Have you ever paused while writing and wondered, “Is it afterward or afterwards?” You’re not alone. These two words look almost identical, sound the same, and even share the same meaning. Yet many English learners and native speakers hesitate before choosing one over the other.

If you’ve been searching for afterward or afterwards, this guide will clear up the confusion. You’ll learn the meaning of both words, discover whether one is more correct than the other, see real-life examples, and understand which version sounds more natural in different types of English.

What Does Afterward or Afterwards Mean?

The afterward or afterwards meaning is exactly the same.

Both words are adverbs that mean:

• At a later time
• Following a particular event
• Subsequently
• Later on

In simple terms, they describe something that happens after something else.

Examples

• We watched a movie and afterward went out for dinner.
• She finished her exam and afterwards met her friends.
• The meeting ended, and everyone left shortly afterward.
• He apologized afterwards for his behavior.

In every sentence above, either word works perfectly.

Is It Afterward or Afterwards?

The short answer is:

Both are correct.

The difference isn’t about grammar—it’s about regional preference.

Neither word is more formal, more correct, or more modern than the other.

Why Are There Two Versions?

Many English adverbs exist with and without the final -s.

Examples include:

Over time, American English gradually dropped the final -s from several directional and time-related adverbs, while British English continued using both forms, often favoring the version ending in -s.

Afterward vs Afterwards: What’s the Difference?

Meaning

There is no difference in meaning.

Both indicate that one event happens after another.

Grammar

Both function as adverbs.

They answer questions like:

• When?
• What happened next?

Examples:

• We ate lunch. Afterward, we went shopping.
• We ate lunch. Afterwards, we went shopping.

Both sentences are grammatically correct.

Pronunciation

The pronunciation is nearly identical.

• Afterward: AF-ter-werd
• Afterwards: AF-ter-werdz

The only noticeable difference is the soft “z” sound at the end of afterwards.

Afterward Meaning

The word afterward simply means later or following that event.

Examples:

• I’ll call you afterward.
• They discussed the results afterward.
• We cleaned the kitchen afterward.

This spelling is more common in:

• United States
• American newspapers
• American universities
• U.S. business writing

Afterwards Meaning

Afterwards carries the exact same meaning.

Examples:

• We had coffee afterwards.
• She felt much better afterwards.
• They went home afterwards.

You’ll often see this spelling in:

• United Kingdom
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Ireland
• Many international English publications

When Should You Use Afterward?

Choose afterward if you’re writing for an American audience.

Examples include:

• Academic papers in the U.S.
• American blogs
• Business emails
• U.S.-based websites
• College assignments following American English style

Example:

The interview lasted an hour. Afterward, the hiring manager shared the next steps.

When Should You Use Afterwards?

Choose afterwards if your audience primarily uses British English.

Examples include:

• UK publications
• British schools
• International organizations using British spelling
• Australian English

Example:

We visited the museum and afterwards enjoyed lunch nearby.

Can You Use Them Interchangeably?

Yes.

Because the meaning is identical, you can usually replace one with the other.

For example:

• We went home afterward.
• We went home afterwards.

Both are natural and grammatically correct.

The only important rule is consistency.

If you’re writing an article using American English, stick with afterward throughout the piece.

If you’re writing in British English, consistently use afterwards.

Examples in Everyday Conversations

Here are some natural examples.

At School

Teacher:
“Finish your worksheet. We’ll discuss the answers afterward.”

British version:

“Finish your worksheet. We’ll discuss the answers afterwards.”

At Work

• We had a meeting afterward.
• Afterwards, everyone returned to their desks.

At Home

• We cleaned the house afterward.
• Afterwards, we watched television.

During Travel

• We explored the city.
• Afterwards, we had dinner by the river.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Mixing American and British English

Incorrect:

• We went afterward to the theatre and afterwards came home.

Choose one style and use it consistently.

2. Thinking One Is Incorrect

Many learners believe one spelling is wrong.

It isn’t.

Both words are accepted by major dictionaries and grammar guides.

3. Confusing It with “After”

Remember:

After is usually a preposition.

Example:

• After dinner, we watched TV.

Afterward and afterwards are adverbs.

Example:

• We had dinner. Afterwards, we watched TV.

Afterward vs Later

Although they often overlap, there is a subtle distinction.

Afterward

Refers specifically to something happening following a previous event.

Example:

• We had lunch. Afterward, we went shopping.

Later

Can refer to any future time.

Example:

• I’ll call you later.

So while they’re similar, afterward usually connects directly to something already mentioned.

Similar Words

You can often replace these words with:

• Later
• Subsequently
• Then
• Next
• Thereafter
• Following that
• At a later time

Choose the option that best matches your writing style and tone.

Quick Comparison Table

Tips for Remembering the Difference

Remember these simple rules:

• If you’re writing in American English, use afterward.
• If you’re writing in British English, use afterwards.
• Don’t mix both spellings in the same document.
• Focus more on consistency than on choosing the “right” one.

These habits will make your writing look polished and professional.

Why This Difference Exists

English has evolved differently across regions.

American English often favors shorter spellings, while British English preserves some older forms.

The same pattern appears in words like:

• Toward → Towards
• Forward → Forwards
• Backward → Backwards

That’s why both versions continue to exist today.

Key Takeaways

• Afterward and afterwards have exactly the same meaning.
• Both are grammatically correct.
• Afterward is more common in American English.
• Afterwards is more common in British English.
• Both function as adverbs.
• Consistency matters more than the spelling you choose.
• Neither word is more formal or more correct.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it afterward or afterwards?

Both are correct. Afterward is preferred in American English, while afterwards is more common in British English. The meaning stays exactly the same.

What is the meaning of afterward or afterwards?

The afterward or afterwards meaning is “later,” “following that,” or “at a later time after a specific event.” Both words describe something that happens next.

Is afterward grammatically correct?

Yes. Afterward is a standard English adverb widely used in American English and accepted in all types of writing.

Is afterwards more formal than afterward?

No. Neither word is more formal. The choice depends on whether you’re using American or British English.

Can I use afterward and afterwards interchangeably?

Yes. Since they share the same meaning and grammatical function, you can usually substitute one for the other. Just stay consistent with the variety of English you’re using.

Which spelling should students use?

Students should follow the spelling style required by their school, teacher, employer, or publication. If you’re writing in American English, use afterward. If you’re writing in British English, choose afterwards.

Conclusion

Understanding afterward or afterwards is easier than it first appears. Both words carry the same meaning, serve the same grammatical purpose, and are accepted in standard English. The only real distinction is regional preference: afterward is favored in American English, while afterwards is more common in British English.

Rather than worrying about which spelling is “more correct,” focus on using the version that matches your audience and keep it consistent throughout your writing. Mastering small distinctions like this can make your English sound more polished, natural, and professional. If you’re looking to strengthen your grammar further, continue exploring commonly confused words to build greater confidence in your writing.