, so learners of English often assume one is incorrect.
In short, the difference isn’t about meaning—it’s about style and convention.
What “Afterward” Means
Afterward is an adverb used to indicate that something happens later or following another event.
Real-Life Examples:
- “We had lunch and went for a walk afterward.”
- “She apologized, and afterward, they forgave her.”
- “The movie ended, and we went for coffee afterward.”
Notice how afterward naturally follows the main action, showing the sequence of events.
Tip: In American English writing, this is the preferred form.
What “Afterwards” Means
Afterwards carries the exact same meaning as afterward but is more commonly used in British English.
Real-Life Examples:
- “We had a cup of tea and went for a walk afterwards.”
- “He explained the rules, and afterwards, everyone understood.”
- “They finished the meeting, and afterwards, they discussed plans over lunch.”
If you’re writing for a UK audience or following British English conventions, afterwards is the safer choice.
Key Differences Between Afterward and Afterwards
| Feature | Afterward | Afterwards |
|---|---|---|
| Region Preference | American English | British English |
| Meaning | At a later time | At a later time |
| Formality | Neutral | Neutral |
| Writing Style | Slightly more concise | Slightly more formal or traditional |
| Example Sentence | “We went to the cinema afterward.” | “We went to the cinema afterwards.” |
Observation: Despite the regional preference, both forms are grammatically correct. The choice depends on your audience and style guide.
Real-Life Scenarios Where Each Word Appears
1. Everyday Conversation
In spoken English, most people won’t notice whether you say afterward or afterwards. But in written English, consistency matters.
- American: “I finished my homework and went to the park afterward.”
- British: “I finished my homework and went to the park afterwards.”
2. Professional Writing
When writing emails, reports, or essays, choose the version that matches your regional style:
- American English email: “We discussed the proposal and made changes afterward.”
- British English report: “We discussed the proposal and made changes afterwards.”
Consistency shows attention to detail, which is key for professional credibility.
3. Academic Writing
In formal papers, especially if you’re submitting to journals with specific style guides, check their regional preference. Most American journals prefer afterward, while British journals may prefer afterwards.
Example:
- “Participants completed the task and were interviewed afterward/afterwards, depending on the research design.”
4. Storytelling and Narratives
Writers often choose based on rhythm and flow:
- American: “They explored the town and visited the museum afterward.”
- British: “They explored the town and visited the museum afterwards.”
The choice subtly influences the tone and cadence of sentences.
Tips to Remember Which Form to Use
- Know your audience: Are you writing for American or British readers?
- Stay consistent: Don’t mix afterward and afterwards in the same text.
- Use style guides: If writing professionally, check AP Style (American) or Oxford Style Guide (British).
- Think in sequence: Both words indicate “later in time,” so ensure it logically fits the sentence.
Memory trick:
“American English drops the ‘s’ → afterward. British English keeps the ‘s’ → afterwards.”
Synonyms and Variations
Sometimes, using synonyms can make your writing more varied:
- Later
- Subsequently
- Thereafter
- At a later time
Examples Using Synonyms:
- “We finished the meeting and went for lunch later.”
- “She completed the experiment and analyzed the results subsequently.”
- “The show ended, and thereafter, we headed home.”
Using synonyms can reduce repetition while keeping your writing natural.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mixing forms in one document: “We went to the park afterward, and then we had coffee afterwards.” → inconsistent.
- Overusing the word unnecessarily: Sometimes “later” or “then” works better.
- Using nonstandard forms: Don’t invent “afterwardsly” or “afterwardsed.” They aren’t real words.
A Short Interesting Fact
The word afterward appeared in Middle English as afterwardes, showing its origin as a plural-like form that eventually simplified in American English. This explains why Americans prefer the shorter version, while British English retained the longer form.
Practical Guidance for Writers
- American audiences: Default to afterward.
- British audiences: Default to afterwards.
- Consistency: Pick one form and stick with it throughout the piece.
- Alternatives: Use “later” or “subsequently” when repetition feels awkward.
Example in Practice:
American:
“We visited the museum afterward, then enjoyed a meal at the café.”
British:
“We visited the museum afterwards, then enjoyed a meal at the café.”
Notice how both are correct, yet the subtle regional style gives a slightly different feel.
Final Thoughts
The difference between afterward and afterwards is subtle but important for polished writing. Neither is wrong—they both mean “at a later time.” The choice depends on:
- Regional convention (American vs British English)
- Personal or editorial style
- Audience expectations
Once you understand the preference and maintain consistency, using these words becomes second nature. In the end, your writing will feel smooth, professional, and clear—without awkward pauses to second-guess your spelling.
Takeaway:
- Afterward = American English
- Afterwards = British English
- Meaning = identical (“later in time”)
- Tip = stay consistent and consider your audience
Now you can confidently write: “We went to the park afterward” or “We went to the park afterwards”, knowing that both are correct for the right context.