adverb
after that
AF-tuhr THAT
After that (adverb) means following the event or point in time just mentioned; next in a sequence. Example: “Add the flour, then the eggs. After that, beat the mixture for two minutes.”
adverb
1
Following the event or point in time just mentioned; next in a sequence.
"Add the flour, then the eggs. After that, beat the mixture for two minutes."
"We shared a flat for a year; after that we barely spoke."
How to use after that
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNext, once that has happened.
When to use it
Neutral. Extremely common as a linking phrase in instructions and storytelling.
Memory tip
Vary your sequence words — then, next, after that, finally — so a set of instructions does not read repetitively.
Easily confused with
after that / after all
after that / afterwards
Common pairings
after that, we left
shortly after that
everything after that
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Add the flour, then the eggs. _____, beat the mixture for two minutes.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
before that
beforehand
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between after that and afterwards?
They mean the same thing, but after that points explicitly back to a specific event you have just named, while afterwards can stand alone without one. In a set of instructions, after that is the clearer choice because it anchors each step to the last.
Can I start a sentence with after that?
Yes. It is a standard sentence opener and usually takes a comma: 'After that, everything changed.' It is common in recipes, instructions and narrative writing.
Is after that formal or informal?
It is neutral and works in both. In very formal writing, subsequently or thereafter may read better, but neither is more correct.
What is the meaning of after that?
"after that" (adverb) means following the event or point in time just mentioned; next in a sequence.
