Afterward and afterwards both mean “later” or “after something happens.”
The main difference is that afterward is more common in American English, while afterwards is more common in British English.
Both words are correct, and they can usually be used interchangeably.
Examples:
✔ I finished my work and went home afterward.
✔ I finished my work and went home afterwards.
The difference between afterward vs afterwards is a common source of confusion for English learners and writers. Both words look almost identical, sound similar, and are often used in the same situations. Because of this, many people wonder whether one spelling is correct and the other is wrong.
The truth is that both afterward and afterwards are accepted English words. They both work as adverbs and describe something that happens later in time. The only noticeable difference is their usage preference across different varieties of English.
In everyday conversations, writing, books, and online communication, you may see both forms. American speakers often prefer afterward, while British speakers commonly use afterwards. However, the meaning stays the same.
This guide explains the difference between afterward or afterwards, how to use each word correctly, examples in real sentences, common mistakes, and how these words fit into everyday communication.
Afterward vs Afterwards – Main Difference
| Feature | Afterward | Afterwards |
| Meaning | Later, after something | Later, after something |
| Word type | Adverb | Adverb |
| Common usage | American English | British English |
| Correct spelling | Yes | Yes |
| Meaning difference | None | None |
| Example | I called him afterward | I called him afterwards |
What Does Afterward Mean?
The word afterward means at a later time or after an event has happened.
It is used when talking about something that happens after another action or situation.
Examples:
- We went shopping and ate dinner afterward.
- She apologized afterward.
- I will explain everything afterward.
In these sentences, afterward refers to something happening later than the first event.
The word is especially common in American English, where many writers and speakers choose the shorter form.
What Does Afterwards Mean?
Afterwards has the same meaning as afterward. It also means later or after something else.
The extra “s” does not change the meaning.
Examples:
- We watched a movie and talked afterwards.
- He felt tired afterwards.
- They cleaned the room afterwards.
The word is widely used in British English and appears frequently in everyday conversations and formal writing.
Afterwards vs Afterward – Are They Different?
Many people search for afterwards vs afterward because they expect a major difference between these two words.
However, the difference is mainly based on regional preference, not meaning.
Both words answer the question:
“When did something happen?”
Example:
Question:
When did you call her?
Answer:
- I called her afterward.
- I called her afterwards.
Both answers are correct.
Afterward or Afterwards – Which One Should You Use?
Choosing between afterward or afterwards depends mostly on the style of English you are following.
American English:
Afterward is more common.
Example:
- I will check the details afterward.
British English:
Afterwards is more common.
Example:
- I will check the details afterwards.
Neither choice is incorrect.
Is It Afterward vs Afterwards? Correct Usage Explained
Many people search for its it afterward vs afterwards because they are unsure about the correct sentence structure.
The correct form is:
✔ Is it afterward or afterwards?
✔ Should I use afterward or afterwards?
Incorrect:
❌ Its it afterward vs afterwards?
The word “its” shows possession, while “is it” creates a question.
Examples:
- Is it better to call now or afterward?
- Should we meet before or afterwards?
How Afterward and Afterwards Are Used in Sentences
Both words usually appear after the main action or at the end of a sentence.
Examples:
- I completed my assignment and relaxed afterward.
- She visited her friend afterwards.
- We can discuss this afterward.
- They went for coffee afterwards.
They connect two events and show the order in which things happen.
Afterward vs Afterwards in Daily Conversation
People use these words naturally when describing routines, plans, and experiences.
Examples:
- I have a meeting now, but I’ll call you afterward.
- Let’s go shopping and grab food afterwards.
- We can decide afterward.
- I felt better afterwards.
They are useful because they make the timeline of events clearer.
Historical Background of Afterward and Afterwards
The word comes from the combination of:
- After = later than something
- Ward = direction or movement
Originally, “afterward” meant moving or going toward what comes later.
Over time, English speakers began adding “s” to create “afterwards,” following a common pattern found in other words.
Both forms developed naturally and became accepted.
Similar Words Related to Afterward
Several words have a similar meaning:
| Word | Meaning |
| Later | After some time |
| Subsequently | After that |
| Eventually | In the end |
| Next | Following something |
| Then | At that time |
Examples:
- I finished dinner, then watched TV.
- She arrived later.
- We discussed it subsequently.
Afterward vs Afterwards Usage Examples
| Situation | Afterward | Afterwards |
| Talking about plans | I’ll call afterward | I’ll call afterwards |
| Describing past events | He left afterward | He left afterwards |
| Formal writing | Acceptable | Acceptable |
| Conversation | Common | Common |
| Meaning | Later | Later |
Common Mistakes With Afterward and Afterwards
Although both words are easy, people often make mistakes.
Mistake 1: Thinking One Word Is Wrong
Some people believe afterward is always correct and afterwards is incorrect.
That is false.
Both forms are accepted.
Mistake 2: Mixing Them Incorrectly
Example:
❌ I went home afterward afterwards.
Correct:
✔ I went home afterward.
✔ I went home afterwards.
Use only one form at a time.
Mistake 3: Confusing After With Afterward
“After” and “afterward” are related but used differently.
Example:
After:
- After dinner, I walked outside.
Afterward:
- I ate dinner and walked outside afterward.
After vs Afterward vs Afterwards
These words are closely connected but have different roles.
| Word | Type | Example |
| After | Preposition/conjunction | After lunch, I left |
| Afterward | Adverb | I left afterward |
| Afterwards | Adverb | I left afterwards |
“After” connects events, while afterward and afterwards describe what happens later.
Formal and Informal Usage
Both afterward and afterwards can appear in casual and formal writing.
Examples:
Formal:
- The report was reviewed afterward.
- The results were analyzed afterwards.
Informal:
- Let’s talk afterward.
- We can fix it afterwards.
Neither word is limited to only one type of writing.
Why People Confuse These Words
The confusion happens because:
Similar Appearance
The extra “s” makes people think there must be a different meaning.
Regional Differences
American and British English often choose different versions.
Online Content
People see both forms used by different writers.
Pronunciation
They sound almost identical when spoken.
Afterward vs Afterwards in Different English Varieties
| English Type | Preferred Form |
| American English | Afterward |
| British English | Afterwards |
| Canadian English | Both |
| Australian English | Afterwards often used |
| International English | Both accepted |
Examples From Real-Life Situations
Work
- I will send the email afterward.
- We can discuss the project afterwards.
School
- Finish your homework first and relax afterward.
- The teacher explained the topic afterwards.
Social Life
- Let’s meet afterward.
- We went for coffee afterwards.
Travel
- We visited the museum and ate afterward.
- They explored the city afterwards.
See Also:
FAQs
Is afterward or afterwards correct?
Both are correct. They have the same meaning.
What is the difference between afterward vs afterwards?
There is no meaning difference. The main difference is regional preference.
Is afterward American English?
Yes, afterward is more common in American English.
Is afterwards British English?
Yes, afterwards is commonly preferred in British English.
Can I use both in writing?
Yes, both forms are acceptable.
Is it “its it afterward vs afterwards”?
No. The correct question is “Is it afterward or afterwards?”
Which one should I choose?
Choose based on the type of English you normally write or speak.
Conclusion
The difference between afterward vs afterwards is simple: both words mean the same thing and refer to something happening later. The only noticeable difference is that afterward is preferred more in American English, while afterwards is more common in British English.
Whether you choose afterward or afterwards, your sentence will still be correct. Both words are widely accepted and useful for describing the order of events in conversations, writing, and everyday communication.