“Subsequently” is an adverb that means after a particular event or time; following. Here are some synonyms and an analysis of their usage:
1. Afterwards
- Meaning:
- “Afterwards” simply means at a later time; after an event has taken place. It is a more general and commonly used term. For example, “We watched a movie and afterwards, we went for a walk.” It indicates a clear sequence of events, with the second action happening after the first.
- Usage:
- Used in both formal and informal contexts to describe the order of events. It's very versatile and can be used in daily life situations (ate dinner and afterwards had dessert), in stories (the hero defeated the villain and afterwards, peace was restored), and in any context where a chronological sequence is being described.
2. Later
- Meaning:
- “Later” also means at a time in the future relative to a given point. It can refer to a short or long period after an event. For example, “I'll call you later.” It implies a delay or a subsequent point in time without being as specific as a particular date or time.
- Usage:
- Used in a wide range of contexts, including personal arrangements (see you later), in historical accounts (years later, things had changed), and in any situation where the focus is on a future point in time that comes after the present or a reference event.
3. Thereupon
- Meaning:
- “Thereupon” means immediately after that; as a result of that. It emphasizes a quick succession of events and often implies a causal connection. For example, “He received the news and thereupon, he made a decision.” It shows that the second action was a direct response to the first.
- Usage:
- Used in more formal writing or in situations where a sense of immediacy and consequence is important. It can be found in legal documents (the evidence was presented and thereupon, the jury reached a verdict), in business reports (the problem was identified and thereupon, a solution was proposed), and in any context where a prompt reaction to an event is described.
4. Following
- Meaning:
- “Following” can be used as a preposition or an adjective. As an adverb, it means after in time or order. For example, “Following the meeting, we had a group discussion.” It emphasizes the order of events and can also imply a connection or a sequence that is important.
- Usage:
- Used in various contexts such as schedules (following the concert, there will be a meet - and - greet), in procedures (following the instructions, you'll assemble the furniture), and in any situation where the sequence of actions or events is being described.
5. Next
- Meaning:
- “Next” means coming immediately after in order, position, or time. It is a more immediate and specific term than some of the others. For example, “First, we read the book and next, we wrote a review.” It highlights the consecutive nature of events and is often used to enumerate a series of steps or occurrences.
- Usage:
- Used in instructions (first, do this and next, do that), in stories (one thing happened and next, something else), and in any context where a clear and consecutive order of events is being presented.