it was afterwards

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was afterwards" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something occurred after a specific event or time in the past. Example: "The meeting concluded, and it was afterwards that we decided to implement the new strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It was afterwards.

The Guardian - Sport

It was afterwards that I needed a transfusion.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I was sent to prison in Damascus for a short time and it was afterwards that Switzerland gave me asylum.

The Guardian - Film

So it was before the first war, so it was before the second, and so it was afterwards, when we were all hoping a third one would erupt".

The Guardian - Books

It was afterwards that it was relabelled as beef.

BBC

It was afterwards expanded in order to include, for comparative purposes, 30 thyroid tumours with or without Hürthle cell features.

BMC Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It's afterwards when people start coming out with all sorts of nonsense.

The Guardian - Sport

In Norway it's afterwards.

BBC

It is afterwards shown that, at these temperatures level, the thermal radiation contribution could be significant.

Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

Downloading fan-subbed episodes is just as illegal before licensing as it is afterwards.

WikiHow

They didn't know who the enemy was afterwards; it was anybody who came knocking at the door.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was afterwards" to clearly establish a chronological order in your narrative, ensuring the reader understands the sequence of events. For example, "The presentation ended, and "it was afterwards" that the team discussed the feedback."

Common error

Avoid using "it was afterwards" when a simple "it was later" suffices. "Afterwards" can sometimes sound overly formal or redundant in simple sentences. For instance, instead of saying "He finished his work, and "it was afterwards" that he went home", prefer "He finished his work; it was later that he went home."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was afterwards" functions as an adverbial phrase indicating a sequence in time. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and serves to specify that an event occurred following a previous one.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was afterwards" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English used to denote that something occurred after a specific event in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While the phrase is not overly common, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When writing, remember that although "it was afterwards" is correct, simpler alternatives like "it was later" may sometimes be more appropriate. Also, be sure to use "it was afterwards" when establishing a chronological order is key to clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was subsequently

Replaces "afterwards" with "subsequently", providing a more formal tone.

it developed subsequently

Similar to "it was subsequently", but emphasizes the development aspect.

it was later

Uses "later" instead of "afterwards", simplifying the language.

it was then

Substitutes "afterwards" with "then", indicating a direct sequence.

it was following that

Replaces "afterwards" with a prepositional phrase, making the sentence more complex.

it transpired afterwards

Adds "transpired" to emphasize that something became known later.

it ensued afterwards

Highlights that something followed as a consequence or in immediate succession.

it resulted afterwards

Focuses on the result happening after the initial event.

it unfolded afterwards

Implies a gradual revelation or development following the initial event.

it came to pass afterwards

Uses a more archaic or literary phrasing to indicate a later event.

FAQs

How can I use "it was afterwards" in a sentence?

Use "it was afterwards" to indicate that something happened following a specific event. For example: "The ceremony concluded, and "it was afterwards" that the guests enjoyed the reception."

What's a more formal alternative to "it was afterwards"?

A more formal alternative is "it was subsequently". This phrase adds a touch of sophistication while maintaining the same meaning of sequential occurrence.

Is "it was afterwards" interchangeable with "later"?

While "later" can often replace "afterwards", using "it was afterwards" provides a slightly stronger emphasis on the sequence of events. Consider the context to determine the most appropriate choice. Prefer "it was later" in informal contexts.

What's the difference between "it was afterwards" and "after that"?

"After that" is generally simpler and more informal. "It was afterwards" can be used to create a more formal or emphatic tone when describing a sequence of events. For example: "The storm passed; "it was afterwards" that the sun emerged."