Have you ever paused while writing and wondered whether to use afterwards or afterward? Both words describe something that happens later or after a particular event, and both are correct in modern English. However, the spelling you choose can depend on your audience, writing style, and regional preferences. Understanding this small difference can help you write more naturally and confidently.
The main difference between afterwards and afterward is regional usage. Afterward is more common in American English, while afterwards is widely used in British English. Both words have the same meaning and function as adverbs, so you can use either one to describe what happens next. For example, “We went to dinner afterward” and “We went to dinner afterwards” are both grammatically correct.
In this guide, you will learn the meaning of afterwards and afterward, explore their differences, and discover which spelling works best in American and British English in 2026. You will also find practical examples, common mistakes to avoid, and simple tips for choosing the right word in emails, essays, professional documents, and everyday conversations. By the end, you will know how to use both forms correctly without second-guessing your writing.
Quick Answer
Afterwards and afterward are both correct and mean “later” or “after something happens.” The main difference is regional usage. Afterward is more common in American English, while afterwards is more common in British English. Both can be used as adverbs, and neither is considered incorrect.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Afterwards | Afterward |
| Meaning | Later; after an event or action | Later; after an event or action |
| Grammar role | Adverb | Adverb |
| Correctness | Correct | Correct |
| Formality | Neutral | Neutral |
| Common usage | More common in British English | More common in American English |
| Pronunciation | Same | Same |
| Preferred regions | UK, Canada, Australia | United States |
| Best context | Everyday and formal writing | Everyday and formal writing |
How Are These Words Pronounced?
Both afterwards and afterward have almost identical pronunciation because the only difference is the final -s sound.
Afterwards Pronunciation
IPA: /ˈɑːf.tɚ.wɚdz/ (US)
IPA: /ˈɑːf.tə.wədz/ (UK)
Syllable breakdown:
af-ter-wards
Example:
- We went for coffee afterwards.
Afterward Pronunciation
IPA: /ˈɑːf.tɚ.wɚd/
Syllable breakdown:
af-ter-ward
Example:
- We went for coffee afterward.
Pronunciation Difference
The only pronunciation difference is the final “s” sound in afterwards. The meaning and pronunciation of the main word remain the same.
Meaning and Usage of Afterwards
What Does Afterwards Mean?
Afterwards is an adverb that means “at a later time” or “after something has happened.” It refers to a period following an event, action, or situation.
It is commonly used when describing what happens next.
Examples of Afterwards
- We watched a movie and went for dinner afterwards.
- She apologized afterwards for her mistake.
- The meeting ended, and everyone left shortly afterwards.
- He felt tired afterwards because he worked all day.
In each example, afterwards shows that something happened later than another event.
Meaning and Usage of Afterward
What Does Afterward Mean?
Afterward has the same meaning as afterwards. It means “later,” “after that,” or “following an event.”
It is especially common in American English.
Examples of Afterward
- We can talk about the project afterward.
- She went home afterward because she was tired.
- They had lunch and returned to work afterward.
- He realized his mistake afterward.
The meaning does not change when the final “s” is removed.
Main Difference Between Afterwards and Afterward
The difference between afterwards and afterward is mainly based on regional preference rather than meaning.
| Difference | Afterwards | Afterward |
| Definition | At a later time | At a later time |
| Meaning | Same | Same |
| Usage | More common in British English | More common in American English |
| Grammar | Adverb | Adverb |
| Ending | Includes “s” | No “s” |
| Formal writing | Acceptable | Acceptable |
| Casual writing | Very common | Very common |
Grammar Rule: How to Use Afterwards and Afterward
Both words function as adverbs. They describe when an action happens.
Adverb Usage
An adverb modifies a verb by explaining time, place, manner, or frequency.
Examples:
- She called me afterwards.
- She called me afterward.
Both sentences are grammatically correct.
Position in a Sentence
These words can appear:
At the Beginning
- Afterwards, we discussed the results.
- Afterward, we discussed the results.
In the Middle
- We afterwards discovered the truth.
- We afterward discovered the truth.
(The middle position is less common in modern English.)
At the End
- We discussed the problem afterwards.
- We discussed the problem afterward.
The end position is the most natural in everyday English.
Origin and Etymology
The words afterwards and afterward come from the combination of:
- After: meaning later in time or behind
- -ward: a suffix meaning direction or movement toward something
The word afterward developed from Old English and Middle English forms related to movement toward a later point in time.
The added -s in afterwards comes from an older English habit of adding an adverbial “s” ending. Similar examples include:
- Always
- Towards
- Besides
- Needs
Over time, both versions became accepted in English.
Dictionary Comparison
Oxford English Dictionary
The Oxford English Dictionary recognizes both forms as standard adverbs meaning “later” or “after that.”
Cambridge Dictionary
Cambridge lists both afterwards and afterward, noting that afterwards is especially common in British English.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Merriam-Webster includes afterward as a standard American English form and also recognizes afterwards.
Collins Dictionary
Collins recognizes both words and explains that they are interchangeable.
| Dictionary | Treatment |
| Oxford | Both accepted |
| Cambridge | Both accepted; regional difference noted |
| Merriam-Webster | Both accepted |
| Collins | Both accepted |
Are Both Words Correct?
Yes, both afterwards and afterward are correct.
This is an example of two correct words with the same meaning rather than a spelling mistake.
You should not consider:
- “Afterwards” wrong because of the extra “s”
- “Afterward” incomplete because it lacks the “s”
Both forms have a long history in English.
British vs American English
The main difference is regional preference.
| English Variety | Preferred Form |
| American English | Afterward |
| British English | Afterwards |
| Canadian English | Afterwards is slightly more common |
| Australian English | Afterwards is common |
Examples:
American English
- We went shopping afterward.
British English
- We went shopping afterwards.
Both sentences are correct.
Which Form Is More Common?
Usage depends on location and audience.
Publishing Usage
American publishers often prefer afterward.
British publishers frequently use afterwards.
Websites and Online Writing
Both appear frequently online, but American websites often use afterward because of US language preferences.
Professional Writing
Both are acceptable. The best choice depends on your audience.
For example:
- Writing for US readers: choose afterward
- Writing for UK readers: choose afterwards
When Should You Use Each Word?
Academic Writing
Both forms are acceptable.
Example:
- The researchers analyzed the results afterward.
- The researchers analyzed the results afterwards.
Choose the style commonly used by your institution.
Professional Writing
Use either form, but remain consistent.
Example:
- We will send the report afterward.
- We will send the report afterwards.
Casual Writing
Both sound natural.
Examples:
- Let’s grab coffee afterward.
- Let’s grab coffee afterwards.
Journalism
News organizations usually follow their regional style guide.
US publications often use afterward, while UK publications often use afterwards.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Thinking Afterwards Is Incorrect
Incorrect belief:
- “Afterwards is not a real word.”
Correct understanding:
- Afterwards is a standard English word.
Explanation:
The extra “s” does not make it wrong.
Mistake 2: Mixing Regional Styles
Incorrect:
- A US article uses mostly American spelling but suddenly switches to British forms.
Correct:
- Keep language choices consistent.
Explanation:
Consistency improves professional writing.
Mistake 3: Using Afterward as an Adjective
Incorrect:
- The afterward meeting was canceled.
Correct:
- The meeting afterward was canceled.
Explanation:
Afterward and afterwards are normally adverbs, not adjectives.
Real-Life Examples
Daily Conversation
- I finished my homework and played games afterward.
- She called me afterwards.
Workplace
- We will review the contract afterward.
- The team celebrated afterwards.
Academic Context
- Students completed the survey and discussed the results afterward.
Storytelling
- He apologized afterwards, but the damage was already done.
Social Media
- I didn’t understand it at first, but I laughed afterward.
Synonyms
Synonyms for Afterwards
- Later
- Subsequently
- Eventually
- After that
- Following that
- Thereafter
- Next
Synonyms for Afterward
- Later
- Subsequently
- After that
- Then
- Following this
- Thereafter
- Eventually
Antonyms
Antonyms for Afterwards
- Before
- Earlier
- Previously
- Prior
- Formerly
Antonyms for Afterward
- Before
- Earlier
- Previously
- In advance
- First
Memory Trick
Remember:
Afterward = American preference
Afterwards = British preference
A simple trick:
“American English often drops extra letters or endings.”
Examples:
- Toward (US) vs Towards (UK)
- Afterward (US) vs Afterwards (UK)
This is not a strict rule, but it helps remember the common pattern.
Similar Confusing Words
Toward vs Towards
Both are correct. The difference is mainly regional.
Forward vs Forwards
Both are correct. American English often prefers “forward.”
Backward vs Backwards
Both are correct. Usage depends on region and style.
Anyway vs Anyways
“Anyway” is the standard form, while “anyways” is informal in many contexts.
Why Do People Search “Afterwards or Afterward”?
People search this phrase because the two words:
- Look almost identical
- Have the same meaning
- Appear in different types of English
- Create confusion in writing
Common search queries include:
- Is afterward or afterwards correct?
- Afterward vs afterwards grammar
- Is afterwards a word?
- Should I use afterward in American English?
- Difference between afterward and afterwards
- Afterwards or afterward in a sentence
The search intent is mainly educational. Writers want to know which form sounds natural and grammatically correct.
FAQs
Which word is correct, afterwards or afterward?
Both words are correct. They have the same meaning.
Are afterwards and afterward different in meaning?
No. Both mean “later” or “after something happens.”
Which one should I use?
Use afterward for American English and afterwards for British English.
Is afterwards used in British English?
Yes. Afterwards is very common in British English.
Is afterward used in American English?
Yes. Afterward is the more common American form.
How do you pronounce afterwards?
It is pronounced similarly to afterward, with an extra final “s” sound.
Can I use afterward in formal writing?
Yes. Afterward is acceptable in academic, professional, and formal writing.
Can I use afterwards in American English?
Yes. Americans understand and use it, although afterward is often preferred.
Is afterward an adjective?
No. It is generally used as an adverb.
Are afterward and afterwards interchangeable?
Yes. In most sentences, they can replace each other without changing meaning.
Expert Recommendation
Editors, dictionaries, and language experts recognize both afterwards and afterward as correct English words. The choice should depend on your audience, regional style, and consistency.
For American readers, afterward usually sounds more natural. For British readers, afterwards often feels more familiar.
The most important rule is not choosing one “correct” version but using your chosen style consistently.
Final Verdict
Afterwards and afterward are both correct words. They are not examples of a spelling mistake or incorrect usage. The difference is mainly regional.
Key Takeaways
- Both words mean “later” or “after that.”
- Afterwards is more common in British English.
- Afterward is more common in American English.
- Both work in formal and informal writing.
- Choose the form that matches your audience.
- Consistency matters more than choosing one over the other.
Practical Usage Advice
If you are writing for a global audience, either form is acceptable. If you are following American English standards, choose afterward. If you are following British English standards, choose afterwards.
I’m a language enthusiast who believes that mastering grammar opens doors to creativity and precise communication. Over the years, I’ve helped thousands of learners polish their writing and speak with confidence. My books, English Essentials for Everyone and The Writer’s Grammar Handbook, are my way of sharing the strategies I use personally to write clearly and effectively. I enjoy connecting with readers and finding new ways to make grammar engaging and memorable.
John Mercer