B2adverb2K

Afterwards

UK /["/ˈɑːftəwədz/"]/US /["/ˈæftərwərdz/"]/

Definition

at a later time; after an event that has already been mentioned

In simple words: After something happens, at a later time.

Examples

  • Afterwards she was sorry for what she'd said.
  • Let's go out now and eat afterwards.
  • **Shortly afterwards** he met her again.
  • He went to dinner at a restaurant, and **soon afterwards**, he fell ill.
  • They decided to have another child, and Jake was born not long afterwards.
  • Steve and I remained friends for years afterwards.
  • Only afterwards did we realise how lucky we were to get away.

Usage notes

Used in both spoken and written English, 'afterwards' is appropriate for neutral contexts. Avoid in very formal writing where 'subsequently' may be preferred.

Grammar pattern

standalone adverb

Memory hint

Sounds like 'after' + 'words' — think of talking about what you did after an event.

Collocations

  • arrive afterwards
  • meet afterwards
  • discuss afterwards
  • see each other afterwards
  • leave afterwards

Synonyms

  • subsequently
  • later
  • thereafter
  • then
  • after

Antonyms

  • beforehand
  • previously

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'after' (not interchangeable).
  • Omitting 's' in 'afterwards' when using it in sentences.
  • Using 'afterwards' too early in a sentence.