Introduction
If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between “afterward” and “afterwards,” you’re not alone. Many writers and English learners struggle with choosing the right word.
Are they interchangeable? Does one belong strictly to American English while the other is common in British English?
This article will provide an in-depth exploration of the meanings, regional preferences, usage, and common synonyms of these words. We’ll also include examples, style tips, and practical advice to help you make the right choice in your writing.
Meaning & Function of Afterward and Afterwards
Both “afterward” and “afterwards” function as adverbs, meaning they describe when an action happens. Their core definition remains the same:
“At a later time; subsequently.”
Examples:
- We went to dinner, and afterward, we watched a movie.
- He finished his homework and went out afterwards.
The only real distinction between the two lies in their regional usage, which we’ll explore next.
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American vs. British English: Regional Preferences
One of the biggest factors influencing word choice is regional preferences.
| Variant | Common in |
|---|---|
| Afterward | American English |
| Afterwards | British English |
American English Preference
- In the U.S., “afterward” is more common in both spoken and written English.
- Formal writing in AP style (used by most American publications) recommends “afterward.”
- Example: “The meeting ended, and they discussed the issue afterward.”
British English Preference
- In the U.K., “afterwards” is the preferred form.
- It appears more frequently in British literature and journalism.
- Example: “She left the office and went for coffee afterwards.”
Historical Influence on Usage
The “-s” ending in adverbs is a historical trait in British English, seen in words like “towards,” “forwards,” and “backwards.” Over time, American English simplified many of these, dropping the “-s” where possible.
Usage in Sentences: Practical Examples
To further clarify, here are some common sentence structures using both words:
| Context | American English | British English |
|---|---|---|
| Casual Conversation | “Let’s grab lunch, and we’ll go shopping afterward.” | “Let’s grab lunch, and we’ll go shopping afterwards.” |
| Business Writing | “The company implemented changes, and productivity increased afterward.” | “The company implemented changes, and productivity increased afterwards.” |
| Storytelling | “He left the party early but regretted it afterward.” | “He left the party early but regretted it afterwards.” |
Style & Formality: When to Use Which?
Both words are acceptable in most contexts, but some key style rules apply:
Formal vs. Informal Usage
- Academic & Business Writing: “Afterward” is preferred in American style guides.
- Creative & Conversational Writing: Either can be used, but “afterwards” feels more natural in British contexts.
- Journalistic Writing: AP Stylebook favors “afterward.”
Major Style Guide Preferences
| Style Guide | Preferred Term |
|---|---|
| AP Style (American English) | afterward |
| Chicago Manual of Style | afterward |
| Oxford English Dictionary (British English) | afterwards |
| Merriam-Webster Dictionary | Both accepted |
Tip: If writing for an international audience, consider your target readers before choosing.
Common Synonyms & Alternatives
If you want to avoid the “afterward vs afterwards” dilemma altogether, consider using synonyms:
Alternative Words & Phrases
| Synonym | Example Usage |
|---|---|
| Later | “He finished his work and went home later.” |
| Subsequently | “She received the email and subsequently responded.” |
| Thereafter | “The contract was signed, and thereafter, production began.” |
When to Use Synonyms:
- “Later” works best in casual speech.
- “Subsequently” and “thereafter” fit formal writing.
- If clarity is crucial, replacing “afterward” or “afterwards” with a more precise term is a good strategy.
Popular Usage Trends & Statistics
To see how “afterward” and “afterwards” compare in real-world use, let’s examine Google Ngram Viewer data:
- In American English, “afterward” dominates in frequency.
- In British English, “afterwards” remains more popular.
- Over the past 100 years, “afterward” has steadily gained ground due to American influence in global media.
| Year Range | “Afterward” (US) | “Afterwards” (UK) |
|---|---|---|
| 1900-1950 | 30% | 70% |
| 1950-2000 | 50% | 50% |
| 2000-Present | 65% | 35% |
Key Takeaways
- No major difference in meaning between “afterward” and “afterwards.”
- American English prefers “afterward.”
- British English prefers “afterwards.”
- Formal writing often favors “afterward.”
- Both words are correct—usage depends on audience and style preferences.
Final Tip:
If you’re writing for a global audience, either word is acceptable. However, for clarity and consistency, pick one version and stick with it.
FAQs
Is “afterward” incorrect in British English? No, but “afterwards” is far more common in British writing and speech.
Do formal English exams (IELTS, TOEFL) prefer one over the other? Not necessarily. Both are correct, but TOEFL (American-based) might favor “afterward,” while IELTS (British-based) might lean toward “afterwards.”
Can I mix both in my writing? It’s best to be consistent. Choose one and use it throughout your piece.
Conclusion
“Afterward vs afterwards” is a classic example of how regional preferences shape English usage. While these words mean the same thing, their usage depends on whether you’re following American English or British English conventions.
When in doubt, consider your audience. For formal writing, stick to “afterward.” For conversational British English, “afterwards” is a natural choice.
Whichever you choose, just be consistent!