“Afterward” and “afterwards” have the same meaning and are both correct English words. The main difference is regional preference and writing style.
The key idea: American English vs British English preference.
Understanding the difference will help you choose the spelling that best matches your audience or writing style.
Quick Answer
- ✅ Afterward – More common in American English
- ✅ Afterwards – More common in British English
- ✏️ Remember: No “s” = American style, “s” = British style
Clear Explanation
What Does “Afterward” Mean?
Afterward is an adverb meaning:
- later
- after something happens
- subsequently
Examples:
- We went home afterward.
- She apologized afterward.
- They talked afterward about the event.
- He felt tired afterward.
- We had dinner afterward.
👉 “Afterward” is more commonly used in:
- American English
- U.S. publications
- American business writing
Common Uses of “Afterward”
1. Referring to Later Events
Examples:
- afterward we left
- afterward they spoke
Example Sentence:
- We watched a movie and relaxed afterward.
2. Describing Consequences
Examples:
- felt sick afterward
- regretted it afterward
Example Sentence:
- She felt better afterward.
3. Sequential Actions
Examples:
- eat afterward
- discuss afterward
Example Sentence:
- The team met afterward to review the project.
What Does “Afterwards” Mean?
Afterwards has exactly the same meaning:
- later
- after that
- subsequently
Examples:
- We went home afterwards.
- She apologized afterwards.
- He rested afterwards.
- They discussed the issue afterwards.
- The children played afterwards.
👉 “Afterwards” is more commonly used in:
- British English
- UK publications
- Commonwealth English
Common Uses of “Afterwards”
1. Talking About Later Actions
Examples:
- afterwards we ate
- afterwards they left
Example Sentence:
- They went for coffee afterwards.
2. Describing What Happened Next
Examples:
- cried afterwards
- relaxed afterwards
Example Sentence:
- He slept peacefully afterwards.
Key Difference
| Feature | Afterward | Afterwards |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Same | Same |
| English Style | American English | British English |
| Pronunciation | Same | Same |
| Preferred In | United States | UK/Commonwealth |
Which One to Use and When
Use “Afterward” When:
- Writing American English
- Writing for U.S. readers
- Following American style guides
Examples:
- afterward we talked
- relaxed afterward
- met afterward
- traveled afterward
- discussed afterward
Example Sentences:
- We ate afterward.
- She called me afterward.
- The team celebrated afterward.
Use “Afterwards” When:
- Writing British English
- Writing for UK or Commonwealth audiences
- Following British style conventions
Examples:
- afterwards we spoke
- slept afterwards
- met afterwards
- traveled afterwards
- discussed afterwards
Example Sentences:
- We went home afterwards.
- He apologized afterwards.
- The children played afterwards.
Common Mistakes People Make
1. Thinking One Is Wrong
Both spellings are correct.
2. Mixing English Styles
Avoid switching between:
- afterward
and - afterwards
in the same document.
3. Assuming Meaning Changes
The meaning stays the same.
4. Adding “s” Randomly
Use one style consistently.
5. Confusing It With “After”
“Afterward(s)” refers to a later time, not simply position in sequence.
Easy Memory Trick
👉 Afterward = American English
👉 Afterwards = British English
Think:
- American English often drops extra “s” endings.
Real-Life Examples
Correct Use of “Afterward”
- We talked afterward.
- She felt tired afterward.
- They met afterward to celebrate.
Correct Use of “Afterwards”
- We had tea afterwards.
- He apologized afterwards.
- They rested afterwards.
Practice Exercise
Fill in the blanks:
- American English commonly uses “______.”
- British English commonly uses “______.”
- Both words mean “later.”
Answers:
- afterward
- afterwards
- true
Quick Quiz
- Which spelling is more common in American English?
a) Afterwards
b) Afterward - Which spelling is more common in British English?
a) Afterward
b) Afterwards - Do both words have the same meaning?
a) Yes
b) No
Correct Answers:
- b) Afterward
- b) Afterwards
- a) Yes
Why This Confusion Happens
The confusion happens because:
- both spellings are correct
- pronunciation is identical
- English differs by region
However:
- afterward is more American
- afterwards is more British
Helpful Tip for Better Writing
Choose one style and stay consistent:
- American English → afterward
- British English → afterwards
Conclusion
The difference between “afterward” and “afterwards” is mainly regional preference. Both mean “later” or “after that,” but afterward is more common in American English, while afterwards is preferred in British English.
👉 Afterward = American English
👉 Afterwards = British English
Using the correct regional style will make your writing clearer and more professional.
