Choosing between Afterward vs. Afterwards may seem like a small detail, but it can make your writing style more consistent and polished. These two adverbs have the same meaning, yet many writers wonder whether one is more correct, more formal, or preferred in American English or British English. Understanding the difference helps you avoid unnecessary confusion and choose the version that best matches your audience, publication, or writing guidelines.

In this guide, you’ll learn whether afterward and afterwards are interchangeable, how regional English usage influences each form, and when one spelling may be more appropriate than the other. We’ll also explore grammar rules, word usage, common writing mistakes, examples in everyday sentences, and practical tips for maintaining consistency in professional, academic, and creative writing. By the end, you’ll know exactly which form to use and why, making your communication clearer, more natural, and more confident. Let’s start by understanding what sets these two words apart.

Afterward vs. Afterwards: What’s the Difference?

The difference between afterward and afterwards is surprisingly simple. Both words mean “at a later time” or “following an earlier event.” The only real distinction is regional spelling preference, not meaning.

• Afterward is the preferred form in American English.
• Afterwards is more common in British English, as well as in many countries that follow British spelling conventions.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Afterward	Afterwards
Meaning	At a later time	At a later time
American English	Preferred	Less common
British English	Less common	Preferred
Grammar	Adverb	Adverb
Formal writing	Correct	Correct
Everyday conversation	Correct	Correct

Neither spelling changes the meaning of a sentence. Choosing the right one depends on your audience and the style guide you’re following. If you’re writing for a U.S. audience, afterward is usually the better choice. For readers in the UK, Australia, or Canada, afterwards often feels more natural.

The key is to stay consistent. Mixing both spellings in the same document can make your writing look inconsistent, especially in academic, business, or published content.

What Does Afterward Mean?

Afterward is an adverb that means later, after that, or following a particular event. It tells readers when something happens without referring to an exact time.

Examples:

• We finished dinner and afterward watched a movie.
• She apologized afterward for the misunderstanding.
• The meeting ended, and everyone left shortly afterward.

In American English, this spelling appears frequently in newspapers, business communication, academic writing, blogs, emails, and everyday conversation.

Because it functions as an adverb, afterward usually modifies a verb or an entire clause by indicating when an action takes place. It does not describe a noun or act as an adjective.

You can often replace afterward with words like later, later on, subsequently, or following that, depending on the tone of your writing.

What Does Afterwards Mean?

Afterwards has exactly the same meaning as afterward. It also functions as an adverb meaning later, after that, or subsequently.

Examples:

• We visited the museum and went for coffee afterwards.
• He thanked everyone afterwards for their support.
• They discussed the results afterwards in private.

The main difference is that afterwards is the preferred spelling in British English. Readers in the UK often expect this version, making it the more natural choice for British publications, schools, and businesses.

Whether you write afterward or afterwards, the sentence conveys the same idea. The choice reflects language variety, not grammar or correctness.

Historical Origin

The word afterward has deep roots in the Old English language. It developed from the combination of after, meaning “following,” and -weard, a directional suffix meaning “toward” or “in the direction of.”

Over time, English speakers began using the word not only to describe direction but also to express time, giving it the meaning of “at a later point.”

As English spread across different regions, spelling conventions evolved. Some varieties preferred the shorter afterward, while others retained the additional -s, creating afterwards. This pattern appears in several English adverbs and reflects historical differences rather than changes in meaning.

Today, dictionaries recognize both spellings as standard English, with their use depending primarily on regional preference.

Evolution of the Two Spellings

The development of afterward and afterwards reflects the broader history of English spelling. During earlier periods of English, many words existed in multiple accepted forms because spelling had not yet become standardized.

As dictionaries, publishers, and educational systems established language standards, regional preferences became more consistent.

In the United States, many words gradually adopted shorter spellings, making afterward the standard choice. In Britain, the longer form afterwards remained common and continues to appear in newspapers, books, and official writing.

This difference is similar to other regional spelling pairs, where neither version is grammatically superior. Instead, each follows the conventions of a particular variety of English.

Etymology of Afterward and Afterwards

The word combines two historical elements:

• After comes from Old English and refers to something occurring later in time or position.
• Ward comes from the Old English suffix -weard, meaning “toward” or “in relation to.”

The form afterwards emerged later with the addition of -s, a pattern found in several English adverbs. Over centuries, both spellings became accepted, though different English-speaking regions favored different versions.

Understanding this etymology helps explain why the two words share the same meaning despite their slight spelling difference.

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The Meaning of the “-ward” and “-wards” Suffixes

The suffixes -ward and -wards often indicate direction, movement, or orientation. Over time, some words using these endings also developed meanings related to time or sequence.

For example:

• Forward / forwards
• Toward / towards
• Upward / upwards
• Backward / backwards
• Afterward / afterwards

In American English, forms ending in -ward are generally more common, while British English frequently prefers -wards.

Although these spelling patterns differ, they rarely affect meaning. Instead, they reflect regional language conventions and editorial style.

Are Afterward and Afterwards Interchangeable?

Yes. Afterward and afterwards are fully interchangeable in meaning. Both express that something happens later or after a previous event.

For example:

• We went out for dinner, and afterward we saw a concert.
• We went out for dinner, and afterwards we saw a concert.

Both sentences are correct. The only difference is the variety of English being used.

When choosing between them, consider these guidelines:

• Use afterward for American English audiences.
• Use afterwards for British English audiences.
• Follow your organization’s or publisher’s style guide.
• Avoid switching between the two spellings within the same document.

Maintaining consistent spelling helps your writing appear polished, professional, and appropriate for your intended readers. Whether you’re writing an academic paper, business report, blog post, or email, selecting one form and using it consistently is the best practice.

Which Is Correct: Afterward or Afterwards?

Both afterward and afterwards are correct English words. Neither spelling is a mistake. The right choice depends on the variety of English you’re using rather than on grammar.

• Choose afterward when writing in American English.
• Choose afterwards when writing in British English.

Both words function as adverbs meaning “later,” “after that,” or “subsequently.” They can appear in formal writing, academic papers, emails, news articles, and everyday conversation.

If you’re writing for an international audience, either spelling is acceptable as long as you use it consistently throughout your document. Consistency is more important than choosing one spelling over the other.

Why Do Both Spellings Exist?

The existence of afterward and afterwards reflects the historical evolution of English rather than a grammatical difference.

Centuries ago, English spelling was far less standardized than it is today. Many adverbs appeared both with and without the final -s. As dictionaries, publishers, and educational systems established regional standards, different English-speaking countries favored different forms.

American English gradually preferred the shorter -ward ending, while British English continued using the -wards form in many words. This pattern also appears in words such as toward/towards, forward/forwards, backward/backwards, and upward/upwards.

As a result, both spellings survived and remain accepted in modern English.

How to Pronounce Afterward and Afterwards

Afterward and Afterwards (AF-ter-werd and AF-ter-werdz)

Both words are pronounced almost identically.

• Afterward: AF-ter-werd
• Afterwards: AF-ter-werdz

The only audible difference is the final “s” sound in afterwards. In fast speech, the distinction is often very subtle, and native speakers easily understand either pronunciation.

Is “Afterwards” Incorrect in American English?

No. Afterwards is not incorrect in American English.

Although afterward is the preferred American spelling, most American readers recognize and understand afterwards without any confusion. You may occasionally see afterwards in books, online articles, or writing produced by authors who follow British English conventions.

However, if you’re writing for a U.S. audience, using afterward helps match American spelling standards and editorial expectations.

For school assignments, business documents, newspapers, and professional writing in the United States, the shorter spelling is generally recommended.

Afterward vs. Afterwards in Style Guides

Major style guides emphasize consistency and following the regional variety of English appropriate for your audience.

AP Style

The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook generally follows American English conventions. Therefore, afterward is the preferred spelling in news writing and journalism.

Chicago Manual of Style

The Chicago Manual of Style also follows standard American English spelling for most publications. It recommends afterward unless a publication intentionally follows British English or preserves quoted material.

Oxford Style

Oxford Style, which follows British English, prefers afterwards. This spelling is common in UK books, newspapers, academic publications, and official documents.

Style Guide	Preferred Spelling	Primary Usage
AP Style	Afterward	American journalism
Chicago Manual of Style	Afterward	American publishing and academic writing
Oxford Style	Afterwards	British publishing and academic writing

Can You Start a Sentence with Afterward or Afterwards?

Yes. You can begin a sentence with either afterward or afterwards when introducing an action that happens later.

Starting a sentence with these adverbs creates a smooth transition between events and helps readers follow the sequence of ideas. This construction is common in storytelling, reports, emails, articles, and everyday writing.

Sentence Starter	Correct?	Example
Afterward, we celebrated together.	✅ Yes	American English
Afterwards, everyone went home.	✅ Yes	British English
Afterward the meeting ended.	❌ Less natural	The adverb should refer to what happens later, not what has already happened.
Afterwards, she sent a thank-you email.	✅ Yes	Natural transition

Can You End a Sentence with Afterward or Afterwards?

Yes. Ending a sentence with afterward or afterwards is one of the most common ways these adverbs are used.

Placing the word at the end naturally indicates that an event occurred later without interrupting the flow of the sentence.

Sentence Ending	Correct?	Example
…afterward.	✅ Yes	We talked afterward.
…afterwards.	✅ Yes	They met afterwards.
…the afterward.	❌ No	Afterward is an adverb, not a noun in this context.
…very afterward.	❌ No	The adverb is not normally modified this way.

Examples from Books, Newspapers, and Everyday English

Both spellings regularly appear in published writing depending on the country where the content is produced.

Context	Preferred Form	Example
American newspaper	Afterward	The coach spoke to reporters afterward.
British newspaper	Afterwards	The Prime Minister addressed the media afterwards.
American novel	Afterward	They returned home afterward.
British novel	Afterwards	She reflected on the conversation afterwards.
Business email (U.S.)	Afterward	We’ll discuss the budget afterward.
Business email (U.K.)	Afterwards	We’ll review the proposal afterwards.
Everyday conversation (U.S.)	Afterward	Let’s grab coffee afterward.
Everyday conversation (U.K.)	Afterwards	We can catch up afterwards.

These examples show that the difference is regional rather than grammatical. Whether you’re reading a novel, browsing a newspaper, or writing an email, both forms communicate the same meaning: something happens later or after a previous event.

American vs. British English Usage

The choice between afterward and afterwards depends largely on the regional variety of English you are using. Both spellings have the same meaning and grammatical function, but different English-speaking countries have developed their own preferences over time.

Knowing which form your audience expects helps your writing look polished and consistent. Whether you’re creating website content, writing academic papers, sending business emails, or publishing articles, matching the appropriate regional spelling improves readability.

American English

In American English, afterward is the standard spelling.

Most U.S. dictionaries, newspapers, universities, publishers, and businesses use afterward without the final -s. It appears in formal writing, journalism, professional communication, academic research, blogs, and everyday conversation.

Examples:

• We discussed the proposal afterward.
• She called me afterward to explain what happened.
• Everyone stayed for dinner afterward.

If your audience is in the United States, afterward is the preferred choice.

British English

In British English, afterwards is the more common spelling.

Readers in the United Kingdom expect the -s ending because it matches the spelling pattern of several other British adverbs, including towards, backwards, and forwards.

Examples:

• We met at the café afterwards.
• He thanked everyone afterwards.
• They spoke privately afterwards.

Although British readers understand afterward, afterwards feels more natural in UK publications and official writing.

Canadian English

Canadian English accepts both afterward and afterwards.

Because Canadian English combines influences from both American and British English, you’ll find each spelling in books, newspapers, educational materials, and online content.

Many Canadian publishers choose one spelling based on their internal style guide and then use it consistently throughout a document.

If you’re writing specifically for a Canadian audience, either spelling is acceptable, but avoid switching between the two within the same piece of writing.

Australian English

In Australian English, afterwards is generally the preferred spelling.

Australian publications typically follow British spelling conventions, so the version ending in -s appears more frequently in newspapers, government documents, educational resources, and professional writing.

Examples:

• We went for lunch afterwards.
• The team celebrated afterwards.
• They continued the discussion afterwards.

Although afterward is understood, afterwards better matches standard Australian English usage.

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Grammar Rules for Afterward and Afterwards

From a grammar perspective, afterward and afterwards follow exactly the same rules. The only difference is spelling preference based on regional English.

Both words function as adverbs, describe when an action occurs, and can appear in different positions within a sentence. They never change form based on tense, number, or subject.

Understanding these grammar rules helps you use either spelling naturally and correctly.

Part of Speech

Both afterward and afterwards are adverbs.

They modify verbs, clauses, or entire sentences by indicating when something happens. They answer questions such as “When?” or “What happened next?”

Examples:

• We talked afterward.
• She apologized afterwards.
• Everyone left shortly afterward.

Because these words are adverbs, they should not be used as adjectives or nouns.

Correct:

• We’ll discuss it afterward.
• They celebrated afterwards.

Incorrect:

• The afterward meeting was productive.
• She read the afterwards report.

In these examples, the words incorrectly attempt to describe nouns instead of indicating time.

Sentence Placement

Afterward and afterwards are flexible adverbs that can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.

At the beginning:

• Afterward, everyone returned to work.
• Afterwards, they reviewed the results.

In the middle:

• We afterward realized our mistake.
• She afterwards explained the situation.

Although this position is grammatically possible, it sounds less natural than placing the adverb at the beginning or end. Writers often choose words like later or subsequently instead when using a mid-sentence position.

At the end:

• We went home afterward.
• They celebrated afterwards.

Ending the sentence with the adverb is the most common and natural placement in modern English.

Punctuation Tips

Punctuation depends on where afterward or afterwards appears in the sentence.

When the word starts a sentence as an introductory adverb, place a comma after it.

Examples:

• Afterward, we continued the meeting.
• Afterwards, everyone signed the agreement.

When it appears naturally in the middle or at the end of a sentence, no comma is usually needed.

Examples:

• We met afterward.
• She called afterwards.
• They discussed the issue afterward before making a decision.

Avoid adding unnecessary commas around these adverbs unless another punctuation rule requires them.

Using correct punctuation keeps your writing clear, natural, and easy to read while preserving the smooth flow of ideas.

How to Use Afterward and Afterwards in Sentences

Using afterward and afterwards is straightforward once you know they are adverbs of time. They indicate that one action happens later or following another event. The spelling you choose depends on your preferred variety of English, but the grammar remains the same.

These words fit naturally in conversations, stories, reports, emails, articles, and academic writing. They can introduce a sequence of events or smoothly connect one idea to the next.

Everyday Examples

In everyday speech, both spellings help describe what happened next.

Examples using afterward (American English):

• We finished lunch and went shopping afterward.
• I’ll call you afterward.
• They laughed about it afterward.

Examples using afterwards (British English):

• We had dinner and watched a film afterwards.
• She spoke to her manager afterwards.
• They met again afterwards.

These examples show how naturally the words fit into daily communication.

Formal Writing

In formal writing, afterward and afterwards create clear chronological order without sounding repetitive.

Examples:

• The committee reviewed the proposal afterward.
• Participants completed a survey afterwards.
• The findings were published afterward in a revised report.
• The witnesses were interviewed afterwards.

Always match the spelling to the regional style guide you’re following.

Informal Writing

These adverbs are equally common in casual writing such as text messages, emails, blogs, and social media posts.

Examples:

• Let’s grab coffee afterward.
• We can chat afterwards.
• I’ll explain everything afterward.
• Text me afterwards if you’re free.

In informal communication, the regional spelling matters less than consistency.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Although afterward and afterwards are simple words, writers sometimes make mistakes by confusing them with similar-looking words or by mixing regional spellings.

Understanding these common errors helps you write more naturally and professionally.

Confusing Afterward with Afterword

One of the most frequent mistakes is confusing afterward with afterword.

An afterward is an adverb meaning later or after that.

An afterword is a noun referring to a short section at the end of a book, usually written by the author or another contributor.

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning
Afterward / Afterwards	Adverb	Later; after that
Afterword	Noun	Closing section of a book

Correct:

• We talked afterward.
• The author included an afterword in the new edition.

Mixing Regional Styles

Switching between afterward and afterwards in the same article creates inconsistency.

For example:

❌ We met afterward. The discussion continued afterwards.

Instead, keep one spelling throughout the document.

American English:

• We met afterward. We spoke again afterward.

British English:

• We met afterwards. We spoke again afterwards.

Consistency makes your writing look polished and intentional.

Unnecessary Spelling Changes

Some writers change the spelling simply because they think one version sounds more formal.

In reality, both spellings are equally correct. The only factor is the variety of English you’re using.

Avoid changing afterward to afterwards or vice versa unless you’re adapting your content for a different regional audience.

Afterward vs. Afterwards Comparison Table

Feature	Afterward	Afterwards
Meaning	Later; after that	Later; after that
Part of Speech	Adverb	Adverb
American English	Preferred	Less common
British English	Less common	Preferred
Canadian English	Accepted	Accepted
Australian English	Less common	Preferred
Formal Writing	Correct	Correct
Informal Writing	Correct	Correct
Pronunciation	Nearly identical	Nearly identical
Grammar	Same	Same

Which Spelling Should You Use?

The best spelling depends on your audience and the type of English your publication follows.

Neither version is more grammatically correct than the other.

Academic Writing

Follow your university’s required style guide or the preferred variety of English.

• U.S. institutions generally expect afterward.
• UK institutions generally expect afterwards.

Most importantly, use the same spelling throughout your paper or dissertation.

Business Writing

Business communication should match the expectations of your readers.

Use afterward when writing to American clients, companies, or organizations.

Use afterwards when communicating with businesses in the United Kingdom or other regions that follow British English.

Maintaining consistent spelling helps create a professional impression.

Creative Writing

Creative writers have more flexibility.

Choose the spelling that matches your narrator, characters, setting, or intended audience. A novel set in New York may naturally use afterward, while a story set in London may read more naturally with afterwards.

Once you’ve made your choice, keep it consistent throughout the manuscript.

Similar Word Pairs You Might Confuse

Many English words follow the same regional spelling pattern as afterward and afterwards.

Toward vs. Towards

Both words mean in the direction of.

• Toward is preferred in American English.
• Towards is preferred in British English.

The meaning remains exactly the same.

Forward vs. Forwards

Both forms indicate movement ahead or progress.

• Forward is more common in American English.
• Forwards appears more often in British English.

Both are grammatically correct.

Backward vs. Backwards

These words describe movement or direction toward the rear.

• Backward is the usual American spelling.
• Backwards is commonly used in British English.

As with afterward and afterwards, the difference is regional rather than grammatical.

Mistakes Non-Native English Speakers Commonly Make

English learners often assume one spelling must be incorrect because the words look so similar.

Common mistakes include:

• Treating afterward and afterwards as different words with different meanings.
• Mixing both spellings in the same essay.
• Confusing afterward with afterword.
• Using the wrong spelling for the intended audience.
• Assuming the -s ending changes the grammar.

The easiest solution is to decide whether you’re writing in American English or British English before you begin and use that spelling consistently.

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Tips for Remembering the Correct Spelling

Remembering which spelling to use becomes easier with a few simple strategies.

• Think America = afterward (no final -s).
• Think Britain = afterwards (with -s).
• Match the spelling to your style guide.
• Stay consistent throughout the document.
• Remember that both words have the same meaning.

A useful memory trick is:

No extra “s” for U.S.; extra “s” for British style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is afterward correct in American English?

Yes. Afterward is the standard American English spelling.

Is afterwards correct in British English?

Yes. Afterwards is the preferred British English spelling.

Do afterward and afterwards have different meanings?

No. Both words mean later or after that.

Is one spelling more formal than the other?

No. Both spellings are appropriate in formal and informal writing.

Can I use afterward and afterwards interchangeably?

Yes, but only if you maintain the same regional spelling throughout your writing.

Which spelling should I use in the United States?

Use afterward unless you’re intentionally following British English.

Which spelling should I use in the United Kingdom?

Use afterwards, as it matches standard British spelling conventions.

Is afterward an adverb?

Yes. Afterward is an adverb that indicates when something happens.

What is the difference between afterward and afterword?

Afterward means later, while afterword is the concluding section of a book.

Do dictionaries accept both spellings?

Yes. Modern dictionaries recognize afterward and afterwards as correct spellings.

Conclusion

Choosing between afterward and afterwards is not about right or wrong—it’s about regional English conventions. Both words have the same meaning, serve the same grammatical purpose, and are accepted by modern dictionaries.

If you’re writing in American English, use afterward. If you’re writing in British English, afterwards is the more natural choice. Canadian English accepts both, while Australian English generally follows the British preference.

The most important rule is consistency. Pick the spelling that matches your audience, style guide, or publication, and use it throughout your writing. By understanding the small regional difference and avoiding confusion with afterword, you’ll write with greater confidence, clarity, and professionalism.