Skip to Content

Afterward vs. Afterwards: Which One Should You Use?

Sharing is caring!

Are you struggling to understand the difference between “afterward” and “afterwards” and when to use each one? You’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but they actually have slightly different meanings and usage. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between “afterward” and “afterwards” and provide examples to help you master their usage.

To help you understand the difference, we’ll provide a variety of examples that illustrate how each word is used in different contexts. We’ll also discuss some of the nuances of usage that can help you determine which word to use in a given situation. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of the differences between “afterward” and “afterwards” and be able to use them correctly in your writing.

Afterward vs. Afterwards – Image

Afterward vs. Afterwards: Which One Should You Use?

Afterward vs. Afterwards

When it comes to writing, choosing the right word can make a big difference in how your message is perceived. Two words that often cause confusion are “afterward” and “afterwards.”

“Afterward” is an adverb that means “at a later time” or “following an event.” It is commonly used in American English, although it is also used in other English-speaking countries.

“Afterwards” is also an adverb that means “at a later time” or “following an event.” However, it is more commonly used in British English than in American English.

Regional Preferences

When it comes to using afterward or afterwards, there is no clear preference for either word in American English. Both words are used interchangeably, and it really comes down to personal preference. However, there are some regional differences in the usage of these words.

North American writers tend to favor afterward, while English speakers from outside the U.S. and Canada tend to favor afterwards. This is not to say that one is more correct than the other, but it is worth noting if you are writing for a specific audience.

For example, if you are writing a paper for a British professor, it may be better to use afterwards instead of afterward. On the other hand, if you are writing for an American audience, afterward may be the better choice.

Here are some examples of how both words are used in different regions:

  • American English: “Afterward, we went to the movies.”
  • British English: “Afterwards, we went to the cinema.”
  • American English: “I’ll call you afterward.”
  • British English: “I’ll call you afterwards.”

Origins and Etymology

The words “afterward” and “afterwards” have similar meanings and are often used interchangeably, but their origins and etymology are different.

The word “afterward” is derived from the Old English word “æfterweard,” which means “behind, in back, in the rear.” The suffix “-ward” indicates direction, and “æfter” means “after.” Over time, the word evolved to become “afterward,” which is used in American English.

On the other hand, “afterwards” is the standard British English spelling. It is derived from the Old English word “æfterweardnes,” which means “posterity.” The word “afterwards” is a combination of “after” and the adverbial genitive “-s,” which means “belonging to.”

Both words have been in use for centuries and have similar meanings. They are used to indicate that something happened later than the time being referred to. For example:

  • “I finished my work, and afterward/afterwards, I went for a walk.”
  • “She ate dinner first and then afterward/afterwards watched a movie.”

Despite their differences in origin and spelling, the two words can be used interchangeably in most contexts.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

Many people mistakenly believe that there is a significant difference between “afterward” and “afterwards.” However, this is not the case. In fact, the two words are interchangeable and mean exactly the same thing. The choice between the two is often simply a matter of personal preference or regional dialect.

One common misconception is that “afterward” is the American spelling and “afterwards” is the British spelling. While it is true that “afterwards” is more commonly used in British English, both spellings are acceptable in both dialects.

Another common mistake is to use “afterword” instead of “afterward” or “afterwards.” An “afterword” is a section at the end of a book that is written by the author or editor and provides additional information or commentary. It is not a synonym for “afterward” or “afterwards.”

To help clarify the proper usage of “afterward” and “afterwards,” here are some example sentences:

  • I will call you afterward to discuss the details.
  • I will call you afterwards to discuss the details.
  • Afterward, we went to grab some lunch.
  • Afterwards, we went to grab some lunch.

As you can see, both “afterward” and “afterwards” can be used interchangeably in these sentences.

In summary, the choice between “afterward” and “afterwards” is a matter of personal preference or regional dialect. Both words are correct and can be used interchangeably. Just be sure not to confuse them with “afterword,” which has a completely different meaning.

Tips for Correct Usage

1. Formal vs. Informal Writing

Afterward is generally used in formal writing, whereas afterwards is more commonly used in informal writing.

Example:

  • Formal: The meeting ended at 5 p.m. Afterward, we all went home.
  • Informal: The concert was amazing. Afterwards, we went out for pizza.

2. Other -ward/-wards Pairs

Remember that afterward and afterwards are just two of many -ward/-wards pairs in English. Other examples include forward/forwards, backward/backwards, and upward/upwards.

Example:

  • Correct: He moved forward/forwards to shake my hand.
  • Incorrect: He moved forward/forwards to shake my hand.

3. Use Context to Choose

When in doubt, choose the spelling that sounds more natural in the context of your writing. If you are unsure, look for examples of similar language usage in the same region or genre of writing.

Example:

  • American English: We will discuss the project afterward.
  • British English: We will discuss the project afterwards.

In conclusion, both afterward and afterwards are correct spellings, but their usage depends on the context and region. By following these tips, you can ensure that you are using these words correctly in your writing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the words “afterward” and “afterwards” are interchangeable and have the same meaning. However, there are some slight differences in usage and preference depending on the region and context.

In North America, “afterward” is more commonly used while “afterwards” is more commonly used in the UK and other English-speaking countries.

It is important to note that both words are adverbs and should not be used as nouns.

Here are some examples to illustrate the differences between “afterward” and “afterwards”:

Sentence Correct Usage
He spoke afterward. “Afterward” is used correctly to modify the verb “spoke.”
He spoke about the afterward. Incorrect usage – “afterward” should not be used as a noun.
She will arrive afterwards. “Afterwards” is used correctly to modify the verb “arrive.”
She will arrive after the afterwards. Incorrect usage – “afterwards” should not be used as a noun.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ‘afterward’ and ‘afterwards’?

‘Afterward’ and ‘afterwards’ are both adverbs that mean ‘at a later time’ or ‘following an event.’ The only difference between the two is that ‘afterwards’ is more commonly used in British English, while ‘afterward’ is more common in American English.

When should you use ‘afterward’ instead of ‘afterwards’?

If you are writing for an American audience, it is generally recommended to use ‘afterward.’ However, if you are writing for a British audience, it is more appropriate to use ‘afterwards.’

Is ‘afterwards’ more commonly used in British or American English?

‘Afterwards’ is more commonly used in British English, while ‘afterward’ is more common in American English.

Can ‘afterward’ and ‘afterwards’ be used interchangeably?

Yes, ‘afterward’ and ‘afterwards’ can be used interchangeably. However, it is important to note that ‘afterwards’ is more commonly used in British English, while ‘afterward’ is more common in American English.

Could you give an example of how to use ‘afterwards’ correctly in a sentence?

Here is an example sentence: “Afterwards, I went to the store to buy some groceries.” In this sentence, ‘afterwards’ is used to indicate that the speaker went to the store at a later time than the one previously mentioned.

'Afterward' and 'afterwards' are both adverbs that mean 'at a later time' or 'following an event.' The only difference between the two is that 'afterwards' is more commonly used in British English, while 'afterward' is more common in American English.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"When should you use 'afterward' instead of 'afterwards'?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

If you are writing for an American audience, it is generally recommended to use 'afterward.' However, if you are writing for a British audience, it is more appropriate to use 'afterwards.'

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is the meaning of 'afterward' in writing?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

In writing, 'afterward' is often used to show that an event happened at a later time than the one previously mentioned. It is also used to indicate a sequence of events.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is 'afterwards' more commonly used in British or American English?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

'Afterwards' is more commonly used in British English, while 'afterward' is more common in American English.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can 'afterward' and 'afterwards' be used interchangeably?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

Yes, 'afterward' and 'afterwards' can be used interchangeably. However, it is important to note that 'afterwards' is more commonly used in British English, while 'afterward' is more common in American English.

"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Could you give an example of how to use 'afterwards' correctly in a sentence?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"

Sure! Here is an example sentence: \"Afterwards, I went to the store to buy some groceries.\" In this sentence, 'afterwards' is used to indicate that the speaker went to the store at a later time than the one previously mentioned.

\n

To summarize, 'afterward' and 'afterwards' are adverbs that mean 'at a later time' or 'following an event.' While they can be used interchangeably, 'afterwards' is more commonly used in British English, while 'afterward' is more common in American English.

"}}]}

ESLBUZZ