Have you ever paused while writing because you couldn’t decide whether to use afterward or afterwards? You’re not alone. Many English learners and native speakers alike wonder, is it afterward or afterwards, and whether one is more correct than the other.

The good news is that both words are correct. The difference is not in meaning but primarily in regional usage and writing style. In this guide, you’ll learn the afterward or afterwards meaning, discover when to use each version, explore grammar rules, compare examples, and avoid common mistakes.

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 an event
• Subsequently
• Later on

In other words, they describe something that happens after something else.

Examples:

• We went out for dinner, and afterward we watched a movie.
• She apologized afterwards for her mistake.
• Finish your homework first. You can relax afterward.

The meaning never changes whether you add the final -s or not.

Is It Afterward or Afterwards?

The answer depends mostly on where you’re writing.

Word	Common Usage	Preferred Region
Afterward	More common	American English
Afterwards	More common	British English

If you’re writing for an American audience, afterward is generally preferred.

If you’re writing for readers in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, or many Commonwealth countries, afterwards is more common.

Both forms are grammatically correct.

Why Do Two Versions Exist?

English has several adverbs that exist in both forms—with and without a final -s.

Examples include:

• Toward / Towards
• Backward / Backwards
• Forward / Forwards
• Upward / Upwards
• Downward / Downwards

Historically, both forms developed over time. Today, the difference is mainly one of regional preference rather than grammar.

Afterward or Afterwards Meaning Explained

Whether you say afterward or afterwards, you’re referring to something occurring later than another action or event.

For example:

Event:
The meeting ended.

What happened next?
Everyone went for coffee afterward.

Or:

Everyone went for coffee afterwards.

Both sentences communicate exactly the same idea.

Common Examples

Everyday Conversation

• We had lunch afterward.
• We’ll discuss it afterwards.
• I felt much better afterward.
• They called me afterwards.

At School

• The students completed the test.
• Afterwards, the teacher reviewed the answers.

At Work

• We held a meeting.
• Afterward, everyone received an email summary.

Travel

• We visited the museum.
• Afterwards, we explored the old town.

Grammar Rules for Afterward and Afterwards

Understanding the grammar is straightforward.

They Are Adverbs

Both words modify verbs, adjectives, or entire sentences.

Examples:

• She smiled afterward.
• Afterwards, everyone applauded.
• We talked afterward about the project.

They Usually Come at the End

Examples:

• We went home afterward.
• He apologized afterwards.

They Can Begin a Sentence

Examples:

• Afterwards, we celebrated.
• Afterward, the guests left.

When used at the beginning, they’re typically followed by a comma.

They Cannot Replace “After”

Do not confuse these words with the preposition after.

Correct:

• We left afterward.

Also correct:

• We left after dinner.

Incorrect:

• We left afterward dinner.

Afterward vs Afterwards: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Afterward	Afterwards
Meaning	Later	Later
Part of Speech	Adverb	Adverb
American English	Preferred	Less common
British English	Acceptable	Preferred
Formal Writing	Yes	Yes
Informal Writing	Yes	Yes

American English vs British English

American English

You’ll commonly see:

• afterward
• toward
• forward
• backward

Examples:

• We spoke afterward.
• She called afterward to confirm.

British English

You’ll often see:

• afterwards
• towards
• forwards
• backwards

Examples:

• We spoke afterwards.
• She phoned afterwards.

Which One Should You Use?

Choose based on your audience.

Use afterward if:

• You’re writing in American English.
• You’re following U.S. style guides.
• Your audience is primarily American.

Use afterwards if:

• You’re writing in British English.
• Your readers are in the UK or Commonwealth countries.
• Your publication follows British spelling conventions.

The most important rule is consistency. Don’t switch between the two forms in the same document unless you’re quoting someone directly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mixing Regional Styles

Incorrect:

• We met afterward, and afterwards we had coffee.

Choose one style and stick with it.

Using It Before a Noun

Incorrect:

• Afterwards lunch

Correct:

• After lunch
• Afterwards, we ate dessert.

Thinking One Is Wrong

Some writers believe afterwards is incorrect because of the extra -s.

It isn’t.

Both spellings are accepted by major English dictionaries.

Overusing It

Avoid repeating either word too frequently.

Instead, vary your writing with alternatives like:

• later
• subsequently
• then
• later on
• following that
• next

Similar Words to Know

Several English words follow the same regional pattern.

American	British
Toward	Towards
Backward	Backwards
Forward	Forwards
Upward	Upwards
Downward	Downwards

Understanding these patterns makes it easier to recognize regional writing styles.

Practical Writing Tips

When deciding between afterward and afterwards, keep these tips in mind:

• Know your target audience before you write.
• Follow the style guide used by your school, employer, or publisher.
• Stay consistent throughout the document.
• Don’t worry about meaning—they’re identical.
• Use natural sentence placement for better readability.

Real-World Examples

Email

Thank you for attending today’s meeting. We’ll send the presentation afterward.

Blog

We explored the hiking trail and afterwards enjoyed a picnic by the lake.

Story

The storm finally passed. Afterward, the village slowly returned to normal.

Business Report

The software was installed successfully. Afterwards, employees completed training sessions.

Key Takeaways

• Afterward and afterwards have exactly the same meaning.
• Both are grammatically correct adverbs.
• American English usually prefers afterward.
• British English generally prefers afterwards.
• Use one version consistently within the same piece of writing.
• Neither spelling is more formal or more correct than the other.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it afterward or afterwards?

Both are correct. Afterward is more common in American English, while afterwards is preferred in British English.

What is the difference between afterward and afterwards?

There is no difference in meaning. The only distinction is regional spelling preference and writing style.

What does afterward or afterwards mean?

The afterward or afterwards meaning is “later,” “subsequently,” or “following an earlier event.” Both words describe something happening after something else.

Can I use afterward in British English?

Yes. British readers will understand it, although afterwards is generally the preferred spelling in British English.

Is afterwards grammatically correct?

Absolutely. Afterwards is a standard English adverb recognized by dictionaries and grammar guides.

Which is better for academic writing?

Neither is better. Choose the spelling that matches your required style guide or regional English and use it consistently throughout your paper.

Conclusion

Choosing between afterward or afterwards is much simpler than it first appears. If you’ve been wondering is it afterward or afterwards, remember that both forms are correct, share the same meaning, and differ mainly in regional preference. American English typically favors afterward, while British English more often uses afterwards.h

By understanding the afterward or afterwards meaning, following your audience’s preferred style, and staying consistent throughout your writing, you’ll sound more natural and professional. The next time you encounter these words, you’ll know exactly whic one fits your writing best.