Later vs. After: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on October 28, 2023
"Later" refers to a subsequent time, while "after" indicates a sequence or following an event.
Difference Between Later and After
"Later" and "after" both hint at a progression in time or sequence. However, "later" generally implies a vague, unspecified time in the future. For instance, when someone says they will do something "later," they're not pinpointing an exact moment, just indicating it won't be right now. On the other hand, "after" usually points to a more specific sequence, indicating something will occur following a particular event or moment.
Muazma Batool
Oct 28, 2023
"Later" often carries a more relaxed, casual tone. It's commonly used in daily conversations to signify something that will be done in the future without committing to a precise time frame. For example, "I'll see you later," typically means the speaker expects to see the person again, but not immediately.
Muneeza Rehman
Oct 28, 2023
"After," in contrast, is more precise in its implication of sequence. It's used to show a clear order of events. For instance, "after the rain stops, we can go out," clearly states the condition that must be met before the subsequent action can occur. It's about a direct relationship between two events, where one follows the other.
Muazma Batool
Oct 28, 2023
Another distinction lies in their grammatical roles. While both can be used as prepositions, "later" can also be an adjective or adverb, describing a noun or verb, respectively. "After" is more rigid, predominantly functioning as a preposition, although it can also be an adverb or conjunction in certain contexts.
William
Oct 28, 2023
In sum, "later" emphasizes a non-specific future time, and "after" highlights a direct sequential relationship between events.
Jonathan
Oct 28, 2023
Later vs. After Comparison Chart
Definition
Refers to a subsequent time.
Indicates sequence or following an event.
Muazma Batool
Oct 28, 2023
Specificity
Vague, unspecified time in the future.
More specific, relating to a particular event.
Muneeza Rehman
Oct 28, 2023
Common Use
Daily conversations, relaxed tone.
To show clear order or sequence of events.
Muazma Batool
Oct 28, 2023
Grammatical Role
Can be an adverb, adjective, or preposition.
Primarily a preposition; can also be an adverb or conjunction.
William
Oct 28, 2023
Later vs. After Definitions
◉Later
Further along in time or sequence.
It was revealed later that he was innocent.
Henry
Sep 14, 2023
◉After
In consideration or in response to.
He named his son after his grandfather.
Muazma Batool
Sep 14, 2023
◉Later
Subsequently; afterward. Often used with on
She arrived on the ferry, and he came later. He later felt that he was wrong. Later on, we watched a movie.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Later
Afterward in time (used with than when comparing with another time).
My roommate arrived first. I arrived later.
I arrived later than my roommate.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Later
At some unspecified time in the future.
I wanted to do it now, but I’ll have to do it later.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Later
Coming afterward in time (used with than when comparing with another time).
The Victorian era is a later period of English history than the Elizabethan era.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Later
Coming afterward in distance (following an antecedent distance as embedded within an adverbial phrase)
I felt some leg pain during the first mile of my run and I strained my calf two miles later .
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉After
Subsequent to and because of or regardless of
They are still friends after all their differences.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Later
At some time in the future.
The meeting was adjourned to a later date.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉After
With the same or close to the same name as; in honor or commemoration of
named after her mother.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Later
coming at a subsequent time or stage;
the future president entered college at the age of 16
awaiting future actions on the bill
later developments
without ulterior argument
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉After
According to the nature or desires of; in conformity to
a tenor after my own heart.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Later
at or toward an end or late period or stage of development;
the late phase of feudalism
a later symptom of the disease
later medical science could have saved the child
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Later
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time;
he apologized subsequently
he's going to the store but he'll be back here later
it didn't happen until afterward
two hours after that
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉After
(Irish) Used with a present participle to indicate action that has just been completed
"Sure I'm after seeing him not five minutes ago" (James Joyce).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Later
at some eventual time in the future;
By and by he'll understand
I'll see you later
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉After
At a later or subsequent time; afterward
three hours after.
departed shortly after.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉After
Located near the stern of a vessel or the rear or an aircraft or spacecraft.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉After
Behind; later in time; following.
I left the room, and the dog bounded after.
They lived happily ever after.
I might come next month, or the month after.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉After
Subsequently to; following in time; later than.
We had a few beers after the game.
The time is quarter after eight.
The Cold War began shortly after WWII.
After you with the salt/paper.
I told her to shut the door after her.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉After
In pursuit of, seeking.
He's after a job; run after him; inquire after her health.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉After
In allusion to, in imitation of; following or referencing.
We named him after his grandfather; a painting after Leonardo da Vinci.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉After
Next in importance or rank.
The princess is next in line to the throne after the prince.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉After
In spite of.
After all that has happened, he is still my friend.
I can't believe that, after all our advice against gambling, you walked into that casino!
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉After
Used to indicate recent completion of an activity
I was after finishing my dinner when there was a knock on the door.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉After
Denoting the aim or object; concerning; in relation to.
to look after workmen; to enquire after a friend; to thirst after righteousness
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉After
(obsolete) According to the direction and influence of; in proportion to; befitting.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉After
Signifies that the action of the clause it starts takes place before the action of the other clause.
I went home after we had decided to call it a day.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉After
At or towards the stern of a ship.
The after gun is mounted aft.
The after gun is abaft the forward gun.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉After
Next; later in time; subsequent; succeeding; as, an after period of life.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉After
Later in time; subsequent; as, after supper, after three days. It often precedes a clause. Formerly that was interposed between it and the clause.
After I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉After
Subsequent to and in consequence of; as, after what you have said, I shall be careful.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉After
Subsequent to and notwithstanding; as, after all our advice, you took that course.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉After
Moving toward from behind; following, in search of; in pursuit of.
Ye shall not go after other gods.
After whom is the king of Israel come out?
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉After
Denoting the aim or object; concerning; in relation to; as, to look after workmen; to inquire after a friend; to thirst after righteousness.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉After
In imitation of; in conformity with; after the manner of; as, to make a thing after a model; a picture after Rubens; the boy takes after his father.
Our eldest son was named George after his uncle.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉After
According to; in accordance with; in conformity with the nature of; as, he acted after his kind.
He shall not judge after the sight of his eyes.
They that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉After
According to the direction and influence of; in proportion to; befitting.
He takes greatness of kingdoms according to bulk and currency, and not after their intrinsic value.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉After
Subsequently in time or place; behind; afterward; as, he follows after.
It was about the space of three hours after.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉After
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time;
he apologized subsequently
he's going to the store but he'll be back here later
it didn't happen until afterward
two hours after that
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
Later vs. After Frequently Asked Questions
Is "later" always vague about time?
Generally, "later" implies an unspecified future time.
Muazma Batool
Oct 28, 2023
Does "after" need a reference event or time?
Yes, "after" typically points to a sequence or following a specific event.
Muneeza Rehman
Oct 28, 2023
Can "later" be used as an adjective?
Yes, as in "the later chapters of a book."
Muazma Batool
Oct 28, 2023
When might one use "later" over "after"?
When they want to convey a future time without specifying exactly when.
Muneeza Rehman
Oct 28, 2023
If something happens "later," is it always in the future?
Yes, "later" refers to a future time.
Kaitlyn
Oct 28, 2023
When saying "see you later," is a reunion guaranteed?
Not necessarily, it's a casual farewell without a definite time commitment.
Kaitlyn
Oct 28, 2023
In the phrase "later than," is it similar to using "after"?
Yes, both indicate a sequence, but "later than" emphasizes a comparison in time.
Elijah
Oct 28, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
