Both afterward and afterwards are correct, but they are used differently based on regional English. This simple answer clears the confusion many writers face. People often search for “afterward or afterwards” because they see both forms in books, articles, exams, and online content.
Spellcheck tools accept both, which makes the choice even harder. Learners want to know which one is right, which one sounds natural, and which one looks professional. This confusion is common among students, bloggers, and non-native English speakers.
This article solves that problem in a clear, simple way. You will learn the exact difference, history, regional rules, common mistakes, real life examples, and expert advice to confidently choose the correct form every time.
Afterward or Afterwards: Quick Answer
Afterward and afterwards have the same meaning. Both mean “at a later time” or “following an event.”
- Afterward is preferred in American English.
- Afterwards is preferred in British English and Commonwealth countries.
Examples:
- We went for dinner, and afterward we watched a movie. (American English)
- She finished her work and afterwards went home. (British English)
Simple rule:
Meaning is the same. Region decides the spelling.
The Origin of Afterward or Afterwards
Early History of the Word
The word afterward comes from Old English roots. It is formed from “after” (meaning later) and “-ward”, a suffix meaning direction or time. Over time, English speakers used this word to describe something that happens later.
Where Did the “-s” Come From?
The extra “-s” in afterwards developed naturally in British English. Several adverbs in English gained an optional -s ending, such as:
- toward / towards
- forward / forwards
- backward / backwards
British English kept both forms, while American English later favored the shorter versions.
Why Both Forms Survived
English spelling was never fully standardized worldwide. As English spread globally, regional preferences developed. That is why both afterward and afterwards are grammatically correct today.
British English vs American English Spelling
The difference between afterward and afterwards is mainly regional.
American English
- Preferred form: afterward
- Shorter spelling without “s”
- Used in formal and informal writing
Examples:
- He apologized, and afterward the meeting continued.
- The class ended, and afterward students left.
British English
- Preferred form: afterwards
- Ending with “s” is more common
Examples:
- The match ended; afterwards, fans celebrated.
- She called him and afterwards sent an email.
Comparison Table
| Feature | American English | British English |
| Preferred spelling | afterward | afterwards |
| Accepted alternative | afterwards (less common) | afterward (less common) |
| Formal writing | afterward | afterwards |
| Everyday usage | afterward | afterwards |
Which Spelling Should You Use?
For US Audiences
Use afterward. It follows American spelling standards and looks natural to US readers.
For UK & Commonwealth Audiences
Use afterwards. This includes the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and much of Asia.
For Global or Writing
Both are correct, but afterward is slightly shorter and more common in American-based content. However, if your audience is international, choose one and stay consistent.
Expert advice:
Choose the spelling your audience expects.
Common Mistakes with Afterward or Afterwards
Mistake 1: Thinking One Is Wrong
❌ Afterwards is incorrect. ✅ Both are correct.
Mistake 2: Mixing Both in One Article
❌ He called me afterward. Afterwards, we met again. ✅ He called me afterward. Afterward, we met again.
Mistake 3: Using It as an Adjective
❌ The afterward meeting was short. ✅ The meeting that happened afterward was short.
Mistake 4: Adding an Apostrophe
❌ afterward’s ✅ afterward
Afterward or Afterwards in Everyday Examples
Emails
- Please submit the form today. Afterward, we will review it.
- Complete the task and afterwards inform your manager.
News Writing
- The vote passed, and afterward the law was enforced. (US)
- The interview ended; afterwards, a statement was released. (UK)
Social Media
- Finished my workout 💪 Afterward, coffee time ☕
- Met friends and afterwards watched a movie 🎬
Formal Writing
- The experiment concluded, and afterward results were analyzed.
- The ceremony ended; afterwards, guests departed.
Afterward or Afterwards: Google Trends & Usage Data
Search interest in “afterward or afterwards” is high among students, writers, and ESL learners.
Regional Popularity
- United States: afterward dominates
- United Kingdom: afterwards dominates
- Canada & Australia: afterwards preferred
- India & Pakistan: mixed usage
Context-Based Usage
- Academic and US-based content prefers afterward
- British media and literature prefer afterwards
The difference is about audience, not correctness.
Comparison Table: Afterward vs Afterwards
| Word | Region | Meaning | Example |
| afterward | American English | later | We talked, and afterward left. |
| afterwards | British English | later | She finished, and afterwards rested. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “afterwards” incorrect in American English?
No. It is correct, but afterward is preferred.
Can I use “afterward” in British English?
Yes, but afterwards sounds more natural.
Do they mean the same thing?
Yes. There is no difference in meaning.
Which one is better for exams?
Use the spelling that matches the English variety required.
Is one more formal than the other?
No. Both are equally formal.
Should I use both for ?
Use one consistently. You may mention the other for comparison.
Are there similar word pairs?
Yes: toward/towards, forward/forwards, backward/backwards.
Conclusion
Afterward and afterwards often confuse writers, but the rule is simple. Both words are correct and mean the same thing: “later” or “following an event.”
The only real difference lies in regional preference. American English favors afterward, while British and Commonwealth English prefer afterwards.
Understanding this distinction helps you write more clearly and professionally. When your audience is American, afterward will feel natural and expected.
For British or international audiences, afterwards is usually the safer choice. What matters most is consistency. Do not mix both forms in the same document.
Small spelling choices like this can affect clarity and reader trust. By matching your spelling to your audience, you show attention to detail and strong language awareness
Now that you understand the difference between afterward or afterwards, you can confidently choose the right one every time without second-guessing.
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I am Oliver H. Grant. I am a English language writer and editor my focuses on grammar, word usage, and common English mistakes.
I specializes in explaining the differences between British and American English in a clear and practical way.
my writing style is simple, learner-friendly, and designed to help readers understand English with ease.
My work is also SEO-focused, making it especially useful for online learners and readers.
