“Toward” or “towards”—which is correct? This question has perplexed writers, students, and English language learners for generations. If you feel confused about which form to use, you’re not alone. There’s a lot of conflicting information out there, and many of us simply follow instinct or local custom without any official validation.
In this comprehensive guide, we will dive into the nuances between “toward” and “towards,” explore the evolution of these terms, and provide practical insights to help you confidently decide which one works best in your writing. Whether you’re a blogger, student, professional writer, or curious language lover, this post will walk you through everything you need to know about “toward” vs. “towards.”
The Core Question: Toward vs. Towards
At the heart of the “toward” vs. “towards” debate lies a single question: are both words acceptable, or is one definitively wrong? The short answer is this: both “toward” and “towards” are widely accepted in modern English. However, usage often depends on regional preference, style guidelines, and personal consistency.
Definition of “Toward” / “Towards”
Both forms essentially mean “in the direction of” or “approaching” someone or something. For instance:
- “I walked toward the door.”
- “She leaned towards the window to get a better look.”
In these examples, both “toward” and “towards” convey the same meaning: moving closer to an object or place.
Historical Background
To truly grasp why there are two forms of the same word, we need to look at historical linguistics. The word “toward” is derived from Old English (“tōweard”), which combined “tō” (to) and “weard” (toward, or facing). Over time, English underwent various transformations due to external influences, such as Norman French and Latin, as well as internal linguistic evolutions.
By the Middle English period, an “s” was often appended to certain adverbs and prepositions. This change gave rise to forms like “towards,” “afterwards,” and “forwards.” Although “toward” existed long before “towards,” both variants became part of everyday English usage.
As the English language spread worldwide, both forms continued to be used, though not always with equal frequency. Over the centuries, subtle preferences emerged in regional dialects—chiefly between the United Kingdom and the United States—resulting in the modern distinction we see today.
American English vs. British English
The biggest difference you’ll notice between “toward” and “towards” often relates to regional usage:
- American English
- Writers and speakers in the United States tend to prefer “toward” without the “s.”
- This preference isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, but it holds true for most formal and informal contexts.
- British English
- In the UK and other regions that follow British English conventions, “towards” with the “s” is more common.
- You’re likely to encounter “towards” in newspapers, novels, and academic writing in British English contexts.
Neither version is incorrect. In fact, both are recognized by major dictionaries on both sides of the Atlantic. If you pick up a dictionary—be it Merriam-Webster (American) or the Oxford English Dictionary (British)—you’ll find both forms listed with equal status.
Style Guides and Official Recommendations
Many writers look to style guides for definitive rules on language usage. Let’s see what a few major style guides say about “toward” vs. “towards”:
- Associated Press (AP) Stylebook
- AP Stylebook recommends using “toward” (without the “s”). If you write for a newspaper, journalism outlet, or publish press releases, you’ll typically follow this guide.
- Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS)
- The Chicago Manual of Style typically aligns with American usage, advising writers to opt for “toward.”
- Modern Language Association (MLA)
- MLA doesn’t explicitly ban “towards,” but it leans toward the standard American preference for “toward.”
- Oxford Style Manual
- The Oxford Style Manual, reflecting British usage, often suggests “towards.” However, it acknowledges that “toward” is also correct.
In general, style guides in American English encourage “toward,” while British English style guides recommend “towards.” These guidelines are not rigid rules; they’re more like best practices tailored to specific editorial standards. If you write for a particular institution or publication, check which style guide they follow. If you’re free to choose, consistency is key—pick one form and stick with it throughout your piece.
Common Misconceptions and Pitfalls
While “toward” and “towards” seem straightforward, a few misconceptions often lead writers astray:
- Misconception: “Towards” is always correct, and “toward” is never correct.
- Reality: Both are correct, but they differ in regional preference and style standards.
- Misconception: “Toward” vs. “towards” is a modern-day invention.
- Reality: Both variants have existed in English for centuries.
- Misconception: Using one form over the other can drastically change the meaning.
- Reality: Both convey the same essential meaning—moving in the direction of something. There is no significant semantic difference.
- Pitfall: Lack of consistency.
- If you mix “toward” and “towards” within the same piece without reason, it might look sloppy. This can distract your reader, who may wonder whether you’re aware you’ve used two forms.
- Pitfall: Overthinking.
- Some writers worry endlessly about whether “toward” or “towards” sounds more professional or correct. While stylistic coherence matters, both forms are acceptable in most contexts. Don’t let perfectionism slow you down.
Examples in Sentences
Let’s see how “toward” and “towards” work in real-life sentences. Notice how each sentence communicates the same idea, regardless of which form you choose.
- Toward
- “I moved toward the exit as soon as the movie ended.”
- “He has a positive attitude toward learning new skills.”
- “They walked toward the mountains at sunrise, ready for adventure.”
- Towards
- “I moved towards the exit as soon as the movie ended.”
- “He has a positive attitude towards learning new skills.”
- “They walked towards the mountains at sunrise, ready for adventure.”
As you can see, each version conveys the same meaning. By using “toward” or “towards,” you’re showing a direction or orientation—whether it’s literal (physically moving in a direction) or metaphorical (a person’s attitude or inclination).
Special Usage Cases
English is full of idiomatic expressions and nuanced phrases. Here are a few specialized scenarios where you might encounter “toward” or “towards”:
- Figurative Language
- “Her actions lean toward compassion and generosity.”
- You might use “towards” or “toward” to imply a figurative direction—such as someone’s inclination, beliefs, or behavior.
- Abstract Concepts
- “Society is moving towards a more inclusive mindset.”
- In this context, “towards” represents progress or momentum in a non-physical sense.
- Expressions of Time
- “He usually feels more energetic toward the end of the week.”
- You can refer to approaching a time or event.
- Phrasal Verbs and Collocations
- While “toward/towards” isn’t typically part of phrasal verbs, you might find it in collocations like “look forward to/toward,” though “to” is more common in that specific idiom. Always double-check common usage to ensure correctness.
- Poetry and Creative Writing
- Poets and novelists sometimes choose “toward” or “towards” to maintain rhythm, rhyme, or a specific style. Context and flow may dictate which form the writer uses.
In every instance, the difference between “toward” and “towards” remains minimal. These examples help illustrate how interchangeable they truly are.
Tips to Decide Which Form to Use
Choosing between “toward” and “towards” can feel confusing, especially if you don’t have a style guide to adhere to. Here are some tips:
- Know Your Audience
- If most of your readers are in the United States, you might choose “toward.” If your readership is primarily in the UK or other Commonwealth countries, you might choose “towards.”
- Follow a Style Guide
- When in doubt, check the editorial guidelines. Publications, schools, and online platforms might explicitly prefer one form.
- Be Consistent
- If you have no external rules, pick one variant and use it throughout your work. Consistency appears more professional and polished.
- Consider Flow and Sound
- In some sentences, “toward” might feel more rhythmic, while in others, “towards” might fit your writing style better. Read your sentences aloud to see which form flows better.
- Use Spell Check Tools
- Tools like Grammarly or built-in spelling checkers in word processors often flag “towards” if your language setting is American English. They’ll flag “toward” if your setting is British English. This can serve as a quick reminder.
In the end, you won’t likely be corrected if you choose “towards” in the U.S. or “toward” in the U.K. Readers generally understand both terms, and only language purists might scrutinize your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does using “towards” instead of “toward” make me sound less formal?
A: Not necessarily. While “toward” is slightly more common in American academic and formal writing, “towards” is perfectly acceptable and formal, especially in British contexts.
If I’m writing for an international audience, which one should I pick?
A: If you want to lean into the most widely recognized form, you can choose “toward,” as recommended by many American-based style guides. However, since both are understood worldwide, consistency is more important than the specific choice.
Can I use “toward” or “towards” interchangeably in the same document?
A: You can, but it’s not advisable. Most writing instructors and editors prefer consistency, so pick one form and stick with it to avoid confusion or the appearance of a typo.
Does “afterwards,” “backwards,” and “forwards” follow the same rule as “toward” vs. “towards”?
A: Yes. These words follow a similar pattern: American English tends to favor “afterward,” “backward,” “forward,” while British English often prefers “afterwards,” “backwards,” “forwards.” Again, neither form is incorrect, and consistency remains key.
What if my software’s spell check flags “towards” as incorrect?
A: Double-check the settings in your word processor. If your language settings are set to U.S. English, it might flag “towards” as a variant. In British English settings, the tool might flag “toward.” Adjust your settings if you want a more region-specific approach, or ignore the flag if you have chosen your form intentionally.
Conclusion
The choice between “toward” and “towards” is simpler than many believe. Both terms express the same meaning: moving in the direction of a person, place, object, or even an abstract concept. The primary difference lies in regional preferences and style guide recommendations. American English users generally prefer “toward,” while British English users more often write “towards.”
Regardless of where you stand, the crucial thing to remember is consistency. If you’re following a specific style guide (AP, Chicago, or Oxford) or editorial policy, honor their preference. If you’re writing independently, pick one form and apply it throughout your text. This will help your writing look more polished, professional, and intentional.
In an ever-evolving linguistic landscape, rigid rules aren’t always necessary. The differences between “toward” and “towards” are subtle, and most readers rarely notice or care which one you use. Ultimately, your focus should be on communicating your ideas clearly and effectively. So choose the variant that best suits your regional audience or style requirement, and carry on with confidence.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute official advice, and language usage rules may differ depending on region, style guides, or individual preferences. Always check the specific editorial requirements of your publisher, educational institution, or employer when in doubt.
