Once vs. After

What Is Their Main Difference?

The main difference between 'once' and 'after' is that 'once' expresses a sense of urgency while 'after' simply points out what follows an action or event.

Similarities and Differences

Parts of Speech

'Once' and 'after' are conjunctions. They are classified as subordinating conjunctions of time. Have a look:

I will send you a text once I get home.

He will apply for a job after he gradates.

Talking about Time

As mentioned earlier, 'once' and 'after' are subordinating conjunctions of time. They help us indicate the time an action or event occurs.

'Once' is used to show that as soon as something happens, another action or event follows.

She started cleaning once she got home.

We became excited once we saw the new television.

'After' expresses the time following an action, event, or period of time.

Let's meet after conference.

We were supposed get ice-cream after the game.

We can also use them interchangeably. However, note that 'once' lends a sense of urgency to the sentence. Watch:

Call me once you get home.

Call me after you get home.

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