In the English language, even the smallest differences in word choice can cause confusion, and one of the most common dilemmas for writers is the usage of toward vs towards. Both forms are widely used and considered correct, but they do carry slight variations depending on geography and context. In this blog post, we will break down the differences between “toward” and “towards,” explore when to use toward and when to use towards, and provide examples to help you understand their proper usage.
Toward vs Towards: What’s the Difference?
Let’s begin by addressing the core question: what is the difference between toward and towards?
Simply put, both words mean the same thing, but their usage varies primarily based on regional preferences and British and American English. In British English, “towards” is far more common, while in American English, “toward” is generally preferred. Despite this regional difference, both forms are grammatically correct and interchangeable.
Usage in British English
In the UK, “towards” is the more dominant form and is widely used in everyday speech, writing, and formal contexts. When writing in British English, whether it’s an academic paper, email, or essay, it’s advisable to use “towards” to conform to local conventions.
Usage in American English
On the other hand, American English speakers typically use “toward.” Although “towards” is still understandable in the United States, it is seen far less frequently, especially in formal or professional writing. If you’re writing for an American audience or submitting work to an American publication, it’s best to stick with “toward.”
When to Use Toward and Towards
As previously mentioned, the difference between when to use toward and when to use towards primarily comes down to geography. However, there is no grammatical distinction between the two, meaning they can be used in the same types of sentences depending on the region you’re in.
Let’s look at a few examples to illustrate how both words are used.
Example of Toward in a Sentence (American English):
- The cat slowly walked toward the open door, curious about what lay outside.
Example of Towards in a Sentence (British English):
- She took a step towards her friend, ready to offer support in the difficult conversation.
In both examples, the meaning of “toward” and “towards” is the same—indicating movement or direction. The only difference is the spelling, determined by whether the writer is following American or British English conventions.
More Examples of Toward vs Towards in Sentences
To further illustrate the interchangeable nature of these words, here are more examples showcasing both forms in sentences. These examples can serve as a guide for how to use the word based on whether you’re writing in British or American English.
Toward (American English):
- The student walked toward the library, carrying a stack of books.
- I am working toward my final research paper for this term.
- The company is moving toward a more sustainable business model.
Towards (British English):
- As we drove towards the city, the skyline became clearer.
- The charity’s efforts are geared towards helping children in need.
- His attitude towards the project has improved over the last few weeks.
In each case, whether you use “toward” or “towards” doesn’t change the meaning of the sentence. The only reason to choose one over the other is based on regional norms or audience expectations.
Understanding Context and Movement
In terms of meaning, both “toward” and “towards” indicate movement in a particular direction. This can be a physical direction, such as walking toward a destination, or a more figurative direction, like working towards a goal. Let’s break down some common contexts in which these words are used:
Physical Movement
“Toward” and “towards” can both be used to describe physical movement or action in a certain direction.
Example: He walked towards the exit after the meeting ended.
Figurative Movement
These words are also frequently used to describe movement toward a goal, ambition, or objective, whether personal or professional.
Example: She has been working hard toward achieving her career goals.
Attitudes and Relationships
Both words are commonly used to describe feelings, attitudes, or behaviours directed at a person or thing.
Example: His feelings towards his new role have become more positive over time.
In all these cases, toward vs towards can be used without affecting the meaning of the sentence, as the difference lies only in spelling and regional preference.
Common Misunderstandings About Toward and Towards
Given that there is no difference in meaning between “toward” and “towards,” you might wonder why the two forms exist at all. The truth is, English has always had variations in spelling and word usage, especially between different regions like the United States and the UK. These variations are simply the result of historical developments in language rather than any deep grammatical rules.
Some writers mistakenly believe that “toward” is more formal than “towards” or that one form is strictly better than the other. However, as long as you are consistent with your usage based on your audience, either form is acceptable.
Consistency in Writing
While both “toward” and “towards” are correct, consistency is key when writing. If you’re using British English, it’s a good idea to stick with “towards” throughout your writing. Likewise, if you’re writing for an American audience, use “toward” consistently.
Switching between the two within the same document can confuse readers and create a lack of cohesion in your writing. In academic writing, especially, maintaining consistency in language usage is critical. If you’re not sure which form to use, or you’re writing for an international audience, consider which English variety you’re following, and stay consistent with that choice.
Why Do Toward and Towards Both Exist?
The existence of both forms—toward and towards—is a product of language evolution. Historically, both forms have been used since Middle English, but over time, American and British English began to diverge in their preferences. Many spelling and grammar differences between the two varieties of English come down to regional usage and standardisation.
Interestingly, other prepositions also have two forms, such as “among” and “amongst” or “while” and “whilst,” with similar regional differences. These variations are natural in the evolution of language and highlight the diversity within English.
Toward vs Towards – Which Should You Use?
In conclusion, the choice between toward vs towards depends largely on your audience and regional language norms. If you’re writing for a British audience, go with “towards.” If you’re writing for an American audience, use “toward.” Both forms are correct, and the meaning remains unchanged regardless of which one you choose.
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