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.
Difference Between After and Afterwards
Table of Contents
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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
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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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Fiza RafiqueFiza 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 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.
