AFTER, IN, AFTERWARDS

Word Choice:

AFTER is usually used as a preposition (followed by a noun):
I'll do it after lunch.
Please call after 9:30.

AFTER followed by a time period is more often used to talk about past events:
After a few minutes he stopped.

IN followed by a time period is more often used to talk about future events:
He'll be here in a few minutes.

AFTER can be used as an adverb, but only following another adverb such as soon, not long or shortly:
Tim came in at midnight, and Lucy not long after.

AFTERWARDS can be used instead, and can also be used as an adverb on its own:
His parents came shortly afterwards.
You can meet the actors afterwards. (NOT after)
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