Afterward vs Afterwards: Is There Any Difference?

When it comes to the focus keywords “Afterward vs Afterwards,” many people often wonder if there is any difference. These two words can seem similar, but they come from different styles of English. 

Understanding their meanings, origins, and usage can help you communicate more clearly. This article will explore the differences between “afterward” and “afterwards,” their regional preferences, and how to use them effectively in writing.

Why is There Confusion?

Many people confuse the terms “afterward” and “afterwards.” This confusion often arises due to their similarity in meaning and interchangeable use in conversation. Both words refer to something that happens later. 

However, the choice between these two words often depends on where you are from. In American English, “afterward” is more common, while in British English, “afterwards” is preferred. 

You might be Afterward vs Afterwards: Is There Any Difference?

What Do ‘Afterward’ and ‘Afterwards’ Mean?

Both “afterward” and “afterwards” are temporal adverbs. They indicate that something takes place after a certain event. For example, you might say, “We went to dinner; afterward, we saw a movie.” 

In this case, “afterward” tells us that the movie happened after dinner. The same applies to “afterwards.” You could say, “We went to dinner; afterwards, we saw a movie.” In this sentence, “afterwards” serves the same purpose. Despite their similar meanings, the distinction lies mainly in regional use.

“Afterward” vs “Afterwards”: The Differences

The main difference between “afterward” and “afterwards” is their regional preference. 

Afterward: “Afterward” refers to an event or action that takes place following a specific occurrence or time, indicating a sequence in time.

• Example: “They finished the movie and went out for dinner afterward.”

Afterward: “Afterward” refers to an event or action that takes place following a specific occurrence or time, indicating a sequence in time

• .Example: “They finished the movie and went out for dinner afterward.”

Understanding this distinction can help improve your writing clarity and coherence. It’s also important to note that both words can appear in casual conversation, but you may want to choose the one that fits your audience best. For example, if you are writing for an American audience, “afterward” may feel more natural.

British English Words Ending in ‘s’ vs American English

Here’s a new table comparing British English words ending in ‘s’ with their American English counterparts, using different words from the previous examples:

Word	British English	American English
Aged/Ageing	Ageing	Aging
Cancelled/Canceling	Cancelled	Canceling
Travelled/Traveling	Travelled	Traveling
Modelled/Modeling	Modelled	Modeling
Focussed/Focusing	Focussed	Focusing
Specialised/Specializing	Specialised	Specializing
Realised/Realizing	Realised	Realizing
Organised/Organizing	Organised	Organizing
Prioritised/Prioritizing	Prioritised	Prioritizing
Characterised/Characterizing	Characterised	Characterizing
Emphasised/Emphasizing	Emphasised	Emphasizing
Recognised/Recognizing	Recognised	Recognizing

Read more about Afterward vs Afterwards: Is There Any Difference?

Which One Should You Use: “Afterward” or “Afterwards”?

Choosing between “afterward” and “afterwards” depends on your audience. If your readers are primarily from the 

1. American English. In the U.S., “afterward” is the preferred spelling. It is more commonly used in both spoken and written forms. While “afterwards” is still understood and used, it tends to be more prevalent in 

2. British English. Therefore, if you’re writing for an American audience, you should opt for “afterward” to maintain clarity and coherence in your communication.

3. Canadian English In Canadian English, both “afterward” and “afterwards” are acceptable. However, “afterward” is used more frequently in American-influenced contexts. 

This highlights the blend of British English and American English in Canada. Understanding this can enhance your writing and make it more relatable to your audience.

4. In Australian and New Zealand English, the choice between “afterward” and “afterwards” often leans toward “afterwards.” While both terms are understood, “afterwards” aligns more closely with the British English conventions that influence these regions. As a result, if you’re writing for an audience

 using “afterwards” may resonate better with local readers. However, “afterward” is still acceptable and understood, so the context of your writing can also guide your choice. Ultimately, both terms convey the same meaning, but regional preferences play a significant role in usage.

Examples in Context

Using “afterward” and “afterwards” in sentences can help clarify their meanings.

Afterward Examples

Consider the following sentences that illustrate the use of “afterward”:

• After the meeting concluded, we went for lunch afterward to discuss our ideas.
• She finished her homework early, and afterward, she enjoyed watching her favorite show.
• The team celebrated their victory, and afterward, they planned for the next game.
• I took a long walk in the park, and afterward, I felt refreshed and energized.
• He called his friend to share the news, and afterward, they caught up on old times.
• The movie was quite thrilling, and afterward, everyone talked about their favorite scenes.
• We visited the museum in the morning, and afterward, we explored the nearby café.
• After the concert ended, the fans lingered afterward to meet the band.
• She attended the workshop, and afterward, she felt more confident in her skills.
• The lecture was fascinating, and afterward, the students asked many questions.
• He completed his project ahead of schedule, and afterward, he had time to relax.
• They hiked for several hours, and afterward, they enjoyed a picnic at the summit.

Afterwards Examples

Now, here are some sentences using “afterwards”:

• She finished her chores and went out to play afterwards with her friends.
• The presentation was informative; afterwards, the audience asked insightful questions.
• They had a delicious dinner, and afterwards, they enjoyed dessert together.
• He studied for his exam all night, and afterwards, he felt confident about his answers.
• The team practiced hard all week, and afterwards, they celebrated their hard work with a party.
• She went for a jog in the morning, and afterwards, she felt energized for the day.
• The conference was enlightening, and afterwards, participants shared their thoughts on social media.
• He took a short nap, and afterwards, he was ready to tackle his to-do list.
• The storm passed quickly, and afterwards, the sun came out, brightening the day.
• After finishing the book, she reflected on its themes afterwards during a discussion with friends.
• The meeting was intense, and afterwards, everyone felt relieved to have reached a consensus.
• They explored the city all day, and afterwards, they relaxed at a local café.

Synonyms and Similar Terms to “Afterward” and “Afterwards”

Synonyms for Both “Afterward” and “Afterwards”

Some synonyms for both “afterward” and “afterwards” are:

Subsequently: “Subsequently” refers to something that occurs as a result of a previous action or event, often in a logical sequence.

• Example: “The team finished their report, and subsequently, they presented it to the board.”

Later: “Later” indicates a time occurring after a specified event, suggesting a delay or a different point in time.

• Example: “He went to the gym; later, he met up with friends for dinner.”

After: “After” signifies a sequence in time, indicating that one event follows another.

• Example: “She graduated from college; after, she started her first job.”

Following: “Following” implies something that occurs next in a sequence or as a consequence of a previous event.

• Example: “The event was a success; following that, they planned a celebration.

Eventually: “Eventually” refers to something happening after a while, often implying a longer delay.

• Example: “The project was delayed but eventually completed.”

In the Aftermath: This phrase indicates the period following an event, often used to describe consequences or situations that arise as a result.

• Example: “In the aftermath of the storm, the community came together to rebuild.”

More Specific Alternatives

Depending on context, you might use more specific alternatives. For example:

At a Later Time: This phrase indicates that something will occur after the current moment or after a specific event, without specifying when.

• Example: “The meeting was rescheduled to take place at a later time.”

In the Aftermath: This phrase refers to the consequences or events that follow a significant occurrence, often implying a period of adjustment or recovery.

• Example: “In the aftermath of the accident, the community held a vigil for the victims.”

Subsequent to: This phrase indicates that something occurs after a specific event or time, often in a formal context.

• Example: “Subsequent to the announcement, many people expressed their support.”

Following that: This phrase implies that something happens immediately after a previously mentioned event.

• Example: “She finished her presentation; following that, she answered questions from the audience.”

Later on: This phrase suggests that something will happen after a certain amount of time has passed, typically in a more casual context

• .Example: “We’ll discuss the details later on during our next meeting.”

After some time: This phrase indicates that a certain duration has passed before something occurs.

• Example: “After some time, he decided to pursue a new career path.”

Origins of “Afterward” and “Afterwards”

Understanding the origins of afterward and afterwards adds depth to their usage. 

Origins of “Afterward”

The word “afterward” has its roots in Middle English, deriving from the combination of “after” and the suffix “-ward.” This construction emphasizes a direction or position in time, indicating something that occurs after a specific event. 

The earliest recorded use of “afterward” dates back to the 14th century, showcasing its long-standing presence in the English language. Over the centuries, it has evolved in spelling and usage but has consistently retained its meaning related to time sequence.

Origins of “Afterwards”

The term “afterwards” also traces its origins back to Middle English, stemming from the word “after” combined with the suffix “-wards.” This construction similarly denotes a sequence in time, indicating events that follow a particular point. 

The word emerged in the 14th century and has been a part of the English language for centuries. It reflects the linguistic influences of British English, where the form with the “s” is more commonly utilized.

FAQ” S

What is a focus keyword?

A focus keyword is the primary term you want your content to rank for in search engines.

Why are meta descriptions important?

Meta descriptions help improve click-through rates by summarizing your page content for search engine users.

How long should a meta description be?

A meta description should ideally be between 150-160 characters to ensure it displays fully in search results.

Can I use multiple focus keywords?

It’s best to use one primary focus keyword per page to maintain clarity and improve SEO effectiveness.

How do I write an effective meta description?

An effective meta description should be concise, include the focus keyword, and entice users to click through.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice between “afterward” and “afterwards” primarily depends on regional preferences. “Afterward” is commonly used in American English, while “afterwards” is favored in British English. Both words convey the same meaning, referring to events occurring later. Understanding these nuances is essential for effective communication and writing, particularly for those aiming for consistency in their language style. Ultimately, whether you choose one over the other, clarity and context should guide your usage in both personal and professional writing.