Many people search for “afterwards or afterwords” because these two words look almost the same but mean very different things. A single extra letter changes the meaning completely.
This small difference often causes big mistakes in emails, essays, blog posts, and even published articles.
The confusion usually happens when people write quickly. Spellcheck may not catch the error because both words are correct English words.
But using the wrong one can confuse readers or change your message. Saying afterwords when you mean afterwards can make your sentence sound strange or unclear.
This article solves that problem. It gives a clear, fast answer first. Then it explains where the words come from, why they exist, and how spelling rules apply in British and American English. You will also see examples, common mistakes, usage trends, and helpful FAQs.
By the end, you will know exactly when to use afterwards or afterwords and how to avoid mixing them up again.
Afterwards or Afterwords ; Quick Answer
“Afterwards” means later in time.
“Afterwords” means final remarks or closing comments.
Examples:
- “We went for coffee afterwards.”
- “The author shared some afterwords at the end of the book.”
They are not interchangeable. One talks about time. The other talks about words.
The Origin of Afterwards or Afterwords
Origin of “Afterwards”
“Afterwards” comes from:
- after (later in time)
- -wards (toward or in a direction)
It has been used since Middle English to describe something that happens later.
Example meaning:
- “later”
- “at a later time”
Origin of “Afterwords”
“Afterwords” comes from:
- after
- words
It refers to spoken or written comments added at the end. It is often used for books, speeches, or meetings.
Why Confusion Exists
- The words look similar.
- They sound similar when spoken.
- Both are grammatically correct.
The confusion is about meaning, not spelling rules.
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British English vs American English Spelling
There is no spelling difference between British and American English for these two words.
Both dialects use:
- afterwards
- afterwords
Comparison Table
| Word | American English | British English |
| Afterwards | Afterwards | Afterwards |
| Afterwords | Afterwords | Afterwords |
| Meaning | Same | Same |
| Usage | Same | Same |
The choice depends on meaning, not region.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
The decision is based on what you want to say.
Use “Afterwards” When:
- Talking about time
- Describing what happens next
- Referring to events
Example:
- “She called me afterwards.”
Use “Afterwords” When:
- Talking about closing remarks
- Referring to final comments
- Describing text at the end of a book
Example:
- “The book includes thoughtful afterwords.”
Audience-Based Advice
- US audience: Same rules apply.
- UK/Commonwealth: Same usage.
- Global audience: Keep sentences short for clarity.
If you can replace the word with “later,” use afterwards.
Common Mistakes with Afterwards or Afterwords
Mistake 1: Using “Afterwords” for Time
Wrong: “We talked afterwords.”
Correct: “We talked afterwards.”
Mistake 2: Using “Afterwards” for Text
Wrong: “Read the afterwards of the book.”
Correct: “Read the afterwords of the book.”
Mistake 3: Relying Only on Spellcheck
Spellcheck will not catch this error.
Mistake 4: Assuming One Is More Formal
Both are neutral. Meaning matters more than tone.
Afterwards or Afterwords in Everyday Examples
Emails
“Let’s discuss the details afterwards.”
News Writing
“The speaker added brief afterwords at the end of the event.”
Social Media
“Dinner first, movie afterwards.”
Formal Writing
“The editor’s afterwords explain the book’s purpose.”
Afterwards or Afterwords ; Google Trends & Usage Data
Search data shows that “afterwards” is searched far more often than “afterwords.”
Why This Happens
- “Afterwards” is used in daily conversation.
- “Afterwords” is used mainly in writing and publishing.
Regional Trends
- High usage in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
- Searches often spike during school terms and writing seasons.
Most people search this keyword to avoid making a writing mistake.
Keyword Variations Comparison Table
| Word | Meaning | Use Case |
| Afterwards | Later in time | Events |
| Afterwords | Final remarks | Writing |
| Later | Time reference | Informal |
| Closing remarks | Final comments | Formal |
| Epilogue | Story ending | Literature |
FAQs About Afterwards or Afterwords
1. Are afterwards and afterwords the same?
No. They have different meanings.
2. Which one refers to time?
Afterwards.
3. Which one refers to writing or speech?
Afterwords.
4. Do British and American English use them differently?
No. Usage is the same.
5. Can I use “afterwards” in formal writing?
Yes. It is neutral and correct.
6. Is “afterword” singular?
Yes. One closing comment is an afterword.
7. Why do people confuse these words?
They look and sound similar.
Conclusion
The confusion between afterwards or afterwords is common, but easy to fix once you know the difference. Afterwards is about time. It tells you when something happens. Afterwords is about language. It refers to closing remarks or final thoughts.
There are no spelling differences between British and American English. The rules stay the same everywhere. The key is to pause and think about meaning. If you can replace the word with “later,” choose afterwards. If you are talking about final comments or text, choose afterwords.
Using the right word makes your writing clearer and more professional. It also builds trust with readers. Small details matter, and now you have the knowledge to get this one right every time.
Hye ! I am Henry P. Whitmore i am English writer known for my clear and practical approach to English grammar, word usage, and language clarity. I focuses on helping learners, writers, and professionals understand confusing English terms in a simple way. My work is especially useful for people who struggle with spelling differences, word meanings, and correct usage in everyday writing
