Choosing between afterward or afterwards can seem surprisingly tricky, especially when both words appear in similar sentences. The good news is that the difference is much simpler than it first appears. Both words usually mean “later” or “after something happens,” but their popularity changes depending on the variety of English you use.
American writers generally prefer “afterward,” while British writers often choose “afterwards.” Neither form is wrong, and both work naturally in everyday conversation and formal writing. However, knowing the difference between afterward and afterwards can help you match your audience and writing style. In this guide, you’ll learn their meanings, usage, regional preferences, and common mistakes.
Afterward vs Afterwards – Quick Answer
The short answer is simple. Afterward and afterwards have the same meaning in most situations. Both describe something that happens later in time or after an event.
In American English and North American English, “afterward” is usually the preferred form. In British English, “afterwards” is more common. This difference reflects regional preference rather than a major difference in English grammar.
| Word | Meaning | Common Usage |
| Afterward | Occurring later | More common in American English |
| Afterwards | Occurring later | More common in British English |
| Afterword | A final section of a book | Used in literary and publishing contexts |
So, if you’re writing for Americans, “afterward” is usually the safest choice. If you’re writing for British readers, “afterwards” may sound more natural.
Is Afterward or Afterwards More Common in American English?
In the United States, “afterward” generally appears more often in edited writing. It works naturally in formal writing, professional writing, and everyday communication.
However, Americans can also use “afterwards.” It isn’t an error. The choice often reflects personal preference, exposure to other varieties of English, or a particular writing style.
What Do Afterward and Afterwards Mean?
The afterward meaning is simply “later” or “after something has happened.” The afterwards meaning is essentially identical. Both words describe something happens later than an event already mentioned.
For example, consider this sentence: “We finished dinner and went for a walk afterward.” The word “afterward” refers to a subsequent event. The walk happened after dinner.
| Word | Afterward Definition | Afterwards Definition | Example |
| Afterward | Later; after an event | — | We talked afterward. |
| Afterwards | — | Later; after an event | We talked afterwards. |
Both words function as an adverb and usually modify a verb. More specifically, each can act as an adverb of time because it tells you when an action happened.
Afterward Meaning and Definition
The afterward definition is “at a later time” or “after something else.” It commonly appears when one action follows another.
For example, “She finished her exam and went home afterward.” Here, “afterward” answers the question when. She went home after the exam.
Afterwards Meaning and Definition
The afterwards definition is also “later” or “after that.” It carries the same time-related meaning as “afterward.”
For example, “He called his friend afterwards.” The call happened following an action or event mentioned earlier. The word doesn’t change the basic meaning of the sentence.
Afterward vs Afterwards: What Is the Difference?
The difference between afterward and afterwards is mostly about regional usage. Both words are interchangeable in meaning in most ordinary sentences.
Neither word describes a different point in time. Both can indicate that an event happens at a later time. The main distinction lies in word usage, regional habits, and the expectations of your readers.
Do Afterward and Afterwards Mean Different Things?
No. In most contexts, they have the same meaning. You can replace one with the other without changing the basic message.
“She went home afterward” and “She went home afterwards” both describe the same sequence. The difference comes from regional differences, not from the event itself.
Why Does One Version Have an Extra S?
The extra “s” reflects a broader pattern in English. Many words have both “-ward” and “-wards” forms.
For example, you may encounter “toward” and “towards” or “forward” and “forwards.” However, these pairs aren’t always perfectly interchangeable. Their use can depend on context, dialect, and established grammar rules.
Afterward vs Afterwards Grammar Explained
From a grammatical perspective, both words can describe an action that follows another event. They usually appear as time-related adverbs.
Consider these two examples:
| American-leaning Usage | British-leaning Usage |
| We went home afterward. | We went home afterwards. |
| She called me afterward. | She called me afterwards. |
| They celebrated afterward. | They celebrated afterwards. |
The sentence structure remains almost identical. Only the regional form changes.
Afterward vs Afterwards in American and British English
The afterwards vs afterward question becomes clearer when you consider geography. English has developed several regional varieties over centuries. As a result, American usage and British usage sometimes favor different forms.
In the United States, “afterward” tends to dominate. In the United Kingdom, “afterwards” is often the preferred form. Canadian English sits somewhere between these patterns, with both forms appearing in real-world use.
| English Variety | Common Preference | Example |
| American English | Afterward | We ate afterward. |
| North American English | Afterward is common | I’ll call you afterward. |
| British English | Afterwards | We’ll talk afterwards. |
| Canadian English | Both | She left afterward. |
| International English | Both | We met afterwards. |
These patterns aren’t absolute. Regional variation exists within every English-speaking community. Writers may also choose a form based on their personal background or regional style.
Why American English Prefers Afterward
American English often favors the shorter “-ward” form. You can see a similar tendency in words such as “toward” and “backward.”
That doesn’t make “afterwards” incorrect in the United States. It simply reflects common usage in American writing and speech.
Why British English Often Uses Afterwards
British English commonly retains the “-wards” ending in words such as “afterwards,” “towards,” and “forwards.”
This pattern has roots in the long language evolution of English. It also appears frequently in literary writing, journalism, and everyday conversation.
What About Canadian and Australian English?
Canadian English can use both “afterward” and “afterwards.” The choice may depend on the writer, publication, or regional influence.
Australian English also commonly uses “afterwards.” However, English speakers across these regions understand both forms easily.
The key lesson is that regional differences influence word choice. They don’t necessarily create different meanings.
When Should You Use Afterward or Afterwards?
When deciding afterward or afterwards, start with your audience. If you’re writing for Americans, “afterward” is a strong default. It fits naturally into casual, professional, and academic contexts.
If you’re writing for British readers, “afterwards” often sounds more familiar. Still, both forms have acceptable usage, so you don’t need to panic over this small spelling difference.
When to Use Afterward in American English
Use “afterward” when you want a natural choice for a US audience. It works well in formal writing, business messages, essays, and everyday speech.
For example, “I’ll finish the report and send it afterward.” The word clearly shows that sending the report happens later.
When to Use Afterwards in British English
Use “afterwards” when your readers mainly use British English. It fits naturally into both casual and formal communication.
For example, “We’ll discuss the results afterwards.” The word describes an event that takes place later.
Can You Use Afterwards in American English?
Yes. American writers can use “afterwards.” It isn’t grammatically wrong or confusing.
However, if your goal is to follow typical American usage, “afterward” may feel more natural. The distinction is about convention and reader perception, not strict grammatical correctness.
Which Form Is Better for Formal Writing?
For US professional communication or academic writing, “afterward” is usually the cleaner default. It matches common American editorial preferences.
Still, consistency matters more than obsessing over one form. Choose your preferred version and maintain writing consistency throughout your document.
Afterward vs Afterwards: Examples in Real-Life Sentences
Real examples make the distinction much easier to understand. In everyday writing and speech, both forms can describe an action that happens after another event.
The following sentence examples show how naturally each word works. Notice that replacing one with the other usually leaves the meaning unchanged.
| Context | Afterward | Afterwards |
| Everyday speech | I’ll call you afterward. | I’ll call you afterwards. |
| Let’s discuss it afterward. | Let’s discuss it afterwards. | |
| Academic writing | The results were analyzed afterward. | The results were analyzed afterwards. |
| Professional writing | We can review the contract afterward. | We can review the contract afterwards. |
| Social conversation | We grabbed coffee afterward. | We grabbed coffee afterwards. |
Examples Using Afterward
Here are some real-life examples using the form favored in American English.
“She finished her homework and watched television afterward.”
“We went to the restaurant afterward.”
“I’ll explain the details afterward.”
“He felt much better afterward.”
In each correct sentence, the word tells the reader that something happened later.
Examples Using Afterwards
Now consider the same ideas with “afterwards.”
“She finished her homework and watched television afterwards.”
“We went to the restaurant afterwards.”
“I’ll explain the details afterwards.”
“He felt much better afterwards.”
These examples demonstrate the same meaning. The main difference is the regional preference associated with the word.
Afterward vs Afterwards in Everyday Conversation
In everyday speech, both forms are easy to understand. Your choice may simply reflect the English variety you grew up hearing.
An American might naturally say, “Let’s grab lunch afterward.” A British speaker may say, “Let’s grab lunch afterwards.” Neither speaker creates confusion.
Afterward vs Afterwards in Academic and Professional Writing
In academic writing and professional documents, consistency becomes important. US writers will usually find “afterward” a natural choice.
For formal or literary writing, however, the surrounding voice may influence the decision. A British publication may consistently use “afterwards” as part of its house style.
Afterward vs Afterword: What’s the Difference?
The afterword vs afterward distinction is much more significant than the difference between “afterward” and “afterwards.” These words may look similar, but they belong to different semantic categories.
“Afterward” describes time. “Afterword” refers to a written section that appears near the end of a book or another substantial work.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
| Afterward | Later in time | We talked afterward. |
| Afterwards | Later in time | We talked afterwards. |
| Afterword | A concluding book section | The author added an afterword. |
What Does Afterword Mean?
An afterword is a concluding section found at the end of a book. It may explain the work’s background, discuss its creation, or provide additional context.
An author, editor, scholar, or another contributor may write it. Therefore, an afterword belongs to literary writing and publishing rather than ordinary descriptions of time.
Afterword vs Afterward Explained Simply
Think of “afterward” as a time word. Think of “afterword” as a book word.
If you mean “later,” use afterward or afterwards. If you mean a section at the end of a book, use afterword.
Why Do People Confuse Afterword and Afterwards?
These are similar words with overlapping letters. Their spellings can cause confusion, especially when someone encounters them quickly.
The easiest way to avoid this common mistake is to focus on meaning. Ask yourself whether you’re discussing time or a written section.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Afterward and Afterwards
Most common mistakes happen because writers treat these words as completely different terms. In reality, the major issue involves regional preference and confusion with “afterword.”
Good English usage requires attention to meaning, context, and audience. Once you understand these factors, choosing the right form becomes much easier.
Mistake 1: Thinking Afterward and Afterwards Have Different Meanings
This is one of the most common misunderstandings. In ordinary usage, both words describe something that happens later.
The difference between afterward and afterwards usually doesn’t involve chronology. Both point to an event that follows another event.
Mistake 2: Assuming Afterwards Is Wrong in American English
That’s not true. Americans do use “afterwards.”
Still, “afterward” is often the more typical preferred form in US English. Therefore, writing for Americans often means choosing “afterward” for consistency with local convention.
Mistake 3: Confusing Afterword With Afterwards
Remember the basic distinction. “Afterword” relates to a book or written work. “Afterwards” relates to time.
This simple distinction prevents a surprisingly common error in professional writing and publishing contexts.
Mistake 4: Ignoring Your Target Audience
Your target audience matters when you choose between regional forms.
If your readers are mainly American, “afterward” will usually feel natural. If you’re writing for British readers, “afterwards” may better match their expectations.
Mistake 5: Switching Forms Without a Reason
Switching between “afterward” and “afterwards” isn’t necessarily grammatically wrong. However, unnecessary switching can make your writing style feel inconsistent.
Choose one form that suits your audience. Then maintain it throughout the piece.
How to Remember the Difference Between Afterward and Afterwards
The easiest memory trick is surprisingly simple. Think of the letter “S” as a small signal for British usage.
This isn’t a strict grammar rule. It’s merely a helpful memory aid. English has plenty of exceptions, so treat it as a shortcut rather than an absolute law.
The “S for British English” Memory Trick
Remember this phrase: “British English adds S.”
That gives you “afterwards.” For American English, remember the shorter “afterward.”
This trick works well when you’re editing quickly or checking your writing before publication.
The Shorter Form for American English
If you’re writing for a US audience, think of “afterward” as the concise American choice.
For example, “I’ll call you afterward” sounds completely natural in American English. The shorter form also fits the broader pattern of concise American usage.
Think of Afterward as “Later”
Another useful trick is to replace the word mentally with “later.”
If your sentence still makes sense, you’re probably using the word correctly.
“We went home later.”
“We went home afterward.”
Both sentences describe a similar sequence of events.
Don’t Confuse Afterwards With Afterword
The final trick is visual. “Afterword” contains the word “word.”
That connection can remind you that an afterword belongs to a book. “Afterward” and “afterwards,” meanwhile, describe what happens later.
Afterward or Afterwards – Which One Should You Use?
So, afterward or afterwards? For a US audience, I’d recommend “afterward” as your default. It’s common in American English, natural in professional contexts, and widely understood worldwide.
However, don’t treat “afterwards” as incorrect. Both forms are valid. Your choice should reflect your audience, publication style, and personal preference.
Use Afterward for American English
If you’re writing a US-focused article, essay, email, or business document, “afterward” is generally the safest option.
It aligns with common standard usage in American English. It also supports a consistent and polished voice.
Use Afterwards for British English
If your readers primarily use British English, “afterwards” may sound more natural.
The word is widely used across British communication, from casual conversation to formal publications.
Can American Writers Use Afterwards?
Absolutely. There is no serious grammatical error in doing so.
The key is understanding that regional preference influences how the word feels. “Afterwards” may sound slightly more British to some American readers, but it remains clear.
What Should You Use for a Global Audience?
For a global English-speaking audience, either form works. However, consistency is valuable.
If your content targets the United States, choose “afterward.” If your publication follows British conventions, choose “afterwards.” When the audience is mixed, select one form and use it consistently.
Final Verdict on Afterward vs Afterwards
The afterwards vs afterward debate is simpler than it first appears. Both words usually mean “later.” The main difference involves regional English preferences.
For American readers, afterward is the strongest default. For British readers, afterwards often feels more familiar. Meanwhile, afterword is entirely different because it refers to a book’s concluding section.
Ultimately, understanding context matters, knowing your audience, and following consistent word usage will help you produce clear writing, precise writing, and natural English with greater confidence.
FAQ’s
Do Americans say afterward or afterwards?
Americans generally prefer afterward, although afterwards is also correct and widely understood.
When should I use afterwards?
Use afterwards when you mean “later” or “after that,” especially in British English.
How do you use afterward in a sentence?
Example: We went out for dinner afterward. It means you went out for dinner later.
When can I use Afterward?
You can use afterward when describing something that happens later or following an earlier event.
Do you write afterward or afterwards?
Both are correct. For American English, “afterward” is usually preferred, while British English often uses “afterwards.”
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