After vs. Afterward — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 13, 2023
After" is primarily used as a preposition or conjunction, indicating sequence or consequence; "afterward" is an adverb meaning later or subsequent to a particular event.
Difference Between After and Afterward
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Key Differences
"After" and "afterward" both relate to the concept of something following in time or order. "After" can be employed as both a preposition and a conjunction, directing attention to a subsequent event or occurrence. For instance, "We had lunch after the meeting." Conversely, "afterward" functions as an adverb and typically denotes what comes later in a sequence of events. For example, "We had a meeting; afterward, we had lunch."
Moving along, "after" can also emphasize the idea of chasing or pursuit, whereas "afterward" remains consistent in indicating a later time. One might say, "The cat ran after the mouse," employing "after" to demonstrate a chase. On the other hand, "afterward" doesn't carry this sense of pursuit. It strictly conveys the notion of time, as in "They discussed the project; afterward, they had coffee."
Additionally, "after" can also hint at a basis for actions or decisions in the sense of "in light of" or "considering." For instance, "After all that happened, I decided to stay." "Afterward" doesn't function this way; it sticks to denoting a subsequent timeframe, as in "The event was tiring; we relaxed afterward."
It's noteworthy that the flexibility of "after" makes it appear in various contexts, from showing sequence, pursuit, to basis of decision. In contrast, "afterward" has a more singular function in the English language, serving mainly to point out what comes next in a sequence of events.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Preposition/conjunction
Adverb
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Function
Indicates sequence, pursuit, basis for action
Indicates a later time
Flexibility
Can be used in various contexts
Mainly used to denote subsequent events
Plurality
Singular
Can be pluralized as "afterwards"
Common Usage
"After the rain, there's a rainbow"
"The rain stopped; afterward, a rainbow appeared."
Compare with Definitions
After
Indicating sequence or consequence.
We went home after the movie.
Afterward
At a subsequent time.
We'll go to the mall; afterward, we'll watch a movie.
After
In the time following (an event or another period of time)
After a while he returned
He'd gone out with his secretary for an after-work drink
Shortly after their marriage they moved to Colorado
Afterward
Later in relation to a previous event.
The speech was boring; I dozed off afterward.
After
Behind
She went out, shutting the door after her
Afterward
Subsequent to a particular event.
He realized his mistake; afterward, he apologized.
After
In pursuit or quest of
Chasing after something you can't have
Afterward
At a later or future time.
She plans to visit afterward.
After
Next to and following in order or importance
In their order of priorities health comes after housing
Afterward
Following a previous event in sequence.
The ceremony was brief; the party came afterward.
After
In allusion to (someone or something with the same or a related name)
They named her Pauline, after Barbara's mother
Afterward
"Afterward" is a short story by American writer Edith Wharton. It was first published in the 1910 edition of The Century Magazine.
After
During the period of time following (an event)
Duke Frederick died soon after
Bath time ended in a flood after the taps were left running
Afterward
At a later time; subsequently.
After
During the period of time following (an event)
Duke Frederick died soon after
Bath time ended in a flood after the taps were left running
Afterward
(US) afterwards
After
Later
He was sorry in after years
Afterward
Happening at a time subsequent to a reference time;
He apologized subsequently
He's going to the store but he'll be back here later
It didn't happen until afterward
Two hours after that
After
Nearer the stern of a ship
The after cabin
After
Behind in place or order
Z comes after Y in the alphabet.
After
Next to or lower than in order or importance.
After
In quest or pursuit of
Seek after fame.
Go after big money.
After
Concerning
Asked after you.
After
Subsequent in time to; at a later time than
Come after dinner.
After
Subsequent to and because of or regardless of
They are still friends after all their differences.
After
Following continually
Year after year.
After
In the style of or in imitation of
Satires after Horace.
After
With the same or close to the same name as; in honor or commemoration of
Named after her mother.
After
According to the nature or desires of; in conformity to
A tenor after my own heart.
After
Past the hour of
Five minutes after three.
After
(Irish) Used with a present participle to indicate action that has just been completed
"Sure I'm after seeing him not five minutes ago" (James Joyce).
After
Behind; in the rear.
After
At a later or subsequent time; afterward
Three hours after.
Departed shortly after.
After
Subsequent in time or place; later; following
In after years.
After
Located near the stern of a vessel or the rear or an aircraft or spacecraft.
After
Following or subsequent to the time that
I saw them after I arrived.
After
Afternoon.
After
Afters Chiefly British Dessert.
After
Behind; later in time; following.
I left the room, and the dog bounded after.
They lived happily ever after.
I might come next month, or the month after.
After
Subsequently to; following in time; later than.
We had a few beers after the game.
The time is quarter after eight.
The Cold War began shortly after WWII.
After you with the salt/paper.
I told her to shut the door after her.
After
Behind.
He will leave a trail of destruction after him.
After
In pursuit of, seeking.
He's after a job; run after him; inquire after her health.
After
In allusion to, in imitation of; following or referencing.
We named him after his grandfather; a painting after Leonardo da Vinci.
After
Next in importance or rank.
The princess is next in line to the throne after the prince.
After
As a result of.
After your bad behaviour, you will be punished.
After
In spite of.
After all that has happened, he is still my friend.
I can't believe that, after all our advice against gambling, you walked into that casino!
After
Used to indicate recent completion of an activity
I was after finishing my dinner when there was a knock on the door.
After
(dated) According to an author or text.
After
Denoting the aim or object; concerning; in relation to.
To look after workmen; to enquire after a friend; to thirst after righteousness
After
(obsolete) According to the direction and influence of; in proportion to; befitting.
After
Signifies that the action of the clause it starts takes place before the action of the other clause.
I went home after we had decided to call it a day.
After
(dated) Later; second (of two); next, following, subsequent
After
At or towards the stern of a ship.
The after gun is mounted aft.
The after gun is abaft the forward gun.
After
Next; later in time; subsequent; succeeding; as, an after period of life.
After
Hinder; nearer the rear.
After
Behind in place; as, men in line one after another.
After
Below in rank; next to in order.
Codrus after Ph bus sings the best.
After
Later in time; subsequent; as, after supper, after three days. It often precedes a clause. Formerly that was interposed between it and the clause.
After I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.
After
Subsequent to and in consequence of; as, after what you have said, I shall be careful.
After
Subsequent to and notwithstanding; as, after all our advice, you took that course.
After
Moving toward from behind; following, in search of; in pursuit of.
Ye shall not go after other gods.
After whom is the king of Israel come out?
After
Denoting the aim or object; concerning; in relation to; as, to look after workmen; to inquire after a friend; to thirst after righteousness.
After
In imitation of; in conformity with; after the manner of; as, to make a thing after a model; a picture after Rubens; the boy takes after his father.
Our eldest son was named George after his uncle.
After
According to; in accordance with; in conformity with the nature of; as, he acted after his kind.
He shall not judge after the sight of his eyes.
They that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh.
After
According to the direction and influence of; in proportion to; befitting.
He takes greatness of kingdoms according to bulk and currency, and not after their intrinsic value.
After
Subsequently in time or place; behind; afterward; as, he follows after.
It was about the space of three hours after.
After
Located farther aft
After
Happening at a time subsequent to a reference time;
He apologized subsequently
He's going to the store but he'll be back here later
It didn't happen until afterward
Two hours after that
After
Behind or in the rear;
And Jill came tumbling after
After
In pursuit or quest of.
The police are after the thief.
After
In consideration or response to.
After what you said, I'm reconsidering.
After
Located behind or in the rear.
My room is after the kitchen.
After
Subsequent to and because of or regardless of.
After all our efforts, it failed.
Common Curiosities
Is "after" flexible in its usage?
Yes, "after" can indicate sequence, pursuit, and even the basis for a decision.
Is "after" a preposition or conjunction?
"After" can be both a preposition and a conjunction.
Can "afterward" be pluralized?
Yes, it can also be written as "afterwards."
Can "after" indicate pursuit?
Yes, "after" can suggest pursuit, as in "The dog is after the cat."
What does "afterward" primarily mean?
"Afterward" is an adverb meaning later or subsequent to a particular event.
Do "after" and "afterward" mean the same thing?
No, while they both relate to sequence, their functions and usages differ.
Is "afterward" used to show a chase or pursuit?
No, "afterward" strictly indicates a subsequent timeframe.
Can "after" indicate location?
Yes, as in "The bathroom is after the bedroom."
Are there any synonyms for "afterward"?
Yes, "subsequently" and "later" are synonyms.
Can "after" hint at a reason for a decision?
Yes, for example: "After what happened, I won't go."
Is "afterward" more singular in its function compared to "after"?
Yes, "afterward" primarily points out what comes next in a sequence of events.
Does "after" always require an object?
When used as a preposition, "after" does require an object. When used as a conjunction, it does not.
Can "after" be used in a temporal context?
Absolutely, for example: "We'll meet after 5 pm."
How do I choose between "after" and "afterward"?
Use "after" for sequences, pursuits, or reasons; use "afterward" to indicate what comes later in time.
Can I use "afterwards" instead of "afterward" in all situations?
Yes, "afterwards" is simply a variant of "afterward" and can be used interchangeably.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
