What’s Really Happening Afterwards? The Surprising Truth!

Ever caught yourself hesitating between “afterward” or “afterwards” while writing an important email or message? You’re not alone! Just like you, millions of English speakers pause at this very choice, wondering if they’re making the right call.

Let me share something that might surprise you: both versions are perfectly fine to use. Yes, you read that right! But there’s more to this story than just picking either one at random. Stick with me as we unravel this common confusion and help you write with complete confidence, no matter which English-speaking audience you’re addressing.

What Do These Words Mean?

Both “afterward” and “afterwards” mean exactly the same thing: after something else has happened, or at a later time. They’re adverbs that help us describe when things happen in relation to other events. Think of them as signposts pointing to “what comes next” in time.

Are Both Forms Correct?

Yes! Here’s the simple truth: both “afterward” and “afterwards” are perfectly correct. The only real difference is that “afterward” (without the s) is more common in American English, while “afterwards” (with the s) is preferred in British English.

How to Use Them in Sentences

Let’s look at some everyday examples that show how these words work:

With afterward:

• We had dinner, and afterward we watched a movie.
• John finished his homework, and afterward he felt relieved.
• The storm passed, and afterward the sky cleared beautifully.

With afterwards:

• She completed the marathon, and afterwards she celebrated with friends.
• We visited the museum, and afterwards we went for coffee.
• The meeting ended, and afterwards everyone felt more optimistic.

Regional Preferences

Let’s talk about where you might see each version more often:

American English:

• Americans typically prefer “afterward”
• You’ll see this version more often in American newspapers, books, and websites
• It fits with the American tendency to prefer shorter forms

British English:

• British writers usually choose “afterwards”
• This version appears more frequently in British publications
• It follows the British pattern of keeping the -s in words like “towards” and “forwards”

Tips for Remembering

Here’s a simple way to remember which to use:

• If you’re writing for an American audience, skip the “s” (afterward)
• If you’re writing for a British audience, keep the “s” (afterwards)
• If you’re writing for yourself, use whichever feels more natural – both are correct!

Common Patterns and Usage

These words often appear in certain patterns that might help you use them more naturally:

Time Sequences:

• “Shortly afterward/afterwards”
• “Soon afterward/afterwards”
• “Long afterward/afterwards”

With And:

• “And afterward/afterwards”
• “And then afterward/afterwards”

Fun Facts About These Words

Here are some interesting tidbits about :

• The word comes from Old English “æfterweard,” meaning “in a subsequent direction”
• The -s in “afterwards” is called an adverbial genitive, the same ending we see in words like “besides” and “towards”
• Some style guides actually recommend “afterward” for formal writing, even in British English
• Both forms have been in use for centuries, showing how language can maintain multiple correct versions

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While both forms are correct, here are some mistakes people sometimes make:

Don’t use them as adjectives:

• Incorrect: “The afterward events were exciting”
• Correct: “The events afterward were exciting”

Don’t use them at the start of a sentence without proper context:

• Awkward: “Afterwards, things changed”
• Better: “We had a long discussion. Afterwards, things changed”

Digital Age Usage

In modern digital communication, both forms remain popular:

• Email tends to be more informal, so either version works fine
• Social media users often choose the shorter “afterward” to save characters
• Professional websites might adjust their usage based on their target audience

Making Your Choice

When deciding which form to use, consider:

• Your audience (American or British?)
• The formality of your writing
• Your personal preference
• Consistency within your document

Quick Reference Summary

• Both “afterward” and “afterwards” are correct
• “Afterward” is more common in American English
• “Afterwards” is more common in British English
• They mean exactly the same thing
• Use them to show when something happens after something else
• Be consistent with whichever form you choose
• Focus on clear communication rather than worrying too much about which form to use

Remember, language is a tool for communication, and both these words are equally valid tools in your writing toolkit. Choose the one that works best for you and your readers, and you’ll be using these words like a pro!

conclusion

Remember, there’s no wrong choice between afterward or afterwards – they’re both perfectly correct English words. The main thing is to be consistent in your usage within a single piece of writing. Pick the version that feels most natural to you and matches your audience’s expectations.

The most important thing isn’t whether you add the “s” or not – it’s that you’re communicating clearly. Both words do exactly the same job, and both have been serving English speakers well for centuries. So next time you’re wondering which to use, just pick one and write with confidence!