You’re walking toward the door, working toward a goal or moving toward a new chapter in life. Or is it towards? Both spellings have been around for centuries, and you’ll see each one in published writing. The choice usually comes down to which variety of English you’re using, not what you’re trying to say.Read on to learn when to use “toward” or “towards” and why one spelling is more common in the United States.Related: Do You Know the Difference Between Sympathy and Empathy? Most People Get It Wrong
Is It ‘Toward’ or ‘Towards’?
He’s walking “toward” the door—but only in America!Catherine Falls Commercial/Canva
Both “toward” and “towards” are correct. They are two spellings of the same preposition and have the same meaning, so neither is grammatically wrong. The main difference is regional preference: American and Canadian English generally favor “toward,” while British English and several other varieties tend to use “towards.”Merriam-Webster confirms that the words have been used interchangeably since the ninth century. Today, the shorter spelling is more common in the United States and Canada, while the version with an “s” is generally preferred elsewhere, per Merriam-Webster.
For example, both of these sentences are correct:
She walked toward the front door. She walked towards the front door.The meaning doesn’t change, and you can use either spelling without altering the sentence.Related: Ever Wondered What ‘Gobsmacked’ Actually Means? Here’s the Surprising History Behind It
What Does ‘Toward’ Mean?
The neighbors were always friendly toward each other. That is, until the subject of “toward” vs. “towards” came up.JackF/Canva
“Toward” is a preposition that most often describes movement in the direction of someone or something. It can also express a relationship, a point in time or a contribution toward a goal or expense.
Here are a few examples:
Direction: The dog ran toward its owner. Relationship: She has always been friendly toward her neighbors. Time: The weather should improve toward the end of the week. Contribution: He put $50 toward the cost of the new sofa.The same meanings apply when you use “towards.” The Cambridge Dictionary covers these uses and confirms that both spellings can function as prepositions.Related: What Is the Smell of Rain Called?
Is ‘Toward’ or ‘Towards’ More Common in American English?
“Toward” is the more common spelling in American English. “Towards” is still accepted in the United States, but you’re more likely to see the shorter form in American newspapers, books and other edited writing.
The Chicago Manual of Style favors “toward” for American publications, and legal-writing expert Bryan Garner makes the same recommendation in LawProse. Garner notes that the shorter spelling has been the usual form in American print sources since around 1900.
If you’re writing for a British audience, “towards” is generally the more familiar choice. Either way, consistency is more important than treating one version as incorrect.
What Can I Say Instead of ‘Toward’?
The best alternative depends on how you’re using the word. If you’re describing physical movement, you can say “in the direction of,” “closer to,” “approaching” or “headed for.” For example, “She walked toward the house” could become “She walked in the direction of the house.”
When describing a goal or intention, alternatives include “in pursuit of,” “working on” or “aiming for.” If you’re talking about an attitude or relationship, phrases such as “in relation to,” “regarding” or “with respect to” may fit. Just keep in mind that these expressions aren’t interchangeable in every sentence, so choose one that preserves the original meaning.Related: What Is the Fear of Long Words Called?
Is ‘Toward’ One or Two Syllables?
“Toward” can be pronounced with either one or two syllables, depending on the speaker. The two-syllable version sounds like “tuh-WORD,” with the emphasis on the second syllable. A common one-syllable pronunciation sounds like “tord,” rhyming with “board.”
Merriam-Webster and the Cambridge Dictionary recognize both pronunciations. The one-syllable version is common in American English. “Towards” can also be pronounced with one or two syllables.
Do Brits Say ‘Toward’ or ‘Towards’?
British English generally favors “towards,” with the extra “s” appearing in everyday speech and writing. “Toward” is still understood and grammatically correct, but it’s less common in the U.K.Related: What Is the Smell of Old Books Called?
Do Americans Say ‘Toward’ or ‘Towards’?
Americans generally use “toward,” the shorter spelling without the final “s.” “Towards” is also understood and grammatically correct in the United States, but it appears less often in American writing.
Why Does American English Prefer the Shorter ‘-ward’ Form?
The preference for “toward” fits a broader pattern in American English, which favors directional words ending in “-ward” rather than “-wards.” You can see the same variation in “backward” and “backwards,” “forward” and “forwards,” and “upward” and “upwards.”
There isn’t a definitive explanation for why American English came to favor “-ward” over “-wards.” The two spellings have co-existed since Old English, and the shift appears to have been driven by criticism of the longer forms and editorial preferences.
Noah Webster objected to the longer spelling of at least one directional word. In his 1828 dictionary, he labeled “forwards” a “corruption” under the entry for “forward,” reflecting the prescriptive attitude some American language authorities took toward these longer forms.
Another notable critic was writer Edward S. Gould. In his 1867 book, Good English: Or, Popular Errors in Language, Gould argued that adding an “s” to directional words was an unnecessary innovation. The Columbia Journalism Review recounts how his criticism helped persuade writers to drop the ending, a shift that occurred in the late 19th century.
American publishing conventions reinforced that preference over time. The Associated Press Stylebook specifies “toward, not towards,” while The New York Times Manual of Style and Usage similarly favors “afterward” over “afterwards.” However, CJR notes that neither the AP nor the Times provides explanations for their preferences.
The Chicago Manual of Style also favors “toward” for American publications, while recognizing that “towards” is the predominant form in British English. Its guidance reflects a preference for consistency, not a rule that makes the longer spelling incorrect. In other words, the shorter form became the American editorial standard through usage criticism and style conventions, even though both versions remain grammatically acceptable.
Related: Why Do We Say ‘Ghosting’? The Surprising History Behind Dating’s Cutest (And Worst) Term
This article was drafted with the assistance of AI and thoroughly reviewed, edited and fact-checked by Parade editors. See our complete AI Policy.
Hence then, the article about toward vs towards are you using the right one here s what grammar experts say was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( ‘Toward’ vs. ‘Towards’: Are You Using the Right One? Here’s What Grammar Experts Say )
Also on site :
- In 1885, a pharmacist tried to turn the smell of his drugstore into a drink; 141 years later, it’s one of America’s most famous sodas
- Phil Collins Makes Rare Appearance With Actress Daughter at Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction and Leaves Fans Stunned: ‘I Had No Idea They Were Related’
- Bowen Yang Crashes ‘SNL’ Cold Open as Jensen ‘Hide Your Wife’ Huang to Warn Tech Billionaires About Chinese Spy Catfishing