What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
thereafter
Example
The company went bankrupt, and thereafter, its employees lost their jobs. [thereafter: adverb]
Example
She finished her homework and thereafter went to bed. [thereafter: conjunction]
later
Example
I'll meet you later at the park. [later: adverb]
Example
She will finish her work later today. [later: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Later is more commonly used than thereafter in everyday language. Later is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while thereafter is less common and typically used in more formal writing or speech.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between thereafter and later?
Thereafter is more formal than later and is typically used in legal, academic, or professional contexts. Later is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
