What Does "After" Mean in Logic Grid Puzzles?
The mirror of "before" — later in the sequence, distance unspecified.
What it means
"A comes after B" means A holds a later place in the sequence than B: A's index is larger. It is the exact mirror of "before" — every after-statement can be rewritten as a before-statement with the names swapped.
Because schedules and orders on these boards are finite (four acts, four days), "after" clues do more than order two names — they also cap where something cannot go. "Ava performs after Mia" single-handedly removes act 1 from Ava's possibilities.
Example on the board
Highlighted: Ava on slot 1 and Mia on slot 4. Mia's act number is larger, satisfying the clue. Note the elimination bonus: Ava can no longer take the last act, and Mia can no longer take the first.
Correct read: Mia ∈ later act than Ava, plus the two eliminations. Wrong read: Mia performs right after Ava — Sam and Leo may sit between them.
Quick check: rebuild the row
The example above shows one solved arrangement. The tiles below are shuffled — tap them in the order that satisfies the clue.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting the elimination bonus Every "after" clue quietly deletes the earliest slot from the later item and the latest slot from the earlier one. Write those eliminations immediately — they often trigger the first placements on the board.
- Merging with the wrong axis If the board shows both a standing row and a schedule, do not paste "after" facts into the standing row. Keep each sequence on its own lane until a clue connects them.
Frequently asked questions
Is "after" the same as "right of"?
Only when the sequence is drawn as the left-to-right row itself. Otherwise "after" belongs to the sequence column and "right of" to the standing row — two different axes.
What is the difference between "after" and "immediately after"?
Gap. "After" allows any number of items in between; "immediately after" (or "right after") demands touching positions in the sequence.
How do I turn after-clues into a full schedule?
Chain them into one direction (earliest → latest), merge shared names, then use the eliminations: the chain's top can't be last and its bottom can't be first. Four items usually fall with three clues plus one placement.
Where does the "after" clue appear in Profile Perfect?
This wording shows up from the early levels onward. The Practice section at the bottom of this page lists the specific levels that use "after" — open one to see it in a real walkthrough.
How is the "after" clue different from its lookalike clues?
Check the lookalike comparison on this page: it spells out the difference from the nearest neighbor clue and what mis-taps usually follow from mixing them up.
Put it into practice
The fastest way to make a clue stick is to use it on a real case. Work through a full board with layered hints — the method, not just the answer.