English is full of subtle differences that can trip up even the most seasoned writer. One such pair of words is afterward and afterwards.
At first glance, they seem interchangeable, but they carry nuanced distinctions that are worth exploring.
Afterward or afterwards? Learn the subtle differences between these words, their regional preferences, and how to use them correctly in writing.
In this guide, we’ll dive into their meanings, origins, regional preferences, and proper usage to help you confidently choose the right term.
Unraveling the Mystery of Afterward and Afterwards
If you’ve ever paused while writing to wonder whether to use afterward or afterwards, you’re not alone.
These words are often used interchangeably in casual conversation, but subtle differences in regional preferences and usage contexts set them apart.
This article will clarify these distinctions and provide tips to ensure you never confuse them again.
Defining Afterward and Afterwards: More Than Just Directional Suffixes
At their core, afterward and afterwards both function as adverbs that mean “at a later time” or “following an event.”
Examples of Definitions:
- Afterward: “At a subsequent time.”
Example: “We went to the park, and afterward, we had ice cream.” - Afterwards: “At a later or subsequent time.”
Example: “The meeting ended, and afterwards, everyone left for lunch.”
The key takeaway: Both words have the same meaning. However, their usage varies depending on the writer’s style and regional norms.
Exploring the Origins of the -ward and -wards Suffixes
The distinction between afterward and afterwards stems from their suffixes, -ward and -wards.
Etymology of the Suffixes
- -ward: Derived from Old English -weard, meaning “direction.”
- -wards: An older variant of the suffix, more common in British English, indicating “in the direction of.”
Notable Observations:
- -ward is often seen as slightly more formal.
- -wards is a later adaptation, reflecting conversational patterns in British English.
Understanding these historical nuances sheds light on how the terms evolved differently in American and British usage.
The Regional Preferences of Afterward vs. Afterwards
One of the most significant differences between afterward and afterwards lies in regional preferences.
North American English (United States and Canada):
- Tends to favor afterward.
Example: “She completed her studies and joined the workforce shortly afterward.”
British English:
- Commonly uses afterwards.
Example: “He finished the book and felt satisfied afterwards.”
Regional Usage Table
| Word | Preferred Region | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Afterward | United States, Canada | “He left the office, and afterward, he went home.” |
| Afterwards | United Kingdom, Australia | “She apologized afterwards for the mistake.” |
Examples of Usage in North American Publications
In American English, afterward dominates formal writing and publications. Let’s look at examples from well-known North American sources:
- The New York Times:
- “The president addressed the nation, and afterward, he took questions from reporters.”
- Scientific Journals:
- “The experiment was concluded, and afterward, the results were analyzed in detail.”
In these examples, afterward aligns with the American preference for concise and straightforward language.
The Significance of Contextual Usage in American and British English
While regional preferences are a major factor, the choice between afterward and afterwards can also depend on the tone and context of your writing:
- Formal Writing:
- American English tends to favor afterward in academic, legal, and professional contexts.
- British English leans toward afterwards, even in formal writing.
- Conversational Tone:
- In informal contexts, both terms may appear interchangeably depending on the writer’s background.
Key Takeaway: When writing for an international audience, consider the regional norms and tone of your content to choose the appropriate term.
How Afterward and Afterwards Fit into Different Parts of Speech
Both afterward and afterwards function exclusively as adverbs, modifying verbs to indicate when an action takes place.
Examples:
- Verb modification:
- “She spoke passionately about her ideas; afterward, the audience applauded.”
- “He tripped and fell, but afterwards, he laughed it off.”
Neither term can serve as a noun or adjective, which differentiates them from similar-sounding words like afterword.
The Common Confusion with Homophones: Afterward vs. Afterword
Adding to the confusion is the homophone afterword, which sounds similar but carries an entirely different meaning.
- Afterword: Refers to a concluding section of a book, written by the author or editor.
Example: “The author included a heartfelt afterword, reflecting on the writing process.” - Afterward/Afterwards: Refer to time and sequence, not written content.
Quick Tip to Avoid Confusion:
Remember that afterword ends with “word,” linking it to text or written material, while afterward/afterwards are purely about timing.
Distinguishing Between Time and Text: Afterward and Afterword
To further clarify the difference between afterward (and afterwards) and afterword, let’s compare their usage side by side:
| Term | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afterward(s) | Adverb | Later in time, following an event | “He apologized afterward/afterwards for the delay.” |
| Afterword | Noun | A concluding section in a book | “The afterword explained the book’s inspiration.” |
Key Takeaway: Afterward and afterwards deal with time, while afterword deals with text.
Tips to Remember the Difference and Avoid Misinterpretations
Confused? Use these practical tips to distinguish between these terms:
- Associate the Ending:
- Afterward(s): Focus on the directional or time-related nature of “-ward” or “-wards.”
- Afterword: Relate the “word” ending to books or writing.
- Think About Region:
- Writing for an American audience? Choose afterward.
- Writing for a British audience? Opt for afterwards.
- Consistency Is Key:
- In longer pieces, stick with one term to maintain clarity and flow.
- Use Mnemonics:
- “Afterwards is popular in Britain because Brits add words.”
FAQs
What is the difference between afterward and afterwards?
Both mean “at a later time,” but afterward is preferred in American English, while afterwards is more common in British English.
Is it wrong to use afterwards in American English?
No, it’s not wrong, but afterward is more commonly used in American English for formal and informal contexts.
Which should I use in professional writing: afterward or afterwards?
In professional writing, use afterward for American audiences and afterwards for British audiences. Stay consistent throughout your piece.
Are afterward and afterword the same?
No, they’re different. Afterward/afterwards refer to time, while afterword is a concluding section of a book.
Can afterward or afterwards be used as a noun?
No, both are adverbs. They modify verbs to indicate when an action takes place. For example, “We went home afterward.”
Summary and Best Practices for Choosing Between Afterward and Afterwards
While afterward and afterwards are essentially interchangeable, understanding their subtle distinctions can elevate your writing. Here’s a quick recap:
- Both words mean “at a later time” or “following an event.”
- Afterward is preferred in North America, while afterwards is favored in British English.
- The choice often depends on regional norms, tone, and context.
Best Practices:
- Choose the term based on your target audience and region.
- Avoid mixing afterward and afterwards within the same piece.
- Double-check for homophones like afterword to ensure clarity.
Mastering these subtle differences ensures your writing stays polished, professional, and easy to understand. Have any other confusing word pairs you’d like us to tackle? Drop them in the comments below!
