After: meaning, definitions and examples

Used for indicating time or sequence; can be formal or informal, depending on the context.

• She went to the store after work
• We'll discuss it after lunch

Typically more formal, often used in written or official contexts. It indicates something that comes directly next.

• Please read the following instructions
• There was a meeting following the presentation

More formal; used often in academic, legal, or professional contexts to indicate something that comes immediately after as a result or consequence.

• Subsequent studies have confirmed the initial findings
• The contract was signed during subsequent meetings

Often used in a more informal, modern context, sometimes in corporate or project management language, and specifically as a prefix.

• We will conduct the post-event survey
• Post-war reconstruction efforts were extensive

Use 'after' to indicate something that happens later in time compared to another event. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and written communication.

• She went to the gym after work.
• We will discuss the project after lunch.

Use 'following' to show a sequence of events or to describe something that comes as a result of something else. This is often used in formal contexts or written instructions.

• Following the meeting, we will send out the minutes.
• The company saw an increase in sales following the new marketing campaign.

Use 'subsequent' in formal contexts to refer to events or actions that happen at a later time than a previously mentioned event. It gives a sense of a more extended timeline.

• The first session was successful, and the subsequent sessions were even better.
• Subsequent to the survey, we will analyze the data.

Use 'next' to indicate the very immediate event or item that comes after the current or specified one. It is frequently used in day-to-day conversations and scheduling.

• What is the next step in the process?
• She is next in line.

Used to indicate something that happens at a time later than another event. It is versatile and can be used in various everyday contexts.

• She felt much better after taking the medication
• Please clean the dishes after dinner

Indicates a time further into the future relative to another point in time. It is often used in informal speech for things happening not immediately but soon.

• I'll call you later to discuss the details
• He returned home later than expected

Found mostly in written texts or formal speech, this word indicates that something occurred at a later time, usually as a result of the previous event.

• The company was founded in 2001 and subsequently became a market leader
• She studied hard and subsequently passed her exams with flying colors

Used to specify time or sequence directly after a previous event or item. It has a formal tone and is often used in written instructions, formal communication, or announcements.

• The meeting will start at 9 AM
• Following that, there will be a workshop
• She received a promotion following her recent achievements