Towards or Toward: Which Spelling Is Correct?

Many English writers pause when deciding between towards or toward because both forms appear in books, websites, and everyday communication. This common confusion involves English prepositions, British English spelling, American English spelling, grammar usage, and writing consistency.

|See learn more: Deep seated vs deep seeded

Understanding the difference helps writers choose the best form for their audience and maintain a professional style. Whether you write for school, business, or online publishing, consistent usage improves clarity and credibility in every sentence.

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Towards or Toward – Quick Answer

Both towards and toward are correct.

They have the same meaning and can usually be used interchangeably.

Examples

✅ She walked toward the station.

She walked towards the station.✅

✅ The company is moving toward growth.

The company is moving towards growth.✅

The primary difference is regional preference rather than meaning.

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The Origin of Towards or Toward

The word toward comes from Old English and has been part of the language for centuries.

Later, English speakers began adding the letter s to certain prepositions. This change produced words such as:

• toward → towards
• afterward → afterwards
• forward → forwards

Over time, both forms became accepted in English usage.

Why Do Two Spellings Exist?

The spelling variation developed naturally through language evolution rather than through a formal grammar rule.

As English spread worldwide, different regions adopted different preferences.

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British English vs American English Spelling

The biggest difference between towards and toward involves regional usage.

American English

American writers generally prefer:

• toward
• afterward
• forward

British English

British writers often prefer:

• towards
• afterwards
• forwards

Comparison Table

Meaning	American English	British English
Direction	Toward	Towards
Later Time	Afterward	Afterwards
Front Direction	Forward	Forwards

Important Note

Both spellings are correct in both countries. The difference is preference, not grammar.

|See also: Cocoon vs cacoon

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Which Spelling Should You Use?

Your audience should guide your choice.

For US Audiences

Use toward.

Most American publications and style guides prefer this spelling.

For UK Audiences

Use towards.

It appears more frequently in British newspapers and publications.

For Canada, Australia, and New Zealand

Both forms are accepted, although towards is often more common.

For Global Audiences

Choose one version and use it consistently throughout your content.

Consistency matters more than the specific choice.

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Common Mistakes with Towards or Toward

Although both spellings are correct, writers sometimes create unnecessary confusion.

Mistake 1

Mixing both spellings in the same document.

❌ The team moved toward success and worked towards new goals.

✅ Use one style consistently.

Mistake 2

Assuming one version is wrong.

❌ Towards is incorrect.

✅ Both are correct.

Mistake 3

Changing spelling randomly.

Professional writing should follow a single style guide.

Mistake 4

Ignoring audience expectations.

American readers often expect toward, while British readers often expect towards.

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Towards or Toward in Everyday Examples

Email Example

“We look forward toward completing the project.”

“We look forward towards completing the project.”

News Example

“The government is moving toward economic reform.”

“The government is moving towards economic reform.”

Social Media Example

“Working toward my goals every day.”

“Taking small steps towards success.”

Formal Writing Example

“The organization continues to move toward greater efficiency.”

“The organisation continues to move towards greater efficiency.”

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Towards or Toward – Google Trends & Usage Data

Search behavior reveals interesting regional patterns.

Countries Preferring Toward

• United States
• Some American business publications

Countries Preferring Towards

• United Kingdom
• Australia
• New Zealand
• South Africa

Why People Search This Keyword

Most users want to know:

• Which spelling is correct
• Whether one form is more professional
• Which version works best for SEO
• Which style matches their audience

Key Insight

Search engines recognize both spellings and understand them as equivalent terms.

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Towards vs Toward Comparison Table

Word	Meaning	Correct?	Preferred Region
Toward	In the direction of	Yes	United States
Towards	In the direction of	Yes	United Kingdom
Towardly	Not standard modern usage	No	None
Towardsly	Incorrect	No	None

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FAQs

Is it feelings toward or feelings towards?
Both are correct. Toward is more common in American English, while towards is more common in British English.

Is it toward or towards the UK?
Both are correct, but British writers generally prefer towards the UK.

Is it “work towards” or “work toward”?
Both are grammatically correct. Choose the version that matches your audience and use it consistently.

Do I say toward or towards?
You can use either. Toward is preferred in American English, while towards is preferred in British English.

What are 5 examples of sentences?

1. She walked toward the park.
2. They are working towards success.
3. The car moved toward the city.
4. We are looking towards the future.
5. He ran toward his friends.

SUMMARY

Understanding the difference between towards and toward helps writers maintain accuracy and consistency. By following English grammar, regional spelling preferences, professional writing standards, audience-focused communication, and editorial consistency, writers can choose the most suitable form for their readers.

Both spellings are correct; the key is using one style consistently throughout a document.