afterwards

Afterwards is an adverb used to indicate that something happens at a later time following a previous event or time reference. It commonly connects two actions or events in narrative or explanatory writing, drawing a sequence forward without naming the intervening moments.

Usage: It is typically placed after the clause it refers to, often at the end of a sentence: "We went to the park, and afterwards we had dinner." In British English it is the standard form; in American English the variant "afterward" is more common, though "afterwards" is widely understood.

Nuance and formality: "afterwards" is neutral in tone and suitable for everyday writing. More formal alternatives include subsequently and thereafter, which tend to appear in academic, legal, or formal prose.

Etymology: the word derives from the combination of "after" and the directional suffix "-wards," originally indicating movement toward a later time. It has been in English for many centuries and remains widely used in everyday language.

Examples: "The train was delayed; afterwards we found another route." "She decided to retire afterwards and focus on family."