Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Slowmotion]

As you guys probably already know, many students often say things like:
-I have class after 10 minutes
-I have class 10 minutes later

instead of "I have class in 10 minutes."

How do I explain the difference in usage? The first two seem awkward.

[edwardcatflap]

Tell them that 'after' and 'later' can be used in English to sequence events in the following way

'We'll go out after dinner'
I met John and then 10 minutes later I met Susan'

You can see there are two events in each example which are sequenced by the use of 'after' and 'later'.

'Later' can also be used in a general sense meaning some time in the future.

e.g. We'll go out later, I'll tell you later

'After' can also be used in this way, although it implies another event exists

e.g. I'll speak to you after (the meeting)

If you want to talk about just one event in the future with a specific time, use 'in ......(time)'

e.g. I'm going to study abroad in 2 years (time)
Let's meet in 5 minutes (time)

[carpetdope]

Use "in" when referring to a time with a starting point at the present time (if that makes sense).

Use "later" when referring to a time with a starting point in either the past or future.

[Reise-ohne-Ende]

The prior two gave good explanations.

Also, I'd add to carpet dope's that "later" can refer to an unspecified amount of time.

So:

I'm going to the store in 5 minutes
vs.
I'm going to the store later (some unspecified amount of time...just "in the future").