Afterward vs Afterwards: Is There any Difference?

Introduction

English learners and even native speakers often pause when faced with afterward vs afterwards. Both words look almost identical, and both carry the same meaning so why are there two versions? If you’ve ever wondered whether to write afterward or afterwards, you’re not alone. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly when to use each form, what the subtle differences are, and how to stay consistent in your writing.

The Core Meaning of Afterward/Afterwards

At the heart of it, both afterward and afterwards mean “later, after a particular event.” They’re adverbs of time and serve the same function in a sentence.

For example:

• We went to the park and had ice cream afterward.
• We went to the park and had ice cream afterwards.

The meaning doesn’t change at all. That’s why the confusion exists in the first place.

The Subtle Difference Explained

American English Preference

In American English, the simpler form afterward is more common. You’ll often see it in business communication, formal writing, and published works in the US. Americans usually drop the -s ending, just as they prefer toward over towards.

📧 Email Example (US Style)

Subject: Budget Meeting Follow-up

Hi Sarah,
Thanks for joining the meeting earlier today. Let’s schedule a short discussion afterward to finalize the budget.

Best,
Mark

Here, afterward feels polished and professional, which matches the American preference in work-related contexts.

British English Preference

In British English, the form with an **-s afterwards **is far more common. British speakers consider it more natural and slightly more conversational. You’ll see it often in daily communication, journalism, and storytelling.

💬 Message Example (UK Style)

“Hey Jack, I’m heading to the library now. Want to grab coffee afterwards?”

The tone feels friendly and casual, which fits how British speakers typically use it.

Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand English

Things get interesting with Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand English. In these regions, both versions appear, though afterwards tends to be slightly more frequent. Writers and editors often recommend choosing one and sticking with it to avoid inconsistency.

So, if you’re writing for a Canadian magazine or an Australian blog, afterwards may feel more familiar, but either choice is acceptable.

A Quick Look at Word Origins

The split between afterward vs afterwards isn’t random. Both words trace back to Old English “æfterwearde,” meaning “toward the after part.” Over time, English developed two endings: -ward and -wards.

• -ward = more common in American English
• -wards = more common in British English

This pattern isn’t unique to “afterward.” You’ll see the same thing in pairs like:

• Toward vs Towards
• Forward vs Forwards
• Upward vs Upwards
• Backward vs Backwards

The extra -s is known as the adverbial genitive suffix -s, a remnant from Middle English grammar. While it doesn’t change the meaning, it shaped how different regions standardized spelling.

Usage Guide for Writers

So, how do you decide whether to use afterward or afterwards? The short answer: consider your audience.

• Writing for an American audience → use afterward.
• Writing for a British or Commonwealth audience → use afterwards.
• Writing for a global audience → pick one and stay consistent.

In academic papers, business documents, and published works, consistency matters more than the choice itself. Switching back and forth between afterward or afterwards in the same document can distract readers.

Examples in Real-Life Scenarios

Afterward in an Email (US Style)

“Hi Rachel, thanks for your presentation today. Let’s touch base afterward to discuss the next steps.”

Afterwards in a Text (UK Style)

“That concert was amazing! Let’s grab a late-night snack afterwards.”

Afterward in a Business Report

“The seminar ended at 3 p.m., and the research team met afterward to review the findings.”

Afterwards in a Story or Blog

“We spent the morning hiking in the mountains and went swimming in the lake afterwards.”

These scenarios show that while both words work, the choice reflects tone and audience expectations.

Synonyms and Alternatives

Sometimes, using afterward or afterwards repeatedly can feel repetitive. That’s when synonyms come in handy. Depending on the context, you can use:

• Later – We’ll talk later.
• Subsequently – The company expanded rapidly; it subsequently opened offices in Asia.
• Thereafter – The treaty was signed, and peace prevailed thereafter.
• Following – Following the announcement, the crowd erupted in applause.
• Soon after – She left the party and called me soon after.
• Eventually – He struggled at first, but eventually succeeded.
• After a while – We argued for hours but laughed together after a while.
• In time – The pain will fade in time.

These alternatives keep your writing fresh while reinforcing the idea of something happening after a particular event.

Key Takeaways

• Afterward vs Afterwards → no difference in meaning, only regional preference.
• Afterward = American English standard.
• Afterwards = British/Commonwealth English standard.
• Both forms are correct; the key is consistency in your choice.
• For professional writing, match your usage to your audience’s expectations.

Conclusion

When it comes to afterward vs afterwards, there’s no need to stress. Both words mean the same thing later, following an event but their usage depends on regional spelling conventions. If you’re writing for an American audience, stick with afterward. If your readers are in the UK or Commonwealth countries, go with afterwards.

In the end, the difference is more about style than substance. Whichever form you choose, make sure you stay consistent. Your readers will appreciate the clarity, and you’ll avoid unnecessary confusion.