Afterward vs Afterwards
What’s the difference between them?
Afterward
Meaning:
Afterward means at a later time; afterwards.
Examples:
1. Afterward, she went for a walk in the park.
2. We will have dinner and then watch a movie afterward.
3. I will need to finish my work and then take a break afterward.
Afterwards
Meaning:
Meaning is the same, but such spelling is mostly used in British and Canadian English.
Examples:
1. Afterwards, we went out for dinner.
2. We talked for a while, and afterwards we said goodbye.
3. I felt better afterwards, after venting my frustrations.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Afterward
1. Subsequently
2. Later
3. In the wake
4. Following
5. Subsequent to this
1. Previously
2. Beforehand
3. Earlier
4. In advance
5. Preceding
Afterwards
1. Subsequently
2. Later
3. In the wake
4. Following
5. Subsequent to this
6. In the aftermath
1. Previously
2. Beforehand
3. Earlier
4. In advance
5. Antecedently
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Afterward", "Afterwards".
1. The American English spelling is 'afterward.'
2. The British English spelling is 'afterwards.'
3. To remember which one to use, you can think about the phrase, 'American English, afterward; British English, afterwards.'
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Frequently asked questions
When should the word 'Afterward' be used?
The word 'Afterward' should be used when referring to something that happens after a certain point in time. This spelling is widely recognized in American English.
When is the appropriate context for using the word 'Afterwards'?
The word 'Afterwards' should be used to refer to something that happens or is done following a particular event or period of time. This spelling is widely recognized in British English.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, afterward is pronounced as /ˈæf.tɚ.wɚd/, while afterwards is pronounced as /ˈæf.tɚ.wɚdz/
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
One of the most common mistakes people make when using these words is confusing them in different regions, especially in writing. Remember that 'afterward' is correct for American English, while 'afterwards is correct for British English.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. Well meet you at the cafe __________ in Brooklyn; just give us a call when youre ready.
2. The movie ended, and __________, we decided to grab a late-night snack.
3. In American English, its common to say See you __________! as a farewell.
4. The rain stopped, and __________, the sun began to peek through the clouds.
5. After the performance, well have a brief intermission, and __________, there will be a Q&A session.
6. The event concluded, and __________, attendees were invited to a networking reception.
1. Well meet you at the cafe afterward; just give us a call when youre ready.
Explanation: Both British and American spellings are acceptable, but afterward is more commonly used in American English.
2. The movie ended, and afterwards/afterward, we decided to grab a late-night snack.
Explanation: Since there is no cue on region, you may use any variant.
3. In American English, its common to say See you afterwards! as a farewell.
Explanation: Afterwards is the preferred spelling in British English.
4. The rain in New Yorkstopped, and afterward, the sun began to peek through the clouds.
Explanation: Both British and American spellings are acceptable, but afterward is more commonly used in American English.
5. After the performance near London Eye, well have a brief intermission, and afterwards, there will be a Q&A session.
Explanation: Afterwards is the preferred spelling in British English.
6. The event in Millenium Park concluded, and afterward, attendees were invited to a networking reception.
Explanation: Both British and American spellings are acceptable, but afterward is more commonly used in American English.
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List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.