Have you ever stopped typing because you weren’t sure if you should write toward or towards? You are not alone. This is one of the most common spelling questions in the English language.
Many people search for this answer every single day. The confusion is understandable. Both words look and sound almost the same. Writers often worry that one might be a mistake.
The good news is that the answer is very simple.
In this guide, you will learn the clear difference between these two words. You will also learn which one to use for your audience. Plus, you will get simple rules to remember forever.
Toward or Towards – Quick Answer
Both toward and towards are correct. They mean the exact same thing. They both mean “in the direction of” or “in relation to.” For example, you can walk toward the park. Or you can walk towards the park. Both sentences are right. The only difference is where people use them most .
Key Difference Between Toward and Towards
The key difference is very small. It is about the audience. One spelling is more common in America. The other is more common in Britain.
Quick bullet points:
- They mean the exact same thing.
- They are both prepositions.
- The choice depends on where your readers live.
- Neither is wrong .
| Feature | Toward | Towards |
| Primary Region | United States, Canada | United Kingdom, Australia, other Commonwealth countries |
| Usage | More common in American English | More common in British English |
| Meaning | “In the direction of” | “In the direction of” |
| Correctness | Correct | Correct |
Is Toward or Towards Correct or Incorrect?
Both are completely correct. There is no wrong choice here. Some people think one is better than the other. That is not true. “Toward” and “towards” are two spellings of the same word. They both have a long history. The choice is like using “color” or “colour.” Both are right. It just depends on where you are .
Why Do People Confuse Toward and Towards?
People get confused for a few simple reasons.
- Different English Types: There is British English and American English. They often spell words differently.
- Global Exposure: The internet shows us writing from all over the world. We see both spellings often. This can make it hard to know which is “right.”
- Education Differences: Some teachers only teach one spelling. Others might not explain that both are okay. This leads to confusion later .
The Origin of Toward and Towards
The words are very old. They come from Old English. The root word is toeward . This word meant “in the direction of.” Both spellings appeared around the same time. For example, the famous British writer Chaucer used “toward” in his work. That was before English spelling was even standardized. The “-s” at the end is simply an old way of making an adverb. Over time, both forms stuck around .
British English vs American English Spelling
This is the main difference. American English prefers “toward.” British English prefers “towards.”
The data makes this very clear. In American English, “toward” is used about six times more often than “towards.” In British English, “towards” is used much more often .
| English Variety | Preferred Spelling | Example |
| American English | Toward | The car drove toward the highway. |
| British English | Towards | The car drove towards the motorway. |
Which Spelling Should You Use?
This is the most common question. The answer depends on who you are writing for.
For US Audience
Use “toward” . This is the standard in the United States. Style guides like AP and Chicago recommend it. If your blog or email is for Americans, this is your safest choice.
For UK/Commonwealth Audience
Use “towards” . This is the standard in the UK, Australia, and Canada. If your readers are in these places, use the “s.”
For Global/SEO Writing
You can choose either one. Most style guides say you can pick one and stick with it. Consistency is more important than the choice itself . For SEO, think about your main audience. If your site is for a global audience, you can use whichever one you prefer.
How to Pronounce Toward and Towards
You may hear three ways to say this word. The words sound similar. Most people say “tord” or “tow-rd.”
- “Tord” – This is a common way to say it.
- “Tow-rd” – The ‘w’ is slightly heard.
- “Toward” – Pronounced with two clear syllables .
Both “toward” and “towards” are pronounced the same way. The ‘s’ does not change the sound at the end. It is barely heard. You don’t need to worry about pronouncing them differently.
Formal vs Informal Usage of Toward and Towards
Both words are used in formal and informal writing. The choice is not about formality. It is about location.
- Academic writing: Follow the style guide. American universities usually use “toward.”
- Business communication: Use the spelling your company or client prefers.
- Casual conversation: You can use either one. Most people will not notice .
Common Mistakes
Using the Wrong Spelling for Your Audience
- Incorrect: “He ran towards the store.” (If you are writing for an American publication)
- Correct: “He ran toward the store.” (For an American audience)
- Short explanation: Always match the audience. Use “toward” for the US. Use “towards” for the UK .
Mixing Spellings in One Document
- Incorrect: “The dog ran toward me. Then, it ran towards the cat.”
- Correct: “The dog ran toward me. Then, it ran toward the cat.” (If you picked “toward”)
- Short explanation: Be consistent. Pick one spelling and use it everywhere in your writing.
Thinking One Is Wrong
- Incorrect: “Towards is wrong. You must use toward.”
- Correct: “You can use either toward or towards.”
- Short explanation: This is a myth. Both words are correct. Don’t think one is a mistake .
Toward or Towards in Everyday Examples
In Emails
“Please send the report toward the end of the day.” (American English)
“Please send the report towards the end of the day.” (British English)
In News
“The country is moving toward democracy.” (American newspaper)
“The country is moving towards democracy.” (British newspaper)
In Social Media
“I’m working toward my fitness goals.”
“I’m working towards my fitness goals.”
In Formal Writing
“The policy is a step toward solving the problem.” (US style guide)
“The policy is a step towards solving the problem.” (UK style guide)
Simple Rules to Remember
Here are a few easy ways to remember.
- The “S” is for the UK and “S”ometimes Australia. If your audience is across the pond, use the “s.”
- No “S” is for the US. If you are in the United States, drop the “s.”
- Consistency is key. Pick one for your document. Stay with it .
Toward or Towards – Google Trends & Usage Data
Usage data shows a clear pattern. “Toward” dominates in the United States. “Towards” is the clear winner in the United Kingdom. This has been true for a long time. The data shows that some speakers in the US use “towards” in casual conversation. However, in written American English, “toward” is much more common .
| Country / Region | Commonly Used Spelling |
| United States | Toward |
| United Kingdom | Towards |
| Canada | Both, but often “towards” |
| Australia | Towards |
Related Grammar Terms You Should Know
Here are other words with the same rule.
- Backward / Backwards
- Forward / Forwards
- Upward / Upwards
- Afterward / Afterwards
These words follow the same pattern. Use the “s” for British English. Drop the “s” for American English .
FAQs
Is “towards” an American word?
No, “towards” is not an American word. It is used and preferred in British English. American English prefers “toward” .
Is “toward” an old word?
Yes, “toward” is a very old word. It was used in Old English. It is not a new word. Both spellings have a long history .
Can you use “toward” and “towards” interchangeably?
Yes, you can swap them. They mean the same thing. The choice is just about where you live or who your reader is .
Which is better for SEO, “toward” or “towards”?
Neither is better for SEO. The best choice depends on your target audience. If you write for a US audience, use “toward.” For a UK audience, use “towards” .
Do you say “toward” or “towards” in school?
It depends. In American schools, teachers usually say “toward.” In British schools, they say “towards.” Both are accepted .
Conclusion
So, what is the answer? Both “toward” and “towards” are correct. You can use them to talk about direction.
The only real difference is where you live. American English uses “toward.” British English uses “towards.”
The key is to be consistent. Pick one spelling and use it. Don’t switch back and forth. Think about your reader. If they are American, go with “toward.” If they are British, choose “towards.” For everyone else, either choice is good.
Now you know the simple rule. You can write with confidence.
