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The word 'after' functions as a preposition, conjunction, adverb, and adjective. In this lesson, we will discover this word in detail.
'After' is a common word among native speakers. It can function as a preposition, a conjunction, an adverb, and an adjective. It is commonly used to indicate relationships in terms of time and sequence. In this lesson, we will discuss how to learn and use it.
Functions of 'After'
There are three functions that 'after' can take:
'After' as a Preposition
One of the main uses of 'after' is to function as a preposition. When 'after' is used as a preposition, It is followed by a noun, pronoun or noun phrase to form a prepositional phrase. it usually indicates a relationship in terms of time and order. Here are some examples:
She left
Here, 'after' indicates the time of departure.
As you can see, 'after' is used to show a specific amount of time has passed.
Anna's name comes
In this example, 'after' is used to indicate the order or sequence of names.
John is the first runner, and Sarah comes
In this sentence, 'after' indicates the order of runners in the race, with Sarah following John.
Position in a Sentence
Since 'after' comes as a preposition here, it always comes before nouns and noun phrases. We can begin a sentence with a prepositional phrase, put it in the middle, or at the end of the sentence. Look:
After
Here, we have a prepositional phrase at the beginning of the sentence.
Let's play poker after
Here, we have a prepositional phrase at the end of the sentence.
Warning
Please note that when we have a prepositional phrase at the beginning of the sentence, we must have a comma after it. Also, when we have a prepositional phrase in the middle, we must have commas before and after it.
'After' as a Conjunction
As mentioned earlier, 'after' can function as a conjunction. It acts as a subordinating conjunction, connecting two clauses and indicating the order or time relationship between them. Take a look at the following examples:
I think she will learn her lessons
Position in a Sentence
'After' functioning as a conjunction can appear at the beginning or in the middle of the sentence. For example:
She hurried to my room
Warning!
Please note that we must always use a comma between the two clauses whenever we have 'after' at the beginning of the sentence. Take a look:
'After' as an Adverb
As was mentioned before, 'after' can also function as an adverb. When we use 'after' as an adverb, it means a later time or an order of events. So, it can be an adverb of time. Let us look at the examples below:
She died soon
She is headed to the hospital and will be at granny's
Position in a Sentence
Since 'after' is an adverb here, it mainly comes after verbs or objects, or even other adverbs to modify them. Look at the following examples:
They went out soon
Here, 'after' is modifying another adverb.
Fredrick will come here and then head downtown
Here, 'after' is modifying the verb 'head,' and it indicates the sequence of actions.
Tip!
'After' can also appear as a particle. It is typically used in combination with a verb to form a phrasal verb. Here are some examples:
Please
As you can see, 'look after' means to take care of or attend to someone or something.
The police
As you can see, 'go after' means to pursue or chase something or someone.
'After' as an Adjective
Using 'after' as an adjective is archaic and is no longer common among native speakers. However, learning it will be of no harm to anyone. It is only used before nouns. Take a look:
She regretted it in
Here, it means in the next years to come.
First think about it cause there will be no turning back in
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