Later vs After: What’s the Differences Between these Two Words?

If you’re a little shaky on when to use later and when to use after, not to worry! We’ll give you the rundown on these two words, with all of their meanings and when to use each one. Then, you can put into practice what you’ve learned.

Later or After: What Makes Them so Difficult?

Both of these words have a few different forms and meanings and are used in different situations. However, in some cases, both are possible in a sentence! That’s what makes them a bit tricky.

Later (adjective or adverb)

An adjective that is used to talk about something happening after a time you have mentioned. Also an adverb that means at a time in the future.

Examples: 

• I’m going to catch my flight later.
• Your dad will be back later. We can hang out in the meantime.
• I’ll do my homework later!
• Later tonight, I’ll call you back.

After (adverb)

An adverb that means later than someone or something else.

Example: 

I arrived at 7:00 and most of the other guests arrived soon after.

After (preposition)

Most often used as a preposition to mean something that will follow.

Example: 

Let’s go swimming after lunch.

After (conjunction)

Can also be used as a conjunction to indicate something that occurred later than another event.

Example:

Two months after I arrived in Canada, I found a job.

Later vs After: Practice

1. _____ I finish grocery shopping, I’m going to come home and cook dinner.
2. What do you usually do _____ school?
3. I’ll go for a swim _____. I need to eat first.
4. I’ll go and see grandma _____.
5. You can finish your homework _____ dinner. The pizza is hot right now.
6. There’s no time to do it _____. You have to go to bed soon.

Answers

1. after
2. after
3. later. Can also say, “After I eat, I’ll go for a swim.”
4. later. Can also say, “I’ll see grandma after (some other activity).
5. after
6. later

Want to Find Out More?

You can find hundreds of confusing English words and word pairs in this book: Most Confusing Words in English Explained. Pick up a copy and ace your next TOEFL, TOEIC, or IELTS exam! Find out everything you need to know about it right here:

More Confusing English Words

There are lots of other confusing English words to be aware of. Here are some other articles to check out:

they’re, their, there

little, a little, small 

irregardless, regardless

affect, effect

Join the Conversation

Do you have any tips or tricks for knowing when to use later or after? Leave a comment below and let us know. We’d love to hear from you.

Last update on 2022-08-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API