Afterwards and afterward are two words that are often used interchangeably in English. However, there is a slight difference between the two in terms of usage and meaning. In this article, we will explore the correct usage of these words and provide examples to illustrate their differences.
Let’s start with the word “afterwards.” This word is commonly used to indicate something that happens later or after a particular event or time. It is generally used to describe actions or events that occur in sequence. For example, if someone says, “I finished my work and then went shopping afterwards,” it means that they completed their work first and then went shopping at a later time. Here, “afterwards” emphasizes the order of events.
On the other hand, “afterward” is used to indicate something that happens in the future, as a consequence or result of a previous action or event. It is often used to express cause and effect. For instance, if someone says, “He ate the entire cake, and afterward, he felt sick,” it means that eating the cake resulted in him feeling sick. Here, “afterward” connects the cause (eating the cake) with the effect (feeling sick).
To summarize, “afterwards” focuses on the chronological order of events, while “afterward” emphasizes the cause and effect relationship between events.
Let’s now take a look at some more examples to further clarify the usage of these words:
1. I finished my presentation and then went for a walk afterwards.
2. The concert was amazing, and afterwards, we all went out to celebrate.
3. She finished her exams and afterward, she felt a sense of relief.
4. He failed the exam, and afterward, he decided to study harder for the next one.
5. They had an argument, and afterwards, they didn’t speak to each other for days.
6. The team lost the match, and afterward, they analyzed their mistakes to improve.
As you can see from these examples, “afterwards” is used to describe actions that occur in sequence, while “afterward” indicates the result or consequence of a previous event.
In conclusion, both “afterwards” and “afterward” are correct words to use in English. The choice between them depends on the intended meaning and context of the sentence. If you want to emphasize the order of events, use “afterwards.” If you want to emphasize cause and effect or consequences, use “afterward.” Remember to use these words appropriately to avoid any confusion in your writing or speaking.