Introduction
Have you ever paused while writing and wondered whether it should be toward or towards? You’re not alone. This is a very common confusion, especially for writers who switch between American and British English or consume content from both.
The tricky part is that both words are actually correct, which makes the choice even harder.
Although they sound similar, they serve completely different purposes depending on style, region, and preference.
What Is Toward?
Let’s start with toward (without the “s”).
Meaning of Toward
Toward is a preposition that means:
- In the direction of
- Approaching
- In relation to
- With regard to
It shows movement, direction, or attitude.
How toward is used
Toward is most commonly used in American English and is often preferred in:
- Professional writing
- Academic content
- Journalism
- Business communication
Examples:
- She walked toward the door.
- He moved toward a solution.
- Her attitude toward change is positive.
- This is a step toward success.
Origin & usage note
Historically, toward came first in English. Over time, regional preferences developed, but the meaning stayed the same.
Key features of toward
- Preposition
- Preferred in American English
- Used in formal and professional contexts
- Indicates direction or intention
✅ Key rule:
If you’re writing in American English, toward is usually the better choice.
What Is Towards?
Now let’s look at towards (with the “s”).
Meaning of Towards
Towards is also a preposition, and it means exactly the same thing as toward:
- In the direction of
- Approaching
- In relation to
- Concerning
How towards is used
Towards is more common in British English and is widely used in:
- UK-based writing
- Australian and New Zealand English
- Informal and formal contexts outside the US
- Literature and everyday speech
Examples:
- She walked towards the station.
- He is working towards his goals.
- Their behavior towards others was polite.
- This move points towards improvement.
Style preference
Many British style guides prefer towards, while still recognizing toward as correct—just less common.
Key features of towards
- Preposition
- Preferred in British English
- Slightly more traditional tone
- Same meaning as toward
✅ Key rule:
If you’re writing in British English, towards is usually preferred.
Key Differences Between Toward and Towards
Here’s a clear comparison to make the difference easy to understand:
| Feature | Toward | Towards |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Direction or relation | Direction or relation |
| Correctness | Correct | Correct |
| Regional preference | American English | British English |
| Formal usage | Very common | Common |
| Difference in meaning | ❌ None | ❌ None |
🎯 Quick takeaway:
- Toward = American English preference
- Towards = British English preference
Real-Life Conversation Examples
Let’s see how this choice plays out in everyday situations.
🗣️ Dialogue 1: Writing for a US Audience
Writer: Should I use towards here?
Editor: Use toward this article is for American readers.
Writer: Got it.
🎯 Lesson: Match the spelling to your audience.
🗣️ Dialogue 2: UK Classroom
Student: He walked toward the door.
Teacher: In British English, we usually write towards.
Student: Understood.
🎯 Lesson: Regional style matters.
🗣️ Dialogue 3: International Team
Manager: Let’s move toward our goals.
Colleague: I’d write towards, but both work.
Manager: True—same meaning.
🎯 Lesson: Meaning stays the same.
🗣️ Dialogue 4: Casual Conversation
Friend: She ran towards the bus stop.
You: Sounds perfectly fine.
🎯 Lesson: Both forms sound natural in speech.
When to Use Toward vs Towards
✅ Use toward when:
- Writing in American English
- Creating academic or professional content
- Publishing for US-based audiences
- Following AP or Chicago style
Examples:
- Toward the future
- Toward a solution
- Toward the goal
✅ Use towards when:
- Writing in British English
- Publishing for UK or international audiences
- Following British style guides
- Writing literature or general prose
Examples:
- Towards the city
- Towards success
- Towards improvement
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Thinking one form is incorrect
✔️ Both are grammatically correct
❌ Mixing both in the same document
✔️ Choose one and stay consistent
❌ Assuming meaning changes
✔️ Only spelling preference changes
❌ Ignoring your audience’s language style
✔️ Audience determines the better choice
Fun Fact & History
📜 Fun Fact
In Old English, toward was the dominant form. The “-s” ending in towards became popular later, especially in British usage.
🧠 Easy Memory Trick
- Toward → shorter, streamlined → American English
- Towards → slightly longer → British English
This simple association makes the choice effortless.
Conclusion
The difference between toward or towards isn’t about meaning—it’s about style and regional preference. Toward is favored in American English, while towards is more common in British English. Both are correct, and neither changes the meaning of your sentence.
The key is consistency and audience awareness.
Next time someone writes toward or towards, you’ll know exactly why and which one to use! ✅
