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after: adverb

shortly after, etc​

After can be used in adverb phrases like shortly after, long after, a few days after, etc.

  • We had oysters for supper. Shortly after, I began to feel ill.

In more exact expressions of time, later is more common.

  • They started the job on the 16th and finished three weeks later.

after not used alone​

After is not normally used alone as an adverb. Instead, we use other expressions like afterwards (AmE also afterward), then or after that.

  • I’m going to do my exams, and afterwards I’m going to study medicine. (not … and after, I’m going …)