after six hours vs six hours later

[optimistic pessimist]

Hi all,

1. John fell in a river and went missing. Everyone thought he had died. After six hours, however, he was found safe by the rescue team.
2. John fell in a river and went missing. Everyone thought he had died. Six hours later, however, he was found safe by the rescue team.

Are both "after six hours" and "six hours later" correct?

OP

 

[emsr2d2]

They're both correct. They might not have the same meaning. The second means that he was found six hours after he fell in. The first could suggest that he was found after six hours' searching by the rescue team. They might not have started searching as soon as he fell in the river.

 

[teechar]

1. John fell into a river and [STRIKE]went missing.[/STRIKE] everyone thought he had drowned. [STRIKE]died.[/STRIKE] After six hours/Six hours later, however, he was found safe/alive and hanging onto a rock by the rescue team.


Are both "after six hours" and "six hours later" correct?

Yes, but see suggested edit.