After vs. Post — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 2, 2023
After is generally used as a preposition or conjunction indicating subsequent time or event, whereas post- is a prefix meaning behind or after, used in various terms and phrases.
Difference Between After and Post
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
After is a preposition or an adverb that refers to time or sequence, suggesting that one event follows another. As a preposition, it links two parts of a sentence, indicating that something happens subsequent to something else. As an adverb, it can indicate laterness in time.
Post, when used as a prefix, derives from Latin, indicating subsequent to or following in time. When it functions as a noun, it refers to a piece of written public communication or a job position. As a verb, post means to announce or to assign to a position. It's often associated with official or formal declarations.
Both after and post can signify temporality or sequence, but post is also commonly found in contexts related to mail, bulletin boards, or online forums, where it refers to the act of publishing or sending messages. After cannot be used in this context.
After, unlike post, is used in everyday conversation to simply indicate that something comes later in time or order. Post, especially as a prefix, often carries a more formal or technical tone and is used in more specialized contexts, such as in postoperative (after surgery).
Using after does not typically change the root word to which it is applied, since it is not a prefix. Post-, on the other hand, is attached directly to another word, often modifying it to express a relationship based on time, such as postgraduate or posthumous.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Can be a preposition, adverb, or conjunction.
Can be a prefix, noun, or verb.
Sequence Indication
Implies sequence in a natural, informal context.
As a prefix, it is formal and often indicates status or condition.
Usage in Communication
Not used to denote the act of sharing information.
Can mean the act of publishing or sending information.
Temporal vs. Positional
Primarily temporal, rarely positional.
Temporal as a prefix, both positional and temporal as a noun/verb.
Modification of Words
Stands alone, not attached to words it modifies.
As a prefix, it attaches to words, creating new terms.
Compare with Definitions
After
Behind in place or position; following behind.
He ran after the thief down the alley.
Post
A long, sturdy piece of timber or metal set upright in the ground.
She tied the horse to a post.
After
Concerning or about something or someone.
After all our discussions, we still couldn't agree.
Post
The act of sending a letter or parcel through the postal system.
I'll put your card in the post today.
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
Post
A job or duty that is given to someone.
She was appointed to the diplomatic post in Europe.
After
Behind
She went out, shutting the door after her
Post
A long, sturdy piece of timber or metal set upright in the ground and used as a support or marker
Follow the blue posts until the track meets a road
After
In pursuit or quest of
Chasing after something you can't have
Post
A piece of writing, image, or other item of content published online, typically on a blog or social media website or application
In a recent post, he cautioned investors to be wary of these predictions
After
Next to and following in order or importance
In their order of priorities health comes after housing
Post
The official service or system that delivers letters and parcels
The tickets are in the post
Winners will be notified by post
After
In allusion to (someone or something with the same or a related name)
They named her Pauline, after Barbara's mother
Post
Each of a series of couriers who carried mail on horseback between fixed stages.
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
Post
A position of paid employment; a job
He resigned from the post of Foreign Minister
A teaching post
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
Post
A place where someone is on duty or where a particular activity is carried out
A customs post
A shift worker asleep at his post
After
Later
He was sorry in after years
Post
The status or rank of full-grade captain in the Royal Navy
Captain Miller was made post in 1796
After
Nearer the stern of a ship
The after cabin
Post
Display (a notice) in a public place
A curt notice had been posted on the door
After
Behind in place or order
Z comes after Y in the alphabet.
Post
Announce or publish (something, especially a financial result)
The company posted a £460,000 loss
After
Next to or lower than in order or importance.
Post
(of a player or team) achieve or record (a particular score or result)
Smith and Lamb posted a century partnership
After
In quest or pursuit of
Seek after fame.
Go after big money.
Post
Send (a letter or parcel) via the postal system
Post off your order form today
I've just been to post a letter
After
Concerning
Asked after you.
Post
(in bookkeeping) enter (an item) in a ledger
Post the transaction in the second column
Initial records kept in day books are periodically posted to accounts
After
Subsequent in time to; at a later time than
Come after dinner.
Post
Travel with relays of horses
We posted in an open carriage
After
Subsequent to and because of or regardless of
They are still friends after all their differences.
Post
Send (someone) to a place to take up an appointment
He was posted to Washington as military attaché
After
Following continually
Year after year.
Post
With haste
Come now, come post
After
In the style of or in imitation of
Satires after Horace.
Post
Subsequent to; after
American poetry post the 1950s hasn't had the same impact
After
With the same or close to the same name as; in honor or commemoration of
Named after her mother.
Post
A long piece of wood or other material set upright into the ground to serve as a marker or support.
After
According to the nature or desires of; in conformity to
A tenor after my own heart.
Post
A support for a beam in the framework of a building.
After
Past the hour of
Five minutes after three.
Post
A terminal of a battery.
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).
Post
(Sports) A goal post.
After
Behind; in the rear.
Post
The starting point at a racetrack.
After
At a later or subsequent time; afterward
Three hours after.
Departed shortly after.
Post
The slender barlike part of a stud earring that passes through the ear and is secured at the back with a small cap or clip.
After
Subsequent in time or place; later; following
In after years.
Post
An electronic message sent to and displayed on an online forum
Ignored several inflammatory posts.
After
Located near the stern of a vessel or the rear or an aircraft or spacecraft.
Post
A military base.
After
Following or subsequent to the time that
I saw them after I arrived.
Post
The grounds and buildings of a military base.
After
Afternoon.
Post
A local organization of military veterans.
After
Afters Chiefly British Dessert.
Post
Either of two bugle calls in the British Army, sounded in the evening as a signal to retire to quarters.
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.
Post
An assigned position or station, as of a guard or sentry.
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.
Post
(Basketball) A position usually taken by the center close to the basket or below the foul line, serving as the focus of the team's offense.
After
Behind.
He will leave a trail of destruction after him.
Post
A position of employment, especially an appointed public office.
After
In pursuit of, seeking.
He's after a job; run after him; inquire after her health.
Post
A place to which someone is assigned for duty.
After
In allusion to, in imitation of; following or referencing.
We named him after his grandfather; a painting after Leonardo da Vinci.
Post
A trading post.
After
Next in importance or rank.
The princess is next in line to the throne after the prince.
Post
A postal system.
After
As a result of.
After your bad behaviour, you will be punished.
Post
A post office.
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!
Post
A delivery or amount of mail
Waiting for the morning's post to arrive.
After
Used to indicate recent completion of an activity
I was after finishing my dinner when there was a knock on the door.
Post
One of a series of relay stations along a fixed route, furnishing fresh riders and horses for the delivery of mail on horseback.
After
(dated) According to an author or text.
Post
A rider on such a mail route; a courier.
After
Denoting the aim or object; concerning; in relation to.
To look after workmen; to enquire after a friend; to thirst after righteousness
Post
To display (an announcement) in a place of public view.
After
(obsolete) According to the direction and influence of; in proportion to; befitting.
Post
To cover (a wall, for example) with posters.
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.
Post
To announce by or as if by posters
Post banns.
After
(dated) Later; second (of two); next, following, subsequent
Post
(Computers) To make (an electronic message) available by sending it to an online forum
Posted a response to a question about car engines.
After
At or towards the stern of a ship.
The after gun is mounted aft.
The after gun is abaft the forward gun.
Post
To put up signs on (property) warning against trespassing.
After
Next; later in time; subsequent; succeeding; as, an after period of life.
Post
To denounce publicly
Post a man as a thief.
After
Hinder; nearer the rear.
Post
To publish (a name) on a list.
After
Behind in place; as, men in line one after another.
Post
(Games) To gain (points or a point) in a game or contest; score.
After
Below in rank; next to in order.
Codrus after Ph bus sings the best.
Post
To assign to a specific position or station
Post a sentry at the gate.
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.
Post
To appoint to a naval or military command.
After
Subsequent to and in consequence of; as, after what you have said, I shall be careful.
Post
To put forward; present
Post bail.
After
Subsequent to and notwithstanding; as, after all our advice, you took that course.
Post
Chiefly British To mail (a letter or package).
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?
Post
(Archaic) To send by mail in a system of relays on horseback.
After
Denoting the aim or object; concerning; in relation to; as, to look after workmen; to inquire after a friend; to thirst after righteousness.
Post
To inform of the latest news
Keep us posted.
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.
Post
To transfer (an item) to a ledger in bookkeeping.
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.
Post
To make the necessary entries in (a ledger).
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.
Post
(Computers) To enter (a unit of information) on a record or into a section of storage.
After
Subsequently in time or place; behind; afterward; as, he follows after.
It was about the space of three hours after.
Post
To travel in stages or relays.
After
Located farther aft
Post
To travel with speed or in haste.
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
Post
To bob up and down in the saddle in rhythm with a horse's trotting gait.
After
Behind or in the rear;
And Jill came tumbling after
Post
With great speed; rapidly.
After
In the time following (an event or another period of time).
She decided to take a nap after the meeting.
Post
By post horse.
After
In pursuit or search of.
She went after her dream of becoming a doctor.
Post
A long dowel or plank protruding from the ground; a fencepost; a lightpost.
Ram a post into the ground
After
Subsequent in time or place; later; subsequent to.
They arrived shortly after six o'clock.
Post
(construction) A stud; a two-by-four.
Post
A pole in a battery.
Post
(dentistry) A long, narrow piece inserted into a root canal to provide retention for a crown.
Post
A prolonged final melody note, among moving harmony notes.
Post
A printing paper size measuring 19.25 inches x 15.5 inches.
Post
(sports) A goalpost.
Post
A location on a basketball court near the basket.
Post
(obsolete) The doorpost of a victualler's shop or inn, on which were chalked the scores of customers; hence, a score; a debt.
Post
The vertical part of a crochet stitch.
Post
(obsolete) Each of a series of men stationed at specific places along a postroad, with responsibility for relaying letters and dispatches of the monarch (and later others) along the route.
Post
(dated) A station, or one of a series of stations, established for the refreshment and accommodation of travellers on some recognized route.
A stage or railway post
Post
A military base; the place at which a soldier or a body of troops is stationed; also, the troops at such a station.
Post
Someone who travels express along a set route carrying letters and dispatches; a courier.
Post
An organisation for delivering letters, parcels etc., or the service provided by such an organisation.
Sent via post; parcel post
Post
A single delivery of letters; the letters or deliveries that make up a single batch delivered to one person or one address.
Post
A message posted in an electronic or Internet forum, or on a blog, etc.
Post
(American football) A moderate to deep passing route in which a receiver runs 10-20 yards from the line of scrimmage straight down the field, then cuts toward the middle of the field (towards the facing goalposts) at a 45-degree angle.
Two of the receivers ran post patterns.
Post
(obsolete) Haste or speed, like that of a messenger or mail carrier.
Post
(obsolete) One who has charge of a station, especially a postal station.
Post
An assigned station; a guard post.
Post
An appointed position in an organization, job.
Post
Post-production.
We'll fix it in post
Post
A post mortem investigation of body's cause of death.
Post
(transitive) To hang (a notice) in a conspicuous manner for general review.
Post no bills.
Post
To hold up to public blame or reproach; to advertise opprobriously; to denounce by public proclamation.
To post someone for cowardice
Post
(accounting) To carry (an account) from the journal to the ledger.
Post
To inform; to give the news to; to make acquainted with the details of a subject; often with up.
Post
To pay down (the stake).
Post
To pay (a blind).
Since Jim was new to the game, he had to post $4 in order to receive a hand.
Post
To travel with relays of horses; to travel by post horses, originally as a courier.
Post
To travel quickly; to hurry.
Post
To send (an item of mail etc.) through the postal service.
Mail items posted before 7.00pm within the Central Business District and before 5.00pm outside the Central Business District will be delivered the next working day.
Post
(horse-riding) To rise and sink in the saddle, in accordance with the motion of the horse, especially in trotting.
Post
(Internet) To publish (a message) to a newsgroup, forum, blog, etc.
I couldn't figure it out, so I posted a question on the mailing list.
Post
To enter (a name) on a list, as for service, promotion, etc.
Post
To assign to a station; to set; to place.
Post a sentinel in front of the door.
Post
With the post, on post-horses; by a relay of horses (changing at every staging-post); hence, express, with speed, quickly.
Post
Sent via the postal service.
Post
After; especially after a significant event that has long-term ramifications.
Post
Hired to do what is wrong; suborned.
Post
A piece of timber, metal, or other solid substance, fixed, or to be fixed, firmly in an upright position, especially when intended as a stay or support to something else; a pillar; as, a hitching post; a fence post; the posts of a house.
They shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper doorpost of the houses.
Then by main force pulled up, and on his shoulders bore,The gates of Azza, post and massy bar.
Unto his order he was a noble post.
Post
The doorpost of a victualer's shop or inn, on which were chalked the scores of customers; hence, a score; a debt.
When God sends coinI will discharge your post.
Post
The place at which anything is stopped, placed, or fixed; a station.
Post
A messenger who goes from station; an express; especially, one who is employed by the government to carry letters and parcels regularly from one place to another; a letter carrier; a postman.
In certain places there be always fresh posts, to carry that further which is brought unto them by the other.
I fear my Julia would not deign my lines,Receiving them from such a worthless post.
Post
An established conveyance for letters from one place or station to another; especially, the governmental system in any country for carrying and distributing letters and parcels; the post office; the mail; hence, the carriage by which the mail is transported.
I send you the fair copy of the poem on dullness, which I should not care to hazard by the common post.
Post
Haste or speed, like that of a messenger or mail carrier.
Post
One who has charge of a station, especially of a postal station.
He held office of postmaster, or, as it was then called, post, for several years.
Post
A station, office, or position of service, trust, or emolument; as, the post of duty; the post of danger.
The post of honor is a private station.
Post
A size of printing and writing paper. See the Table under Paper.
Post
To attach to a post, a wall, or other usual place of affixing public notices; to placard; as, to post a notice; to post playbills.
Post
To hold up to public blame or reproach; to advertise opprobriously; to denounce by public proclamation; as, to post one for cowardice.
On pain of being posted to your sorrowFail not, at four, to meet me.
Post
To enter (a name) on a list, as for service, promotion, or the like.
Post
To assign to a station; to set; to place; as, to post a sentinel.
Post
To carry, as an account, from the journal to the ledger; as, to post an account; to transfer, as accounts, to the ledger.
You have not posted your books these ten years.
Post
To place in the care of the post; to mail; as, to post a letter.
Post
To inform; to give the news to; to make (one) acquainted with the details of a subject; - often with up.
Thoroughly posted up in the politics and literature of the day.
Post
To travel with post horses; figuratively, to travel in haste.
And post o'er land and ocean without rest.
Post
To rise and sink in the saddle, in accordance with the motion of the horse, esp. in trotting.
Post
With post horses; hence, in haste; as, to travel post.
Post
The position where someone (as a guard or sentry) stands or is assigned to stand;
A soldier manned the entrance post
A sentry station
Post
Military installation at which a body of troops is stationed;
This military post provides an important source of income for the town nearby
There is an officer's club on the post
Post
A job in an organization;
He occupied a post in the treasury
Post
An upright consisting of a piece of timber or metal fixed firmly in an upright position;
He set a row of posts in the ground and strung barbwire between them
Post
United States aviator who in 1933 made the first solo flight around the world (1899-1935)
Post
United States female author who wrote a book and a syndicated newspaper column on etiquette (1872-1960)
Post
United States manufacturer of breakfast cereals and Postum (1854-1914)
Post
Any particular collection of letters or packages that is delivered;
Your mail is on the table
Is there any post for me?
She was opening her post
Post
A pole or stake set up to mark something (as the start or end of a race track);
A pair of posts marked the goal
The corner of the lot was indicated by a stake
Post
The system whereby messages are transmitted via the post office;
The mail handles billions of items every day
He works for the United States mail service
In England they call mail `the post'
Post
The delivery and collection of letters and packages;
It came by the first post
If you hurry you'll catch the post
Post
Affix in a public place or for public notice;
Post a warning
Post
Publicize with, or as if with, a poster;
I'll post the news on the bulletin board
Post
Assign to a post; put into a post;
The newspaper posted him in Timbuktu
Post
Assign to a station
Post
Display, as of records in sports games
Post
Enter on a public list
Post
Transfer (entries) from one account book to another
Post
Ride Western style and bob up and down in the saddle in in rhythm with a horse's trotting gait
Post
Mark with a stake;
Stake out the path
Post
Put up;
Post a sign
Post a warning at the dump
Post
Cause to be directed or transmitted to another place;
Send me your latest results
I'll mail you the paper when it's written
Post
Mark or expose as infamous;
She was branded a loose woman
Post
An office or organization where letters and parcels are received and sent.
He dropped the letter in the post.
Post
A message or content shared on a social network or website.
He shared a photo in a new blog post.
Common Curiosities
Can 'after' be used as a conjunction?
Yes, 'after' can be a conjunction, as in "After you leave, please lock the door."
Is it correct to use 'after' when referring to sequence in a story?
Yes, 'after' is commonly used to describe sequence, like "After the first chapter, the plot thickens."
Can 'post' be used in the sense of 'after' in everyday language?
'Post' as a prefix can be used in formal language, such as 'postwar' meaning 'after the war.'
Can 'post' be a verb?
Yes, as a verb, 'post' means to publish or announce, as in "to post a notice."
Is 'post' ever used as a preposition?
No, 'post' is not used as a standalone preposition.
Does 'after' indicate a causal relationship?
Not necessarily; 'after' indicates sequence but not always causation.
How does 'post' function in the term 'post-production'?
'Post' indicates the processes that occur after filming, in the context of editing and finalizing a film.
What does 'post' mean in the context of social media?
On social media, 'post' refers to the act of sharing content, such as "She made a post on Instagram."
Is 'post' as a prefix always related to time?
Primarily, but it can also imply a position behind or in reference to another subject.
What does 'post-' mean in 'postgraduate'?
It means after the completion of a graduate degree.
Can 'after' refer to something that happens immediately following another event?
Yes, 'after' can imply immediately following, as in "Immediately after the show."
Can 'after' indicate location?
It can, but more often it's used for time; location is typically understood metaphorically or in a physical sequence.
Is 'post' used in official job titles?
Yes, 'post' is commonly used to refer to positions or jobs, as in "holding a post."
Does 'post' in 'postgame' mean the same as 'after'?
Yes, 'postgame' means after the game, similar to how 'after' is used.
Does 'after' have a noun form?
No, 'after' is not used as a noun.
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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.
