# afterwards

/ˈæftɝwɝdz/ (US) · /ˈɑːftəwədz/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/afterwards
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

at a later time or after something else has happened. You use this to describe what you did next in a sequence of events.

For teachers: at a later or subsequent time. Functions as a temporal adjunct, typically referring back to a previously mentioned event or action.

## Examples

- We went for dinner and saw a movie afterwards.
- The team celebrated their victory at the stadium and then went to a local restaurant for a meal afterwards.
- While the initial presentation was met with silence, the delegates engaged in a spirited debate afterwards, dissecting every proposal in the lobby.

## Pitfalls

- Not "afterwards the lunch" but "after lunch / afterwards" — 'Afterwards' is an adverb and cannot be followed by a noun; use the preposition 'after' if you want to name the specific event.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed at the end of a clause or sentence; can also appear at the beginning for emphasis, followed by a comma.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.