Toward vs. Towards: Understanding the Spelling Difference

The words “toward” and “towards” are prepositions that indicate direction, but their spellings can often cause confusion. While both words essentially mean the same thing, their usage varies depending on regional preferences and writing styles.

Understanding the nuances between “toward” and “towards” is crucial for clear and effective communication. This article will explore the definitions, usage rules, and regional preferences associated with these two words, providing you with the knowledge to use them correctly in any context.

Whether you’re a student, writer, or simply someone looking to improve their English grammar, this guide will help you master the subtle differences between “toward” and “towards.”

Table of Contents

• Definition of Toward and Towards
• Structural Breakdown
• Regional Differences: US vs. UK
• Usage Rules
• Examples of Toward and Towards
  • General Usage
  • Figurative Usage
  • Motion and Direction
  • Progress and Development
  • Attitude and Feelings
• Common Mistakes
• Practice Exercises
  • Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
  • Exercise 2: Correct the Sentences
• Advanced Topics
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Definition of Toward and Towards

Both “toward” and “towards” function as prepositions, primarily indicating movement or direction in a physical or metaphorical sense. They signify motion in the direction of something, inclination, or tendency. There is no semantic difference between the two; they carry the same meaning. This means that in most contexts, you can use either word without altering the sentence’s core message. The choice between them often comes down to regional preference, personal style, or the rhythm of the sentence.

The subtle difference, if any, often lies in the perceived formality or traditional usage. “Towards” can sometimes be considered slightly more formal or traditional, particularly in British English.

However, this is not a hard and fast rule, and both forms are widely accepted. Understanding this basic equivalence is the first step in confidently using these words.

Structural Breakdown

The structure is quite simple. Both “toward” and “towards” are prepositions. As such, they are typically followed by a noun, noun phrase, or pronoun. They establish a relationship between the noun/pronoun and another element in the sentence, usually indicating direction or orientation. The basic structure is: Toward(s) + Noun/Noun Phrase/Pronoun.

Here are some examples illustrating this structure:

• He walked toward the door. (Noun phrase)
• She leaned towards him. (Pronoun)
• They are moving toward a solution. (Noun phrase)

It’s also important to note that “toward” and “towards” can sometimes function as adverbs, though this is less common. In such cases, they modify a verb by indicating direction, but they are not followed by a noun or pronoun directly.

For example: “The ship sailed towards.” Here, “towards” modifies “sailed” indicating the direction of the sailing.

Regional Differences: US vs. UK

The most significant difference between “toward” and “towards” lies in regional preference. In American English, “toward” is the more common and generally preferred spelling. While “towards” is not incorrect, it is used less frequently and might sound slightly formal or old-fashioned to some American English speakers. In British English, “towards” is the more common and widely accepted form. “Toward” is also understood and used, but it is less prevalent than “towards.”

The table below summarizes these regional preferences:

Region	Preferred Spelling	Acceptable Spelling
American English	Toward	Towards (less common)
British English	Towards	Toward (less common)

It’s important to be aware of these regional differences, especially if you are writing for a specific audience. Choosing the appropriate spelling can enhance your credibility and ensure that your writing resonates with your intended readers.

However, consistency is key; avoid switching between “toward” and “towards” within the same piece of writing unless there is a specific reason to do so.

Usage Rules

The usage rules for “toward” and “towards” are fairly straightforward. Since they are essentially interchangeable in meaning, the primary rule is to choose the spelling that aligns with your regional preference or the style guide you are following.

Here are some additional considerations:

1. Consistency: Maintain consistency within a single piece of writing. If you start with “toward,” stick with it unless there’s a compelling reason to switch.
2. Formality: “Towards” can sometimes be perceived as slightly more formal, especially in American English. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when making your choice.
3. Rhythm and Flow: Sometimes, one spelling might sound better than the other in a particular sentence. Pay attention to the rhythm and flow of your writing and choose the word that sounds more natural. For example, “He moved toward the light” might sound slightly smoother than “He moved towards the light,” although both are grammatically correct.
4. Idiomatic Expressions: There are no specific idiomatic expressions that require one spelling over the other. Both “toward” and “towards” can be used in various idiomatic contexts.
5. Style Guides: If you are writing for a publication or organization, consult their style guide for specific guidelines on the preferred spelling.

In summary, while there are no strict grammatical rules dictating when to use “toward” versus “towards,” being mindful of regional preferences, consistency, and the overall tone of your writing will help you make the best choice.

Examples of Toward and Towards

To further illustrate the usage of “toward” and “towards,” here are several examples categorized by context:

General Usage

This section covers general examples where both “toward” and “towards” can be used interchangeably.

Sentence with “Toward”	Sentence with “Towards”
The cat crept silently toward the mouse.	The cat crept silently towards the mouse.
We are working toward a better future.	We are working towards a better future.
She has a positive attitude toward her work.	She has a positive attitude towards her work.
The river flows toward the sea.	The river flows towards the sea.
His feelings toward her began to change.	His feelings towards her began to change.
The company is moving toward a more sustainable model.	The company is moving towards a more sustainable model.
They showed kindness toward their neighbors.	They showed kindness towards their neighbors.
The project is geared toward helping the homeless.	The project is geared towards helping the homeless.
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 economy is trending toward recovery.	The economy is trending towards recovery.
Her actions were directed toward achieving her goals.	Her actions were directed towards achieving her goals.
The students are striving toward academic excellence.	The students are striving towards academic excellence.
The investigation is leaning toward a specific suspect.	The investigation is leaning towards a specific suspect.
The path leads toward the mountains.	The path leads towards the mountains.
We are progressing toward our objectives.	We are progressing towards our objectives.
His gaze shifted toward the window.	His gaze shifted towards the window.
The government is implementing policies toward environmental protection.	The government is implementing policies towards environmental protection.
She has a strong inclination toward the arts.	She has a strong inclination towards the arts.
The trend is moving toward greater automation.	The trend is moving towards greater automation.
The children ran toward the playground.	The children ran towards the playground.
The refugees are fleeing toward the border.	The refugees are fleeing towards the border.
The athlete trained toward the championship.	The athlete trained towards the championship.
The discussion is centered toward finding solutions.	The discussion is centered towards finding solutions.
The strategy is aimed toward increasing sales.	The strategy is aimed towards increasing sales.

Figurative Usage

This section illustrates the use of “toward” and “towards” in figurative contexts, where they represent abstract directions or tendencies.

Sentence with “Toward”	Sentence with “Towards”
Her comments were directed toward a specific issue.	Her comments were directed towards a specific issue.
He felt a sense of responsibility toward his community.	He felt a sense of responsibility towards his community.
The company adopted a new policy toward employee wellness.	The company adopted a new policy towards employee wellness.
Their relationship evolved toward a deeper connection.	Their relationship evolved towards a deeper connection.
The conversation gravitated toward more serious topics.	The conversation gravitated towards more serious topics.
The country is shifting toward a more democratic system.	The country is shifting towards a more democratic system.
She had mixed feelings toward the situation.	She had mixed feelings towards the situation.
The general sentiment is toward optimism.	The general sentiment is towards optimism.
His efforts were geared toward resolving the conflict.	His efforts were geared towards resolving the conflict.
The program is designed toward fostering creativity.	The program is designed towards fostering creativity.
The evidence points toward a different conclusion.	The evidence points towards a different conclusion.
The trend is leaning toward greater transparency.	The trend is leaning towards greater transparency.
Her attitude toward failure is very healthy.	Her attitude towards failure is very healthy.
The regulations are aimed toward preventing fraud.	The regulations are aimed towards preventing fraud.
His approach toward problem-solving is very effective.	His approach towards problem-solving is very effective.
The discussion is oriented toward practical solutions.	The discussion is oriented towards practical solutions.
Their commitment toward social justice is commendable.	Their commitment towards social justice is commendable.
The initiative is focused toward improving education.	The initiative is focused towards improving education.
Her perspective toward life is very positive.	Her perspective towards life is very positive.
The strategy is geared toward long-term growth.	The strategy is geared towards long-term growth.
The research is oriented toward understanding the disease.	The research is oriented towards understanding the disease.
The campaign is aimed toward raising awareness.	The campaign is aimed towards raising awareness.
His dedication toward his craft is inspiring.	His dedication towards his craft is inspiring.
The focus is toward creating a sustainable environment.	The focus is towards creating a sustainable environment.
The policy is directed toward supporting small businesses.	The policy is directed towards supporting small businesses.

Motion and Direction

These examples show physical motion or direction.

Sentence with “Toward”	Sentence with “Towards”
The bird flew toward the window.	The bird flew towards the window.
They marched toward the city center.	They marched towards the city center.
The car swerved toward the ditch.	The car swerved towards the ditch.
The refugees walked toward the camp.	The refugees walked towards the camp.
The climber ascended toward the summit.	The climber ascended towards the summit.
The boat drifted toward the shore.	The boat drifted towards the shore.
The train sped toward its destination.	The train sped towards its destination.
The hikers ventured toward the forest.	The hikers ventured towards the forest.
The plane taxied toward the runway.	The plane taxied towards the runway.
The stream flowed toward the lake.	The stream flowed towards the lake.
The cyclists pedaled toward the finish line.	The cyclists pedaled towards the finish line.
The dancers moved toward the center of the stage.	The dancers moved towards the center of the stage.
The crowd surged toward the exit.	The crowd surged towards the exit.
The ship sailed toward the horizon.	The ship sailed towards the horizon.
The soldiers advanced toward the enemy lines.	The soldiers advanced towards the enemy lines.
The astronaut floated toward the space station.	The astronaut floated towards the space station.
The children ran toward the ice cream truck.	The children ran towards the ice cream truck.
The lost hikers stumbled toward the road.	The lost hikers stumbled towards the road.
The climbers struggled toward the peak.	The climbers struggled towards the peak.
The river journeyed toward the ocean.	The river journeyed towards the ocean.
The car accelerated toward the intersection.	The car accelerated towards the intersection.
The plane descended toward the airport.	The plane descended towards the airport.
The protesters marched toward the capital.	The protesters marched towards the capital.
The satellite orbited toward the Earth.	The satellite orbited towards the Earth.
The train approached toward the station.	The train approached towards the station.

Progress and Development

These examples indicate movement toward a goal or state.

Sentence with “Toward”	Sentence with “Towards”
The project is progressing toward completion.	The project is progressing towards completion.
The negotiations are moving toward a resolution.	The negotiations are moving towards a resolution.
The company is evolving toward a new business model.	The company is evolving towards a new business model.
The city is developing toward a more sustainable infrastructure.	The city is developing towards a more sustainable infrastructure.
The team is working toward achieving its objectives.	The team is working towards achieving its objectives.
The nation is striving toward economic stability.	The nation is striving towards economic stability.
The students are advancing toward graduation.	The students are advancing towards graduation.
The research is leading toward a breakthrough.	The research is leading towards a breakthrough.
The efforts are contributing toward positive change.	The efforts are contributing towards positive change.
The discussions are geared toward finding common ground.	The discussions are geared towards finding common ground.
The reforms are directed toward improving public services.	The reforms are directed towards improving public services.
The steps are aimed toward preventing future crises.	The steps are aimed towards preventing future crises.
The policies are oriented toward promoting equality.	The policies are oriented towards promoting equality.
The strategy is focused toward achieving long-term goals.	The strategy is focused towards achieving long-term goals.
The measures are designed toward enhancing safety.	The measures are designed towards enhancing safety.
The investment is targeted toward fostering innovation.	The investment is targeted towards fostering innovation.
The initiative is geared toward supporting local communities.	The initiative is geared towards supporting local communities.
The program is tailored toward meeting specific needs.	The program is tailored towards meeting specific needs.
The changes are intended toward creating a better environment.	The changes are intended towards creating a better environment.
The improvements are directed toward increasing efficiency.	The improvements are directed towards increasing efficiency.
The innovations are leading toward new discoveries.	The innovations are leading towards new discoveries.
The collaborations are geared toward achieving shared objectives.	The collaborations are geared towards achieving shared objectives.
The advancements are directed toward empowering women.	The advancements are directed towards empowering women.
The efforts are focused toward addressing climate change.	The efforts are focused towards addressing climate change.
The developments are geared toward promoting peace.	The developments are geared towards promoting peace.

Attitude and Feelings

These examples indicate a feeling or disposition.

Sentence with “Toward”	Sentence with “Towards”
She has a loving attitude toward animals.	She has a loving attitude towards animals.
He felt a sense of loyalty toward his friends.	He felt a sense of loyalty towards his friends.
They displayed respect toward their elders.	They displayed respect towards their elders.
I have a neutral feeling toward the proposal.	I have a neutral feeling towards the proposal.
The community showed support toward the victims.	The community showed support towards the victims.
His reaction was negative toward the suggestion.	His reaction was negative towards the suggestion.
The company demonstrated compassion toward its employees.	The company demonstrated compassion towards its employees.
The students expressed gratitude toward their teacher.	The students expressed gratitude towards their teacher.
The organization showed solidarity toward the cause.	The organization showed solidarity towards the cause.
The fans displayed enthusiasm toward the team.	The fans displayed enthusiasm towards the team.
The citizens voiced their concerns toward the government.	The citizens voiced their concerns towards the government.
The voters expressed their preference toward a candidate.	The voters expressed their preference towards a candidate.
The participants demonstrated openness toward new ideas.	The participants demonstrated openness towards new ideas.
The volunteers showed dedication toward the project.	The volunteers showed dedication towards the project.
The members expressed their commitment toward the organization.	The members expressed their commitment towards the organization.
The artists displayed passion toward their craft.	The artists displayed passion towards their craft.
The donors showed generosity toward the charity.	The donors showed generosity towards the charity.
The activists expressed outrage toward the injustice.	The activists expressed outrage towards the injustice.
The scientists showed curiosity toward the phenomenon.	The scientists showed curiosity towards the phenomenon.
The researchers displayed interest toward the findings.	The researchers displayed interest towards the findings.
The employees showed respect toward their manager.	The employees showed respect towards their manager.
The neighbors expressed sympathy toward the family.	The neighbors expressed sympathy towards the family.
The community showed appreciation toward the workers.	The community showed appreciation towards the workers.
The audience displayed admiration toward the performers.	The audience displayed admiration towards the performers.
The consumers expressed trust toward the brand.	The consumers expressed trust towards the brand.

Common Mistakes

The most common mistake is using the “wrong” spelling based on regional preference. For example, using “towards” in American English writing, or “toward” in British English writing, may strike some readers as odd, even though it’s not grammatically incorrect.

Another common mistake is inconsistency within the same document. Choose one spelling and stick with it.

Here are some examples of common mistakes and their corrections:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
He walked towards the park (in US English).	He walked toward the park.	“Toward” is generally preferred in US English.
She is moving toward a solution (in UK English).	She is moving towards a solution.	“Towards” is generally preferred in UK English.
First, they moved toward the door. Later, they went towards the window.	First, they moved toward the door. Later, they went toward the window. OR First, they moved towards the door. Later, they went towards the window.	Maintaining consistency is important.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding with these practice exercises:

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with either “toward” or “towards,” choosing the spelling that best fits the context or your preference.

Question	Answer
1. The dog ran __________ its owner.	toward/towards
2. They are working __________ a resolution.	toward/towards
3. She has a friendly attitude __________ her colleagues.	toward/towards
4. The river flows __________ the ocean.	toward/towards
5. He felt a growing affection __________ her.	toward/towards
6. The company is moving __________ a more sustainable model.	toward/towards
7. They showed kindness __________ their neighbors.	toward/towards
8. The project is geared __________ helping the homeless.	toward/towards
9. The economy is trending __________ recovery.	toward/towards
10. Her actions were directed __________ achieving her goals.	toward/towards

Exercise 2: Correct the Sentences

Identify and correct any errors in the following sentences, paying attention to the use of “toward” and “towards.” If a sentence is correct, mark it as “Correct.”

Question	Answer
1. In America, it’s common to say “towards”.	In America, it’s common to say “toward”.
2. He quickly ran toward the building.	Correct
3. She is working toward a better future, towards her goals.	She is working toward a better future, toward her goals. OR She is working towards a better future, towards her goals.
4. The cat walked towards its food bowl.	Correct
5. They are moving towards progress.	Correct
6. The current is pushing the boat toward the shore.	Correct
7. Their feelings toward each other became more intense.	Correct
8. The path leads towards a beautiful view.	Correct
9. The trend is going toward a paperless office.	Correct
10. The program directed towards helping children.	The program is directed toward helping children. OR The program is directed towards helping children.

Advanced Topics

While the core usage of “toward” and “towards” is relatively simple, there are some advanced nuances to consider. One is the subtle difference in rhythm and flow, as mentioned earlier.

Skilled writers often choose one spelling over the other based on how it sounds in the sentence. Another advanced topic is the historical evolution of these words.

“Towards” is the older form, with “toward” emerging later as a shortened version. Understanding this history can provide a deeper appreciation for the linguistic forces that have shaped their usage.

Furthermore, consider the context of your writing. In highly formal or academic writing, it might be beneficial to adhere strictly to the conventions of either American or British English.

However, in less formal settings, the choice is largely a matter of personal preference. Experiment with both spellings and develop a sense for which one feels more natural and effective in different situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there any difference in meaning between “toward” and “towards”?

   No, there is no difference in meaning. Both words are prepositions that indicate direction, movement, or inclination. They are semantically equivalent.

2. Which spelling is more common in American English?

   “Toward” is the more common spelling in American English. While “towards” is not incorrect, it is used less frequently.

3. Which spelling is more common in British English?

   “Towards” is the more common spelling in British English. “Toward” is also understood and used, but it is less prevalent.

4. Should I use “toward” or “towards” in formal writing?

   In formal writing, it’s best to adhere to the conventions of the regional dialect you are writing in. Use “toward” in American English and “towards” in British English. Consistency is key.

5. Can I use “toward” and “towards” interchangeably?

   Yes, in most cases, you can use them interchangeably without altering the meaning of the sentence. However, it’s best to maintain consistency within a single piece of writing.

6. Is it ever wrong to use “towards” in American English?

   No, it’s not *wrong*, but it might sound slightly formal or old-fashioned to some American English speakers. “Toward” is generally the preferred choice in American English.

7. Is it ever wrong to use “toward” in British English?

   Again, it’s not *wrong*, but “towards” is generally the more common and preferred choice in British English. Using “toward” might sound slightly less natural to some British English speakers.

8. What if I’m writing for an international audience?

   If you’re writing for an international audience, consider the overall tone and style of your writing. If you want to maintain a neutral tone, “toward” might be a slightly safer choice, as it is widely understood. However, consistency is still important. If in doubt, consult a style guide or ask for feedback from native English speakers from different regions.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between “toward” and “towards” is essential for effective communication in English. While both words share the same meaning, their usage varies depending on regional preferences, with “toward” being more common in American English and “towards” in British English.

The key takeaway is to choose the spelling that aligns with your intended audience and to maintain consistency throughout your writing. By mastering these subtle nuances, you can enhance your writing and communicate with greater clarity and confidence.

Remember, language is dynamic, and usage patterns can evolve over time. Stay curious, pay attention to how native speakers use these words, and don’t be afraid to experiment.

With practice and attention to detail, you’ll become more comfortable and confident in your use of “toward” and “towards.” Ultimately, the goal is to communicate effectively and express yourself clearly, regardless of which spelling you choose.