After vs. Afterwards — What's the Difference?

Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 1, 2023

"After" is a preposition, conjunction, or adverb indicating subsequent time or occurrence. "Afterwards" is an adverb specifying a time that follows a particular event.

After vs. Afterwards — What's the Difference?

Difference Between After and Afterwards

Key Differences

"After" is a versatile word in English, serving as a preposition, conjunction, or adverb. It indicates a subsequent time or occurrence. For instance, one could say, "I'll see you after the movie." In this context, "After" is used to specify a time following the end of the movie. "Afterwards," on the other hand, is specifically an adverb that points to a time following a particular event. An example might be, "We went to dinner; afterwards, we saw a movie."

When using "After," you often need an object to indicate what event or time is being followed. For example, "after the meeting" or "after 3 pm." However, "Afterwards" stands alone without needing a specific event to be mentioned, as it's already implied that it refers to a time following the previously mentioned event.

In casual conversation, "After" and "Afterwards" are sometimes used interchangeably. A person might say, "I'll call you after" or "I'll call you afterwards," with little difference in meaning. Still, the distinction remains: "After" generally requires a point of reference, while "Afterwards" often does not.

Furthermore, "After" has broader applications beyond just indicating time. It can also show a sequence in actions or events. For instance, "After brushing my teeth, I went to bed." In contrast, "Afterwards" is specifically time-oriented, focusing on the sequence of time rather than actions.

Comparison Chart

Part of Speech

Preposition, Conjunction, Adverb

Adverb

Requires Reference

Often needs an object or event for context.

Can stand alone without a specific reference.

Usage

Broader applications, including sequence of actions.

Specifically oriented to time after a mentioned event.

Common in Casual Talk

Used interchangeably with "Afterwards" in some contexts

Often used for emphasis or clarity.

Example

"See you after lunch."

"We had lunch. Afterwards, we went for a walk."

Compare with Definitions

After

Indicating a subsequent time or occurrence.

She left after the presentation ended.

Afterwards

Following a particular event.

The lecture was interesting; I had questions to ask afterwards.

After

Following in order or position.

The number nine comes after eight.

Afterwards

Subsequent to an action.

She took a nap and felt refreshed afterwards.

After

Concerning or in relation to.

Named after his grandfather.

Afterwards

In the time that follows immediately.

We watched a movie; she cried afterwards.

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

Afterwards

At some time in the future.

I'll get to it afterwards.

After

Behind

She went out, shutting the door after her

Afterwards

At a later or subsequent time.

They went to a cafe and chatted afterwards.

After

In pursuit or quest of

Chasing after something you can't have

Afterwards

At a later time; subsequently.

After

Next to and following in order or importance

In their order of priorities health comes after housing

Afterwards

(temporal location) At a later or succeeding time.

After

In allusion to (someone or something with the same or a related name)

They named her Pauline, after Barbara's mother

Afterwards

At a later or succeeding time.

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

Afterwards

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

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

After

Later

He was sorry in after years

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 search of.

He went after his dreams.

After

Subsequent to and because of or in spite of.

She was smiling even after hearing the news.

Common Curiosities

Can "After" indicate a sequence of actions?

Yes, "After" can show the sequence of events or actions, e.g., "After reading, I ate dinner."

Can "After" and "Afterwards" be used interchangeably?

In casual contexts, they often can be, but "After" typically requires a reference point.

Is "After" always followed by an object?

Often, but not always. Context can sometimes make the reference point clear.

Can "After" be used without specifying what follows?

Typically, "After" requires a point of reference, e.g., "after lunch."

Is "Afterwards" used as a preposition?

No, "Afterwards" is specifically used as an adverb.

Does "Afterwards" always refer to an immediate subsequent time?

Not necessarily. It points to a time after an event but not always immediately after.

Is "Afterwards" more formal than "After"?

Both can be used in formal and informal settings, but "Afterwards" is often clearer in specifying a subsequent time.

Can I use "Afterwards" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, it's common to start a sentence with "Afterwards" to indicate a subsequent event.

Is "After" used in idiomatic expressions?

Yes, like "after all" meaning "in spite of any indications or expectations to the contrary."

Is "Afterwards" the same as saying "after that"?

Yes, "Afterwards" is similar to "after that" in referring to a time following a mentioned event.

Can "After" be used in a spatial sense?

Yes, it can indicate a position that's behind, e.g., "He trailed after her."

Are there synonyms for "Afterwards"?

Yes, words like "later," "subsequently," and "then" can be synonyms.

Can "After" relate to something other than time?

Yes, "After" can also indicate order, pursuit, or relation to something.

Do "After" and "Afterwards" have similar origins?

Yes, both stem from Old English with meanings related to a subsequent time.

Can "After" indicate cause and effect?

Yes, it can indicate an action or state resulting from something, e.g., "He felt tired after the workout."

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Written by

Fiza Rafique

Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.

Edited by

Tayyaba Rehman

Tayyaba 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.