How to Use the Words Hereafter, Henceforth, As of/ As from, Onwards

by Srinivas
(India)

Dear Teacher,

How can we use the words:
1. hereafter
2. henceforth
3. As of/As from
4.onwards.

Do all four mean the same thing? How to use them?
What are the differences between them?

I am totally confused with these words. Can you explain me in detail with few examples?

Thank you.

Comments for How to Use the Words Hereafter, Henceforth, As of/ As from, Onwards

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May 28, 2013
 Answer
by: Chelsey

This is a great question! These words are very similar.

Hereafter, henceforth, and onwards are all English adverbs.

As of is an English preposition.

They all have the same basic meaning.

HEREAFTER and HENCEFORTH are synonyms that mean from this time forward or after this time.

They are commonly used in legal and formal writings.

Examples:
1. Henceforth, she will be known as Queen Victoria.
2. Hereafter, she will be known as Queen Victoria.

ONWARDS is also an English adverb. In American English, we usually say onward without the "s".

Onward means to move toward a point in time or forward.

Onward can be used in the same way as henceforth and hereafter if it is used in a phrase such as "from this point onward" or "from now onward."

Examples:
1. I went to that school from 1999 onward.
2. From now onward, she will be known as Queen Victoria.

AS OF is an English preposition.

As of means on, at, from, or from this time.

It can also be used in the same way as the other words above, although it is usually used with a specific time or date.

Examples:
1. As of 2:00, I still had not heard from the doctor.
2. The new law will be in effect as of July 1, 2013.
3. As of today, she will be known as Queen Victoria.

As from is not a phrase I would normally use as a native English speaker.

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