after
later than; following in time
- Use after for time order: later than a time or event.
- After usually takes an object: after dinner / after I finish.
- For duration from now, prefer in: "in two hours" (unless a clear reference event exists).
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Examples
Time examples
I usually shower after work.
Let's talk after class.
Related prepositions
Key differences
After expresses time order "later than...". Common confusions: later/afterwards (adverbs), in (from now), and since (continuing from a starting point).
Later is an adverb and often has no object; after is a preposition that takes an object (time/event/clause).
Afterwards is an adverb meaning then; after usually introduces a specific reference point.
In + duration is counted from now ("in two hours"); after + duration usually needs a reference event ("after two hours of waiting").
Quick check questions (decision tree)
Is it time order: later than a time point or event?
Yes -> use after (after dinner / after 8 p.m. / after I finish).
Is it a duration counted from now ("two hours from now")?
Yes -> prefer in ("in two hours"), not after unless a clear reference event exists.
Is there no object after after and you only mean then?
Yes -> use afterwards / later.
Is it a continuing state from a starting point up to now?
Yes -> use since (since 2020 / since Monday), not after.
Common collocations
After a time or event
After + clause / -ing
Fixed phrases
Common mistakes
Avoid: I'll be home after two hours.
Use: I'll be home in two hours.
Reason: Use in for duration counted from now. After two hours usually needs a reference event (after two hours of driving/waiting).
Avoid: I'll call you later dinner.
Use: I'll call you after dinner.
Reason: Later is an adverb and does not take an object; after can.
Avoid: After, we went home.
Use: Afterwards, we went home. / After dinner, we went home.
Reason: After needs an object; without an object, use afterwards or add the reference.
Avoid: I haven't seen her after Monday.
Use: I haven't seen her since Monday.
Reason: Since means starting then and continuing to now; after is only sequence.
Mini quiz
Question 1
I'll call you ___ dinner.
Choose an answer
Question 2
I'll be back ___ two hours.
Choose an answer
Question 3
We finished dinner and went for a walk ___.
Choose an answer
Quick FAQ
What does "after" mean?+
"After" expresses time order: later than a time or event. It usually introduces a reference point (after dinner, after 8 p.m.).
What can come after "after"?+
Three common patterns: a noun (after class), a time point (after 8 p.m.), or a clause (after I finish). As a preposition, after usually needs an object.
After vs later: what is the difference?+
Later is an adverb and often has no object: "I'll call you later." After is a preposition and needs an object: "I'll call you after dinner."
After vs afterwards: what is the difference?+
Afterwards is an adverb meaning then: "We left afterwards." After needs an object: "We left after dinner."
After vs "in two hours": which one should I use?+
"In two hours" is counted from now: "I'll be back in two hours." "After two hours" usually needs a reference event: "after two hours of waiting/driving."
After vs since: how do I choose?+
Since means starting then and continuing to now: "I have lived here since 2020." After is only sequence: "I moved here after 2020."
What is a common beginner mistake with after?+
Using after for "from now" duration. In most cases you want "in two hours", not "after two hours" unless a reference event is explicit.
What are common collocations with "after"?+
High-frequency examples: after school, after work, after class, after dinner, after the meeting, after a while.