English can be tricky, and few words confuse writers as much as “afterward” vs “afterwards.” Even seasoned writers pause over which form to choose.

Are they interchangeable? Does one sound more formal? Is it a regional preference? In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know, from definitions to historical origins, usage patterns, examples, synonyms, and practical tips, so you never get tripped up again.

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Quick Summary

Both “afterward” and “afterwards” mean “at a later time” or “following something.” They are essentially the same in meaning but differ in spelling preference based on region and sometimes style.

• Afterward: preferred in American English.
• Afterwards: preferred in British English.

Knowing which one to use can make your writing look polished and professional.

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Understanding the Confusion

English spelling can seem inconsistent, and words ending in “-s” often spark debate. Writers wonder:

• Are “afterward” and “afterwards” interchangeable?
• Does one sound more formal?
• Can I mix them in the same document?

This confusion arises from regional differences, historical usage, and modern style guides.

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Shared Meaning

Despite the spelling differences, both words convey the same idea: something happening later or in sequence.

Examples:

• I went to the store and, afterward, I cooked dinner.
• She finished her homework and, afterwards, watched TV.

Both sentences mean the same thing; only the spelling differs.

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Regional Differences

Form	Region	Notes
Afterward	American English	More common in modern writing; concise and preferred in journalism.
Afterwards	British English	Standard in UK and Commonwealth countries; feels slightly more formal.

In Canada and Australia, both forms are recognized, but local style guides often favor “afterwards.”

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Historical Usage

The “-s” form comes from Middle English, where adverbs often ended in “-s”. Over time, American English dropped many of these endings, simplifying the spelling.

• 1600s: Both forms appear in texts.
• 1700s: British usage solidifies “afterwards.”
• 1800s onward: American English leans toward “afterward,” removing the “s” from many adverbs.

Understanding this history helps explain why British writers stick to “afterwards” while Americans prefer “afterward.”

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Analogous Word Pairs

Other words show similar -s vs non-s patterns:

• Forward / Forwards
• Toward / Towards
• Backward / Backwards

Tip: If a word follows this pattern, check the regional style before choosing.

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Core Differences Explained

• Meaning: Identical. Both indicate a sequence in time.
• Tone: “Afterward” feels slightly more American and casual. “Afterwards” feels traditional in British English.
• Formality: Minimal difference, but formal British texts almost always use “afterwards.”

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Definitions

Afterward: (American English)

• Meaning: At a later time.
• Example: I went jogging, and afterward, I took a shower.

Afterwards: (British English)

• Meaning: At a later time.
• Example: We had dinner and afterwards, watched a movie.

Both words can often be swapped without changing meaning.

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Key Differences Between “Afterward” and “Afterwards”

Feature	Afterward	Afterwards
Spelling	No “s”	Ends with “s”
Region	American English	British English
Common in	Journalism, blogs, emails	Books, academic writing in UK
Tone	Slightly casual	Traditional / formal
Example	I studied, and afterward went to bed.	I studied, and afterwards went to bed.

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Practical Guidelines for Usage

• Use “afterward” if writing for American audiences.
• Use “afterwards” if writing for British audiences.
• Be consistent in your document; avoid switching forms mid-text.
• Consider your style guide: AP, Chicago, or Oxford may have different preferences.

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Examples in Context

Afterward (American English)

• We had a long meeting, and afterward, everyone went home.
• I tried the new restaurant; afterward, I left a review online.

Afterwards (British English)

• They attended the lecture, and afterwards, discussed the key points.
• She completed the report and afterwards, sent it to her manager.

Side-by-Side Comparison

• American: I finished my chores, and afterward, I watched TV.
• British: I finished my chores, and afterwards, I watched TV.

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Usage in Different Dialects

• Canadian English: Both are accepted, though “afterwards” is slightly more common.
• Australian English: Favors “afterwards.”
• South African English: Mostly “afterwards.”
• Style guides: APA (American) favors “afterward,” Oxford (UK) favors “afterwards.”

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Case Study: Public Speeches

American English Example

• “We met the delegates, and afterward, addressed the media.” – Spoken at a U.S. conference.

British English Example

• “We visited the museum, and afterwards, enjoyed afternoon tea.” – Spoken at a UK cultural event.

Practical Tip: Spoken English rarely distinguishes between the two, but written form follows regional norms.

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Synonyms and Alternatives

You can use synonyms to avoid repetition or fit tone:

Common Synonyms: later, subsequently, then, following that.

Context-Specific Synonyms:

Context	Synonym	Example
Formal	subsequently	He submitted the report and subsequently attended the meeting.
Casual	later	We played football and later had lunch.
Narrative	then	She finished her homework, then watched TV.

Using synonyms helps vary sentence structure and keeps writing engaging.

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Origins and Etymology

Afterward

• Rooted in Middle English: “after” + “ward.”
• First recorded in late 14th century.
• Popularized in American English by dropping the “s”.

Afterwards

• Also from Middle English.
• Preserved in British English to maintain traditional spelling conventions.

This explains the regional divergence seen today.

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Common Mistakes and Misunderstandings

• Mixing forms: Don’t switch “afterward” and “afterwards” in the same document.
• Confusing with “afterword” (a concluding section in a book).
• Overusing the word instead of synonyms for variety.

Tip: Remember: Afterword ≠ Afterward/Afterwards.

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Practical Tip: Context Matters

• Emails / Blogs: Use American or British preference based on audience.
• Academic Writing: Follow the style guide (APA vs Oxford).
• Creative Writing: Either form works, but maintain consistency.

Rule of Thumb: Think “who is reading this?”

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Key Takeaways

• Both words mean the same: “later” or “following in time.”
• Afterward → American English; Afterwards → British English.
• Consistency is key: don’t mix forms in one text.
• Check style guides for formal writing.
• Synonyms like later or subsequently can add variety.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between afterward and afterwards?

Both mean the same thing; the difference is regional. “Afterward” is American English, “afterwards” is British English.

Can I use afterward in British English?

Yes, but it is less common and may feel slightly informal or nontraditional.

Should I always use afterwards in formal writing?

If writing in British English, yes. In American English, use “afterward.”

Is afterword the same as afterward?

No. “Afterword” refers to a concluding section in a book or document.

Are there other words like afterward/afterwards?

Yes, words like toward/towards, forward/forwards, backward/backwards follow similar regional spelling patterns.

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A Final Look

Choosing between “afterward” and “afterwards” isn’t about correctness—both are correct.

The key is audience, consistency, and context. Use this guide to confidently select the right form, enhance clarity, and maintain professional writing style.