after which

USAGE SUMMARY

"after which" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that one event or action follows another. For example: "I finished my homework, after which I watched some television."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

After which, hey, presto!

Independent

It also comes after Which?

Independent

After which all was dark and quiet.

The New Yorker

After which, of course, everything was lovely".

The Economist

After which he becomes a thief.

The New York Times

After which they vanished, like Mormon missionaries.

The New Yorker

After which Trump defaulted.

The New York Times

After which, the deluge.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

[After which Bush claimed a mandate!].

Huffington Post

power of 300 W, after which it decreases.

Surface and Coatings Technology

My backup arrived shortly after, which obviously drew his focus.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "after which" to clearly establish chronological order in your writing. It enhances clarity, especially when describing a sequence of events.

Common error

Avoid using "after which" excessively in informal contexts. While grammatically correct, it can make your writing sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "then" or "after that" in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "after which" functions as an adverbial connector, specifically a temporal adverbial. It links two clauses, indicating that the action in the second clause occurs subsequent to the action in the first clause. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "after which" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that serves to connect events in chronological order. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread acceptance in written English. While particularly common in news, academic, and scientific contexts, its usage should be tailored to the overall formality of the writing. Consider alternatives like "then" or "after that" for more casual settings. By understanding its function and appropriate context, writers can effectively use "after which" to enhance clarity and coherence in their narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after that

A simpler and more direct way to express the sequence of events.

then

A very common and concise way to indicate the next step or event.

following that

A slightly more conversational alternative, maintaining the sequential meaning.

next

A simple and direct term for indicating the subsequent item or action.

subsequently

A more formal and concise way to indicate the following action or event.

thereafter

Similar to "subsequently" but often used in legal or official contexts.

at which point

Emphasizes a specific moment when the subsequent action begins.

upon which

A more formal and literary way to introduce what follows, emphasizing a direct consequence.

whereupon

A very formal and somewhat archaic term for "immediately after which".

in the aftermath

Focuses on the period following an event, often implying consequences or changes.

FAQs

How can I use "after which" in a sentence?

Use "after which" to indicate that one event follows another in time. For instance, "The ceremony concluded, after which the guests proceeded to the reception."

What are some alternatives to "after which"?

You can use alternatives such as "subsequently", "thereafter", or "following that" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "after which"?

While grammatically permissible, starting a sentence with "after which" can sound somewhat formal. Consider rephrasing to improve flow, or use a different construction such as "Following that,...". You can use alternatives such as "then" or "after that" to begin the sentence in more casual situations.

What is the difference between "after which" and "thereafter"?

"After which" directly connects two events in sequence, while "thereafter" refers more broadly to a period of time following an event. "We ate dinner, after which we watched a movie" versus "The company restructured; thereafter, profits increased".