Words / B2

thairr-AHFT-uh/ˌðeərˈɑːftə/

Thereafter means after that time (formal): from 2019 thereafter; shortly thereafter. Afterwards is already in the dictionary and is less legalistic. Then is everyday. Do not use thereafter in casual chat. Contracts and minutes: payment, and thereafter monthly.

Meaning

After the time or event just mentioned (formal).

Examples

• “Enrolment closes on Friday; thereafter late applications are refused.”
• “The factory closed in June and was demolished shortly thereafter.”

Good to know

Formal adverb: thereafter. Everyday: afterwards / then. Legal/minutes style. Not informal speech. Pattern: event, thereafter + clause.

Near in meaning

afterwards

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