Definition

Adverb: - At a later time; following an event or point in time: "afterward" indicates that something happens or is done after a previous event or specified time.

Usage

"Afterward" is used to connect a subsequent action or situation to a prior one. It typically appears at the beginning or end of a clause. - It answers the question "When?" in relation to a previous action. - It is synonymous with "later," "subsequently," or "after that."

Examples

• We had dinner, and afterward we went for a walk.
• She finished her work and went home afterward.
• The meeting will start at 3 PM. Afterward, there will be a reception.
• He felt tired afterward.

Advanced Usage

• "Soon afterward": indicating a short time following an event.
  • The storm passed, and soon afterward the sun came out.
• "Not long afterward": indicating a relatively brief period following an event.
  • She moved to the city, and not long afterward she found a new job.

Variants and Related Words

• Afterwards: This is a variant form identical in meaning and usage to "afterward." The choice between "afterward" and "afterwards" is often a matter of regional or stylistic preference.
  • Let's discuss the details afterwards.

Synonyms

• Later: at a time in the future; after the present time.
• Subsequently: after a particular thing has happened.
• Then: next; after that.
• Thereafter: from that time onward.

Antonyms

• Beforehand: before an action or event; in advance.
• Previously: at a previous or earlier time.
• Earlier: happening before the present time or before the time one is referring to.

Notes on Usage

• "Afterward" is an adverb of time. It does not function as a preposition. To use a preposition, you would say "after [something]" (e.g., ).
• It is often used in narrative to show the sequence of events.

Adverb

1. 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