Afterwards or Afterwords
Which Spelling is Correct?
Understanding the difference between "Afterwards" or "Afterwords": these commonly confused spellings and how to use them properly.
Incorrect: Afterwords
"Afterwords" is a misspelling when you mean "afterwards" (meaning later or subsequently). "Afterword" (singular) is a real word meaning a section at the end of a book, but "afterwords" is not correct for the adverb.
Correct: Afterwards
"Afterwards" is the correct spelling for the adverb meaning later or subsequently.
Definition of Afterwards
Afterwards (adverb): At a later or subsequent time; after something else has happened; later on.
Examples:
- • We went to dinner and afterwards saw a movie.
- • She felt better afterwards.
- • The meeting was long, but afterwards we had coffee.
- • He apologized afterwards for his mistake.
Synonyms for Afterwards
Common Synonyms:
- • Later
- • Subsequently
- • Thereafter
- • Then
- • Next
Related Terms:
- • Eventually
- • In the end
- • Following
- • In due course
- • After
Usage Notes
Important Points:
- • Afterwards is spelled with 'wards' at the end, not 'words'.
- • "Afterword" (singular) is a real word meaning a section at the end of a book, but "afterwords" is not correct for the adverb.
- • Commonly used to describe something happening later or in sequence.
- • The word comes from Middle English "afterwardes".
- • The American English variant is "afterward" (without the 's').
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is "afterwords" ever correct?
A: No, "afterwords" is never correct for the adverb. The correct spelling is "afterwards" for meaning "later" or "subsequently".
Q: How do I remember the correct spelling?
A: Remember "afterwards" ends with "wards" like "forwards" or "backwards".
Q: What's the difference between afterwards and afterword?
A: "Afterwards" is an adverb meaning later, while "afterword" is a noun meaning a section at the end of a book.
Q: Can afterwards be used in formal writing?
A: Yes, "afterwards" is appropriate in both formal and informal writing.
Q: Is afterwards always about time?
A: Yes, it always refers to something happening later or in sequence.
Q: Why do people often misspell this word?
A: The misspelling "afterwords" likely occurs because of confusion with the word "afterword" or with the plural of "word".
Q: What are some common phrases using "afterwards"?
A: Common phrases include: soon afterwards, right afterwards, and immediately afterwards.
Q: Can "afterwards" be used in business writing?
A: Yes, "afterwards" is commonly used in business, academic, and everyday contexts.
Summary
Remember: Afterwards is the correct spelling for the adverb meaning later or subsequently. The misspelling "afterwords" is never correct for this meaning. Use "afterwards" to describe something happening later in time.