You pause mid-sentence, staring at the screen, unsure which word fits. That small choice can suddenly feel surprisingly stressful.
Many people search for afterward or afterwards because both look correct. The problem is knowing which one sounds right.
Is one American and the other British? Does formal writing prefer one over the other? This blog gives a clear and simple answer without grammar jargon.
The afterward or afterwards confusion ends here. Clear examples keep everything easy. No confusion, no overthinking.
Afterward or Afterwards – Quick Answer
Both “afterward” and “afterwards” are correct.
They mean “at a later time” or “following an event.”
The only difference is regional preference, not meaning.
Examples:
- We went for dinner, and afterward we watched a movie.
- She apologized, and afterwards everything felt better.
👉 Meaning is the same in both sentences.
The Origin of Afterward and Afterwards
Both words come from Old English.
- After = later
- -ward / -wards = direction or movement in time
In older English, adding “-s” to adverbs was common. Over time:
- American English dropped the “s” in many words.
- British English kept it.
That’s why both forms still exist today—and why both are grammatically correct.
British English vs American English Spelling
The difference is not grammar, but style and region.
Key Difference
- Afterward → preferred in American English
- Afterwards → preferred in British English
Comparison Table
| Feature | Afterward | Afterwards |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | At a later time | At a later time |
| Grammar | Correct | Correct |
| American English | Preferred | Less common |
| British English | Less common | Preferred |
| Formal writing | Accepted | Accepted |
Which Spelling Should You Use?
If your audience is American (US):
Use afterward
✔ Common
✔ Natural
✔ Style-correct
If your audience is British or Commonwealth (UK, Australia, Canada):
Use afterwards
✔ More familiar
✔ Sounds natural
If your audience is global:
Either is fine—but stay consistent throughout your writing.
Common Mistakes with Afterward or Afterwards
| Mistake | Correction |
|---|---|
| Thinking one is wrong | Both are correct |
| Mixing both in one article | Choose one and stay consistent |
| Adding “s” randomly | Follow your audience’s style |
| Using both in one sentence | Use only one |
| Overthinking grammar rules | It’s a style choice, not a rule |
Afterward or Afterwards in Everyday Examples
Emails
- We will discuss this afterward.
- Please call me afterwards.
News
- The meeting ended. Afterwards, the press arrived.
- The vote passed, and afterward celebrations began.
Social Media
- Had coffee, afterward went shopping ☕
- Finished work, afterwards felt relaxed 😌
Formal Writing
- The committee reviewed the case and afterwards issued a report.
Afterward or Afterwards – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search data shows clear regional patterns:
- Afterward is searched more in:
- United States
- Philippines
- India
- Afterwards is searched more in:
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Europe
In books, news, and formal writing:
- UK publishers prefer afterwards
- US publishers prefer afterward
Keyword Comparison Table
| Word | Region | Correct | Tone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Afterward | American English | Yes | Neutral |
| Afterwards | British English | Yes | Neutral |
| After wards | ❌ Incorrect | No | Wrong |
| After-ward | ❌ Incorrect | No | Wrong |
FAQs
1. Is afterward or afterwards more correct?
Both are correct. It depends on region.
2. Is afterward American English?
Yes, it is preferred in American English.
3. Is afterwards British English?
Yes, it is more common in British English.
4. Can I use both in the same article?
No. Choose one for consistency.
5. Do they have different meanings?
No. The meaning is exactly the same.
6. Which one should I use in exams?
Use the form preferred by your exam board.
7. Which is better for global audiences?
Either—just stay consistent.
Conclusion
The choice between afterward or afterwards is simple once you know the rule. Both words mean the same thing. Neither is wrong.
The only difference is where they are used. American English prefers afterward, while British English prefers afterwards.
If you write for a US audience, go with afterward. If your readers are in the UK or Commonwealth countries, choose afterwards.
For global content, either option works—as long as you stay consistent.
Remember: this is a style choice, not a grammar problem. Now you can write confidently without second-guessing yourself.
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Bryan A. Garner is a renowned grammar expert, lexicographer, and author at Grammiffy, where he makes English rules easy to understand for learners and writers of all levels.
With a focus on clarity, proper usage, and effective communication, Bryan helps readers master grammar, style, and everyday writing with confidence.
