The words “toward” and “towards” often cause confusion for English language learners and native speakers alike. Both words function as prepositions, indicating direction, but the presence (or absence) of the final ‘s’ is a point of contention.
Understanding the nuances of their usage, regional preferences, and subtle contextual differences is crucial for clear and effective communication. This article provides a comprehensive guide to mastering the use of “toward” and “towards,” equipping you with the knowledge and practice needed to confidently choose the correct form in any situation.
Whether you’re writing an academic paper, a business email, or simply engaging in everyday conversation, this guide will help you navigate the subtle complexities of these two words.
This article is designed for English language learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced speakers. Native English speakers who wish to refine their understanding of grammar and regional variations will also find it helpful.
By exploring definitions, structural breakdowns, examples, and practical exercises, this guide aims to clarify the differences and similarities between “toward” and “towards,” ensuring accurate and confident usage.
Table of Contents
- Definition of Toward and Towards
- Structural Breakdown
- Regional Differences
- Examples of Toward and Towards
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of Toward and Towards
Both “toward” and “towards” are prepositions that indicate direction, movement, or inclination. They essentially mean the same thing and can often be used interchangeably.
The primary difference lies in regional preference: “toward” is more common in American English, while “towards” is more prevalent in British English. However, both forms are understood and accepted in both dialects.
As prepositions, “toward” and “towards” are followed by a noun or pronoun, forming a prepositional phrase. This phrase typically modifies a verb, noun, or adjective, providing information about the direction, goal, or relationship of the action or thing being described.
Understanding their function as prepositions is key to using them correctly in sentences.
In addition to indicating physical direction, “toward” and “towards” can also be used figuratively to describe attitudes, feelings, or progress. For example, you might say someone has a friendly attitude “toward” or “towards” you, or that a project is moving “toward” or “towards” completion.
This flexibility makes them versatile words in the English language.
Structural Breakdown
The structure of sentences using “toward” or “towards” follows a basic pattern. The preposition is followed by a noun phrase, which acts as the object of the preposition.
This prepositional phrase then functions as an adverbial modifier, adding information about direction, purpose, or inclination to the main clause of the sentence.
Basic Structure: Subject + Verb + Toward/Towards + Noun Phrase
For instance, in the sentence “She walked toward the library,” “she” is the subject, “walked” is the verb, and “toward the library” is the prepositional phrase. The noun phrase “the library” is the object of the preposition “toward,” and the entire phrase modifies the verb “walked,” indicating the direction of her movement.
The verb in the sentence and the noun phrase following “toward” or “towards” will dictate the overall meaning. The verb provides the action, and the noun provides the target or direction of that action.
You could also use it to describe an emotion. For example, “He felt anger towards his neighbor.” In this case, the noun phrase is “his neighbor,” and the verb is “felt.”
Regional Differences
The most significant difference between “toward” and “towards” is their prevalence in different regional dialects of English. As mentioned earlier, “toward” is more common in American English, while “towards” is more common in British English.
This is a general trend, however, and both forms are understood and used to some extent in both regions.
In American English, “toward” is generally preferred in both formal and informal writing. While “towards” is not considered incorrect, it may sound slightly more formal or British to American ears.
Conversely, in British English, “towards” is the more common and natural-sounding choice.
It’s important to be aware of these regional preferences, especially when writing for a specific audience. If you’re writing for an American audience, using “toward” will generally be the safest and most appropriate choice.
If you’re writing for a British audience, “towards” may be more suitable. However, consistency is key, and it’s generally best to stick to one form throughout a single piece of writing.
Examples of Toward and Towards
Here are examples of the usage of ‘toward’ and ‘towards’ in various contexts. These examples illustrate the subtle nuances and interchangeable nature of these two prepositions.
General Direction
The following table provides examples of ‘toward’ and ‘towards’ indicating general direction. Notice how both words can be used interchangeably in most cases without significantly altering the meaning of the sentence.
| Sentence with “Toward” | Sentence with “Towards” |
|---|---|
| The cat crept toward the mouse. | The cat crept towards the mouse. |
| They drove toward the mountains. | They drove towards the mountains. |
| She leaned toward the speaker to hear better. | She leaned towards the speaker to hear better. |
| The river flows toward the sea. | The river flows towards the sea. |
| He ran toward the finish line. | He ran towards the finish line. |
| The plane flew toward the airport. | The plane flew towards the airport. |
| The ship sailed toward the horizon. | The ship sailed towards the horizon. |
| The children walked toward the park. | The children walked towards the park. |
| The dog ran toward its owner. | The dog ran towards its owner. |
| The crowd surged toward the stage. | The crowd surged towards the stage. |
| The refugees fled toward the border. | The refugees fled towards the border. |
| The climber ascended toward the summit. | The climber ascended towards the summit. |
| The train sped toward the city. | The train sped towards the city. |
| The bird flew toward the nest. | The bird flew towards the nest. |
| The car swerved toward the ditch. | The car swerved towards the ditch. |
| The path led toward the forest. | The path led towards the forest. |
| The light shone toward the window. | The light shone towards the window. |
| The wind blew toward the shore. | The wind blew towards the shore. |
| The smoke drifted toward the sky. | The smoke drifted towards the sky. |
Figurative Usage
The following table illustrates the figurative use of ‘toward’ and ‘towards.’ In these cases, the prepositions indicate an attitude, feeling, or progress rather than a physical direction. Again, both forms can be used interchangeably.
| Sentence with “Toward” | Sentence with “Towards” |
|---|---|
| He has a positive attitude toward his work. | He has a positive attitude towards his work. |
| She felt a sense of responsibility toward her family. | She felt a sense of responsibility towards her family. |
| The company is moving toward a more sustainable model. | The company is moving towards a more sustainable model. |
| Their relationship is progressing toward marriage. | Their relationship is progressing towards marriage. |
| The government is taking steps toward peace. | The government is taking steps towards peace. |
| His feelings toward her began to change. | His feelings towards her began to change. |
| The project is geared toward helping the community. | The project is geared towards helping the community. |
| She showed compassion toward the less fortunate. | She showed compassion towards the less fortunate. |
| His efforts were directed toward achieving his goals. | His efforts were directed towards achieving his goals. |
| The discussion shifted toward more serious topics. | The discussion shifted towards more serious topics. |
| The evidence points toward his guilt. | The evidence points towards his guilt. |
| Her research is oriented toward finding a cure. | Her research is oriented towards finding a cure. |
| The policy is aimed toward reducing poverty. | The policy is aimed towards reducing poverty. |
| His behavior was considered disrespectful toward authority. | His behavior was considered disrespectful towards authority. |
| The campaign is focused toward raising awareness. | The campaign is focused towards raising awareness. |
| Her comments were interpreted as hostile toward the proposal. | Her comments were interpreted as hostile towards the proposal. |
| His contribution was instrumental toward the success. | His contribution was instrumental towards the success. |
| The program is designed toward improving skills. | The program is designed towards improving skills. |
| Her actions were motivated toward helping others. | Her actions were motivated towards helping others. |
| The trend is moving toward greater digitalization. | The trend is moving towards greater digitalization. |
Indicating Time
The following table provides examples of ‘toward’ and ‘towards’ indicating a point in time or a period approaching a certain time. Again, both forms are generally interchangeable in this context.
| Sentence with “Toward” | Sentence with “Towards” |
|---|---|
| The days are getting shorter toward winter. | The days are getting shorter towards winter. |
| He will arrive toward the end of the week. | He will arrive towards the end of the week. |
| We expect to finish the project toward the deadline. | We expect to finish the project towards the deadline. |
| The weather is expected to improve toward evening. | The weather is expected to improve towards evening. |
| She started feeling better toward the end of her illness. | She started feeling better towards the end of her illness. |
| The negotiations progressed toward a resolution. | The negotiations progressed towards a resolution. |
| The atmosphere became more festive toward the holidays. | The atmosphere became more festive towards the holidays. |
| The situation escalated toward a crisis. | The situation escalated towards a crisis. |
| He began to relax toward the end of the vacation. | He began to relax towards the end of the vacation. |
| The market showed signs of recovery toward the close. | The market showed signs of recovery towards the close. |
| The mood shifted toward optimism. | The mood shifted towards optimism. |
| People started gathering toward sunset. | People started gathering towards sunset. |
| The prices dropped toward the sale. | The prices dropped towards the sale. |
| The tension built toward the climax. | The tension built towards the climax. |
| The music swelled toward the finale. | The music swelled towards the finale. |
| The excitement grew toward the event. | The excitement grew towards the event. |
| The anticipation increased toward the announcement. | The anticipation increased towards the announcement. |
| The pressure mounted toward the deadline. | The pressure mounted towards the deadline. |
| The activity slowed toward the night. | The activity slowed towards the night. |
| The investigation moved toward a conclusion. | The investigation moved towards a conclusion. |
Usage Rules
While “toward” and “towards” are largely interchangeable, there are some subtle nuances and considerations to keep in mind when choosing between them. The primary rule is to be consistent within a single piece of writing.
Choose either “toward” or “towards” and stick with that form throughout.
Consistency: Maintain consistency throughout your writing. Don’t switch between “toward” and “towards” unless there’s a specific stylistic reason to do so.
Regional Preference: Be aware of your target audience. If you’re writing for an American audience, “toward” is generally preferred. If you’re writing for a British audience, “towards” is usually the more natural choice.
No Functional Difference: Remember that there is no functional difference between the two words. They both serve the same grammatical purpose and convey the same meaning. Your choice should be based on regional preference and personal style.
Idiomatic Expressions: While rare, some idiomatic expressions may favor one form over the other. However, these are exceptions rather than rules, and it’s best to consult a dictionary or style guide if you’re unsure.
Formal vs. Informal: Some perceive “towards” as slightly more formal than “toward,” but this is a subtle distinction and not a strict rule. Both forms are acceptable in both formal and informal contexts.
Common Mistakes
The most common mistake is inconsistency – using both “toward” and “towards” within the same piece of writing without a clear reason. Another error is believing that one form is inherently more correct than the other, which is not the case.
Here are some examples of common mistakes and their corrections:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| He walked toward the park, and then he went towards the store. | He walked toward the park, and then he went toward the store. OR He walked towards the park, and then he went towards the store. | Inconsistency in using “toward” and “towards.” |
| Towards is the only correct way to say it. | Both “toward” and “towards” are correct, but “towards” is more common in British English. | Misconception that one form is universally correct. |
| She has a bad attitude toward her. | She has a bad attitude toward him. OR She has a bad attitude towards him. | Pronoun mistake. |
| They are moving to complete the project. | They are moving toward completing the project. OR They are moving towards completing the project. | Missing preposition. |
| He felt anger to his brother. | He felt anger toward his brother. OR He felt anger towards his brother. | Incorrect preposition. |
| The cat jumped to the tree. | The cat jumped toward the tree. OR The cat jumped towards the tree. | Incorrect preposition. |
| The bird flew at the sky. | The bird flew toward the sky. OR The bird flew towards the sky. | Incorrect preposition. |
| The car sped on the city. | The car sped toward the city. OR The car sped towards the city. | Incorrect preposition. |
| I have sympathy on her. | I have sympathy toward her. OR I have sympathy towards her. | Incorrect preposition. |
| She has a dislike at him. | She has a dislike toward him. OR She has a dislike towards him. | Incorrect preposition. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of “toward” and “towards” with the following exercises. Choose the correct form based on the context and regional preference (if specified).
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blank
Fill in the blank with either “toward” or “towards.” Assume a general American English context unless otherwise specified.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. He walked ______ the door. | toward |
| 2. She felt a sense of responsibility ______ her community. | toward |
| 3. The project is moving ______ completion. | toward |
| 4. (British English) They are driving ______ London. | towards |
| 5. The cat crept ______ the sleeping dog. | toward |
| 6. The days are getting colder ______ winter. | toward |
| 7. His attitude ______ his colleagues is very positive. | toward |
| 8. The river flows ______ the ocean. | toward |
| 9. (British English) She leaned ______ him to whisper something. | towards |
| 10. They are working ______ a solution. | toward |
Exercise 2: Correct the Sentence
Correct the following sentences, if necessary. If the sentence is already correct, write “Correct.” Assume a general American English context unless otherwise specified.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. He walked towards the door (American English). | He walked toward the door. |
| 2. She felt a sense of responsibility toward her community. | Correct |
| 3. The project is moving towards completion (American English). | The project is moving toward completion. |
| 4. (British English) They are driving toward London. | They are driving towards London. |
| 5. The cat crept toward the sleeping dog. | Correct |
| 6. The days are getting colder towards winter (American English). | The days are getting colder toward winter. |
| 7. His attitude towards his colleagues is very positive (American English). | His attitude toward his colleagues is very positive. |
| 8. The river flows towards the ocean (American English). | The river flows toward the ocean. |
| 9. She leaned towards him to whisper something. | Correct |
| 10. They are working toward a solution. | Correct |
Exercise 3: Multiple Choice
Choose the best option to complete the sentence.
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1. He is walking _____ the store. | a) toward b) towards c) to | a) toward |
| 2. She has a positive attitude _____ her studies. | a) to b) toward c) at | b) toward |
| 3. (British English) They are moving _____ a new strategy. | a) toward b) towards c) on | b) towards |
| 4. The cat crept _____ the bird. | a) on b) toward c) at | b) toward |
| 5. The days grow shorter _____ winter. | a) toward b) to c) on | a) toward |
| 6. (British English) He felt sympathy _____ her. | a) to b) towards c) at | b) towards |
| 7. The project is geared _____ helping the community. | a) toward b) to c) at | a) toward |
| 8. His efforts were directed _____ achieving his goals. | a) toward b) to c) at | a) toward |
| 9. (British English) The discussion shifted _____ more serious topics. | a) toward b) towards c) on | b) towards |
| 10. The evidence points _____ his guilt. | a) toward b) to c) at | a) toward |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, it’s helpful to consider the historical evolution of “toward” and “towards.” The ‘s’ ending on “towards” is a remnant of an older English grammatical pattern where adverbs were often formed by adding ‘s’ to prepositions. Over time, this pattern faded, but some forms like “towards,” “besides,” and “amongst” have persisted, particularly in British English.
Another advanced consideration is the stylistic impact of choosing one form over the other. While the meaning is identical, the choice can subtly influence the tone and register of your writing.
“Towards,” with its slightly more formal and traditional feel, may be appropriate in academic or professional contexts where a more elevated tone is desired. “Toward,” on the other hand, may be preferred in more casual or contemporary writing.
Finally, exploring the use of “toward” and “towards” in literature can provide a deeper understanding of their stylistic potential. Authors often choose one form over the other to create a specific mood, reflect a character’s background, or evoke a particular sense of time and place.
Analyzing these choices can enhance your own writing skills and stylistic awareness.
FAQ
- Is “toward” or “towards” grammatically correct?
Both “toward” and “towards” are grammatically correct. The choice between them depends primarily on regional preference. “Toward” is more common in American English, while “towards” is more common in British English.
- Is there any difference in meaning between “toward” and “towards”?
No, there is no difference in meaning. Both words function as prepositions indicating direction, movement, or inclination.
- Should I use “toward” or “towards” in formal writing?
In formal writing, the choice depends on your target audience. If you’re writing for an American audience, “toward” is generally preferred. If you’re writing for a British audience, “towards” is usually the more natural choice. Consistency is key.
- Can I use “towards” in American English?
Yes, you can use “towards” in American English. While “toward” is more common, “towards” is understood and accepted, though it may sound slightly more formal or British to some American ears.
- Is “toward” always the best choice for American English?
Generally, yes. “Toward” is the more common and widely accepted form in American English. However, there are no strict rules, and personal preference can also play a role.
- Are there any specific situations where I should only use one form?
There are no specific grammatical rules that dictate using one form over the other. The choice is primarily based on regional preference and consistency.
- How can I remember which form to use in different regions?
A helpful mnemonic is to associate “toward” with the shorter spelling, reflecting the tendency for American English to favor shorter forms. Conversely, “towards” with the extra ‘s’ can be associated with British English.
- Does the choice between “toward” and “towards” affect the tone of my writing?
Yes, subtly. “Towards” can be perceived as slightly more formal or traditional, while “toward” may sound more contemporary. However, this is a subtle nuance, and the overall tone of your writing will depend on many other factors as well.
- What if I’m writing for an international audience?
If you’re writing for a diverse international audience, it’s generally best to choose the form that you are most comfortable with and maintain consistency throughout your writing. Both forms are widely understood.
- Are there any common idioms that use only one form?
While rare, some idiomatic expressions may favor one form over the other. However, these are exceptions rather than rules. If you’re unsure, consult a dictionary or style guide.
- Is it ever acceptable to switch between “toward” and “towards” in the same piece of writing?
Generally, no. Consistency is key, and it’s best to stick to one form throughout a single piece of writing. Switching between the two forms without a clear stylistic reason can be confusing for the reader.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between “toward” and “towards” is essential for mastering English grammar and writing with clarity and confidence. While both words function as prepositions indicating direction, the primary distinction lies in regional preference: “toward” is favored in American English, while “towards” is more common in British English.
By being aware of these regional variations and maintaining consistency in your writing, you can avoid common mistakes and ensure effective communication.
Remember that there is no functional difference between “toward” and “towards,” and both forms are grammatically correct. The key is to choose the form that is most appropriate for your target audience and personal style.
By practicing with examples and exercises, you can develop a strong understanding of these words and use them confidently in any situation. Always consider your audience and maintain consistency in your writing to ensure clarity and professionalism.
Ultimately, mastering the nuances of “toward” and “towards” is a small but significant step toward becoming a more proficient and articulate English speaker and writer. Keep practicing, pay attention to regional variations, and don’t be afraid to consult resources when you’re unsure.
With a little effort, you can easily navigate the subtle complexities of these two words and communicate with greater precision and confidence.