later after

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "later after" is not correct and is redundant in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate a time that follows another event, but it is better to choose one of the two words. Example: "We will discuss the project details later after the meeting."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That comes later, after the righteous fury.

The New Yorker

The vodka came later, after Prohibition.

The New York Times

Real life comes later" — after death.

The New York Times

Later, after regaining his breath, Phelps elaborated.

The New York Times

But several weeks later, after public opposition, he abandoned it.

The New York Times

He was removed two innings later after feeling dizzy.

The New York Times

Six weeks later, after returning home, Haugen felt disoriented.

The New Yorker

(Later, after the surf magazines discovered it, that changed).

The New Yorker

Weeks later, after the fire, Hynes sounded resigned.

The New Yorker

"But we certainly did later after Mark scored.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Barton was sacked two years later after finishing 10th.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Choose either "later" or "after" depending on your desired emphasis; using both is generally redundant. For example, prefer "See you later" or "See you after the meeting".

Common error

Don't combine "later" and "after" when one will suffice. Using both can make your writing sound awkward and less professional. Instead of saying, "We'll discuss it later after lunch", simply say, "We'll discuss it later" or "We'll discuss it after lunch".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "later after" functions as an adverbial phrase intended to indicate sequence in time, however, its usage is redundant. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is not correct. The correct usage would involve using either "later" or "after" independently.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

31%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "later after" is grammatically incorrect due to its redundant nature. As Ludwig AI confirms, using both "later" and "after" together is unnecessary and detracts from clear communication. Effective writing involves choosing either "later" or "after" depending on the context. While the phrase appears across various sources, including news and science, it is best avoided in formal writing. Opt for concise alternatives like "afterward" or "subsequently" to maintain clarity and professionalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Afterward

A single word replacement emphasizing the temporal sequence.

Subsequently

Single word indicating that something followed or came after something else.

Sometime after

Indicates an indefinite period after the initial event.

Following that

A more concise alternative focusing on the sequence of events.

Coming after

More direct, often used to describe sequence in lists or instructions.

Subsequently after

Emphasizes a strict chronological order and a direct consequence.

Thereafter

Suggests a more formal or legalistic tone for 'after that'.

At a later time

Adds a degree of vagueness to the timing of the second event.

In the aftermath

Focuses on the period of time following a significant event.

In due course

Implies that the second event will happen eventually or at the appropriate time.

FAQs

Is "later after" grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "later after" is grammatically incorrect because it's redundant. Both words indicate a time following an event, so using them together is unnecessary.

What can I say instead of "later after"?

You can use either "later" or "after", depending on the context. Both words convey the same meaning of something happening at a subsequent time.

When is it appropriate to use "later" or "after"?

"Later" is generally used to refer to a time in the future, while "after" is used to indicate a time following a specific event. For instance, "I'll call you later" versus "I'll call you after the meeting".

Is there a subtle difference in meaning between "later" and "after"?

Yes, while both indicate a subsequent time, "later" is more general, referring to an unspecified time in the future. "After", on the other hand, is more specific, indicating a time following a particular event or point in time.