When should you write toward, and when should you write towards? If you have ever stopped while writing a sentence such as “She walked toward the door” and wondered whether towards would be better, you are not alone.
The good news is that this is not a case of one word being correct and the other being wrong.
Toward and towards are both standard English words. The main difference is regional preference, not meaning.
In American English, toward is generally more common. In British English, towards is generally more common.
However, both forms are understood in both varieties of English, and the choice can also depend on an individual’s style and the publication they are writing for.
This guide explains toward vs towards in detail, including pronunciation, grammar, meaning, American and British usage, formal writing, everyday speech, common mistakes, examples, and practical advice about which form to choose.
Quick Answer
Toward and towards are both correct. They are prepositions with essentially the same meaning: in the direction of, closer to, or in relation to something.
Toward is preferred more often in American English, while towards is preferred more often in British English.
Quick rule: Writing primarily for a U.S. audience? Toward is usually the safer choice. Writing primarily for a UK audience? Towards is usually the more natural choice.
Toward vs Towards: At a Glance
| Feature | Toward | Towards |
|---|---|---|
| Part of speech | Preposition | Preposition |
| Basic meaning | In the direction of; closer to | In the direction of; closer to |
| Pronunciation | /təˈwɔːrd/ or /tɔːrd/ depending on accent | /təˈwɔːrdz/ or /tɔːrdz/ depending on accent |
| American English | More common | Correct but less common |
| British English | Correct | More common |
| Meaning difference | Essentially none | Essentially none |
| Formal writing | Correct | Correct |
| Everyday conversation | Common | Common |
| Academic writing | Common | Common |
| Business writing | Common | Common |
| Grammar | Standard | Standard |
| Interchangeability | Usually yes | Usually yes |
| Plural-like ending | No | No |
| Main distinction | Regional/style preference | Regional/style preference |
The most important point is simple: the “s” does not normally change the meaning.
What Does Toward Mean?
Toward is a preposition used to indicate movement, direction, position, relationship, or an increasing approach to something.
For example:
The child ran toward his mother.
The sentence means that the child ran in the direction of his mother.
But physical movement is only one use. Toward can also describe movement toward a goal, an attitude, a result, or a point in time.
Compare:
- We walked toward the station.
- She is working toward a promotion.
- His attitude toward the project changed.
- The weather became colder toward evening.
- The company is moving toward renewable energy.
So, toward does not always mean literal physical movement.
Toward as a Preposition
Grammatically, toward is a preposition.
It can be followed by a noun, noun phrase, or pronoun:
- toward the house
- toward the finish line
- toward success
- toward him
- toward a solution
Examples:
They drove toward the city.
We need to move toward a solution.
She felt a growing affection toward him.
The Meaning of Toward
Depending on context, toward can express several related ideas:
- Direction
- He walked toward the exit.
- Movement toward a goal
- She is working toward a degree.
- Approximate location or position
- The village lies toward the north.
- Time
- The rain stopped toward midnight.
- Attitude or relationship
- He showed kindness toward the stranger.
- Progress
- The negotiations are moving toward an agreement.
These meanings are also available with towards.
What Does Towards Mean?
Towards is the same basic preposition as toward. It indicates movement, direction, approach, relationship, or progression.
For example:
The dog ran towards the gate.
This has essentially the same meaning as:
The dog ran toward the gate.
The difference is primarily one of regional preference and style.
Towards in British English
Towards is especially common in British English.
You are likely to encounter it in:
- British newspapers
- UK academic writing
- British novels
- Everyday British conversation
- UK government and institutional writing
For example:
She walked towards the window.
The government is moving towards a new policy.
Towards in American English
American English speakers also understand and sometimes use towards, but toward is generally the more common form.
An American writer might naturally write:
We are working toward a better future.
A British writer might be more likely to write:
We are working towards a better future.
Neither sentence is inherently grammatically wrong.
Toward vs Towards: Is One Correct?
No. Both are correct standard English forms.
This is the most important answer for anyone searching for toward vs towards.
You should not think of the words as:
- correct vs incorrect
- modern vs obsolete
- formal vs informal
Instead, think of them as two standard variants with different regional preferences.
In American English
Toward is normally preferred.
She walked toward the door.
In British English
Towards is normally preferred.
She walked towards the door.
Can You Use Toward in British English?
Yes.
British English speakers can and do use toward. It is not automatically an Americanism that British readers cannot understand.
Can You Use Towards in American English?
Yes.
American readers understand towards, and the form is not inherently ungrammatical. However, toward is generally the more typical American choice.
Best practice: Follow the variety of English you are writing in and remain consistent with its usual conventions.
The Real Difference Between Toward and Towards
The easiest way to understand the difference is this:
Toward and towards have essentially the same meaning, but English varieties have different preferences.
The distinction is therefore primarily regional, not semantic.
American English Preference
American English generally favors:
toward
Examples:
- toward the door
- toward the future
- toward the end
- toward success
- toward him
British English Preference
British English generally favors:
towards
Examples:
- towards the door
- towards the future
- towards the end
- towards success
- towards him
There is no general rule saying that the second form changes the meaning.
Why Do Both Forms Exist?
The history of English helps explain why you see both forms.
Toward has a long history in English, while towards developed as a variant with the familiar -s ending found in a number of English directional expressions.
English has historically allowed variation between forms ending in -ward and -wards.
You can see similar patterns in words such as:
- upward / upwards
- downward / downwards
- backward / backwards
- forward / forwards
- afterward / afterwards
- afterward / afterwards
Regional English then developed different preferences for some of these forms.
In modern usage, toward became especially characteristic of American English, while towards remains particularly common in British English.
The important lesson is that the existence of two forms does not mean that one is a mistake.
Pronunciation: Toward vs Towards
Pronunciation varies by accent.
Toward is commonly pronounced approximately:
/təˈwɔːrd/
In some accents, especially in rapid speech, the first syllable can be reduced.
Towards is commonly pronounced approximately:
/təˈwɔːrdz/
The main audible difference is the final /z/ sound in towards.
Example
toward
“toward the house”
towards
“towards the house”
The pronunciation difference is therefore straightforward: towards has an additional /z/ sound at the end.
Toward vs Towards in American English
If your website, business, school, or publication primarily uses American English, toward is usually the best default.
For example:
The company is moving toward a more sustainable business model.
Walk toward the main entrance.
She looked toward the stage.
We are working toward our goal.
Why Choose Toward?
Choosing the American-preferred form can make your writing feel more natural to a U.S. audience.
This matters particularly when you are writing:
- American English educational content
- U.S. business communication
- American academic material
- Website copy aimed at Americans
- U.S.-focused publications
It does not, however, mean that every occurrence of towards in American writing is an error.
Toward vs Towards in British English
If you are writing for a British audience, towards is often the more natural choice.
For example:
The train is moving towards London.
She walked towards the front door.
His attitude towards the proposal was positive.
The country is moving towards greater energy independence.
Again, toward is also grammatically acceptable in British English.
The difference is one of preference and consistency.
Is Toward More Formal Than Towards?
Not generally.
It is tempting to think that the shorter form toward is more formal and towards is more conversational, but that is not a reliable rule.
Both can appear in:
- formal documents
- academic writing
- professional correspondence
- newspapers
- books
- everyday speech
The important factor is usually regional convention, not formality.
For example, a British academic paper can use towards without sounding informal:
The study contributes towards a better understanding of the issue.
Likewise, an American academic paper can naturally use toward:
The study contributes toward a better understanding of the issue.
Toward vs Towards in Academic Writing
Both forms can be used in academic English.
The key is to follow the English variety and style convention appropriate to your institution or publication.
American academic writing
Prefer toward when following typical American usage:
The findings point toward a possible explanation.
British academic writing
Prefer towards when following typical British usage:
The findings point towards a possible explanation.
If a university, journal, publisher, or style guide specifies a particular house style, follow that requirement.
Toward vs Towards in Business Writing
The same regional pattern applies to professional communication.
American business English
We are working toward a long-term agreement.
British business English
We are working towards a long-term agreement.
Neither choice automatically makes a business email more professional.
Consistency and clarity matter more than choosing the “more formal” version.
Toward vs Towards in Everyday Conversation
Both forms occur naturally in conversation.
American speaker:
“Come toward me.”
British speaker:
“Come towards me.”
The listener understands both immediately.
In spoken language, regional accent and habit often matter more than grammatical rules.
20+ Real-Life Examples of Toward and Towards
Here are original examples across different contexts.
1. Everyday Conversation
“Walk toward me so I can see you.”
British-style alternative:
“Walk towards me so I can see you.”
2. Giving Directions
Turn left and head toward the shopping centre.
British-style alternative:
Turn left and head towards the shopping centre.
3. Text Message
I’m walking toward the café now.
4. Social Media
Slowly but surely, we’re moving toward our goal.
5. School
The students ran toward the playground after class.
6. Academic Writing
The evidence points toward a more complex explanation.
7. British Academic Writing
The evidence points towards a more complex explanation.
8. Business Email
Our team is working toward completing the project this week.
9. Professional Report
The organisation has taken several steps toward improving customer service.
10. British Professional Writing
The organisation has taken several steps towards improving customer service.
11. Physical Movement
The horse moved toward the fence.
12. Figurative Progress
She is taking important steps toward becoming a better writer.
13. Time
Sales usually increase toward the end of the year.
14. Attitude
He has always been respectful toward his colleagues.
15. Relationship
Her feelings toward the company changed over time.
16. News Writing
The country appears to be moving toward a new agreement.
17. Formal Statement
We remain committed to working toward a lasting solution.
18. Casual Speech
“Come towards me!”
19. Instructions
Point the camera toward the window.
20. Literature
He slowly walked towards the distant lights.
21. Technology
The industry is moving toward artificial intelligence-driven systems.
22. Personal Goal
Every small step takes you toward your goal.
23. Environmental Writing
Many countries are moving towards cleaner energy.
24. Professional Development
She is working toward a leadership position.
25. Daily Life
We drove towards the coast before sunset.
Notice something important: the meaning remains essentially the same even when the form changes.
Common Mistakes With Toward and Towards
Because both forms are correct, the biggest mistakes usually come from misunderstanding their regional relationship.
Mistake 1: Thinking Towards Is Incorrect
Wrong idea:
“Towards is grammatically wrong.”
That is false.
Better understanding:
Towards is a standard English preposition, especially common in British English.
Mistake 2: Thinking Toward Is Always American-Only
It is strongly associated with American usage, but it is not impossible or ungrammatical in British English.
Better:
Choose the form that matches your intended variety of English.
Mistake 3: Mixing Styles Without a Reason
Suppose a document is written consistently in British English but repeatedly switches between:
- toward
- towards
- toward
- towards
This may look inconsistent.
Better:
Choose a regional or house style and use it consistently.
Mistake 4: Treating the S as a Meaning Change
Adding -s does not normally create a different meaning.
She walked toward the door.
She walked towards the door.
Both indicate movement in the direction of the door.
Mistake 5: Assuming One Is More Formal
There is no general grammar rule that makes toward formal and towards informal.
Instead, ask:
Which variety of English am I writing?
Wrong vs Correct: A Practical Guide
| Incorrect assumption | Better understanding |
|---|---|
| “Towards is wrong.” | Towards is correct. |
| “Toward is always American.” | Toward is especially common in American English but is also used elsewhere. |
| “Towards is informal.” | Not necessarily. |
| “Toward is more professional.” | Not inherently. |
| “They have different meanings.” | They usually have the same meaning. |
| “You cannot switch between them.” | You can, but consistency is preferable in formal writing. |
| “The -s changes the grammar.” | Both function as prepositions. |
Memory Tricks for Toward vs Towards
Here are a few easy ways to remember the distinction.
Memory Trick 1: USA = Toward
Think:
America → toward
This is not an absolute prohibition against towards, but it is a useful default.
Memory Trick 2: UK = Towards
Think:
Britain → towards
Again, this is a preference rather than an exclusive rule.
Memory Trick 3: The S Is a Style Signal
Think of the s in towards as a small regional signal, not a change in meaning.
Toward → more American preference
Towards → more British preference
Memory Trick 4: Ask Your Audience
Before choosing, ask:
“Who am I writing for?”
If your readers are primarily American, use toward.
If your readers are primarily British, use towards.
Style Guides and Dictionaries
Major dictionaries recognize both forms.
When checking questions like this, reputable references such as Merriam-Webster, Cambridge Dictionary, Oxford Dictionary, and Collins Dictionary are useful because they document actual English usage rather than simply declaring one spelling “right.”
Style guides can also help when you are writing for a particular publication or organization.
The important distinction is between grammar and style preference.
A style guide may recommend one form for consistency without making the other form grammatically incorrect.
Tip: If your employer, university, journal, or publication has a house style, follow that style even when both forms are technically correct.
Does Toward Mean the Same as Towards?
Yes, in normal modern usage, they have essentially the same meaning.
Both can indicate:
- movement in a direction
- movement closer to something
- progress toward a goal
- an attitude or relationship
- a point in time
- approximate direction
For example:
He moved toward the door.
and
He moved towards the door.
mean virtually the same thing.
Are Toward and Towards Interchangeable?
Usually, yes.
You can generally replace one with the other without changing the basic meaning of the sentence.
For example:
The company is moving toward expansion.
can become:
The company is moving towards expansion.
The main consideration is which form fits your chosen variety of English and style.
Which Is More Common: Toward or Towards?
The answer depends on the English variety.
Toward is generally more common in American English.
Towards is generally more common in British English.
This is why someone reading American websites may encounter toward frequently, while a reader of British publications may see towards more often.
Frequency should not be confused with correctness.
A word can be less common in one variety and still be completely correct.
Should I Use Toward or Towards in SEO Writing?
If you are writing online content, choose according to your target audience.
Targeting the United States
Use toward as your default.
Targeting the United Kingdom
Use towards as your default.
Targeting an international audience
Either can work. What matters most is maintaining a consistent style.
Search engines do not need you to force both variants into every article. Natural language is more important than artificially repeating a keyword or variant.
For example, do not write awkward sentences just to include both:
“The company moved toward and towards its objective.”
That adds no value.
Instead, explain the distinction naturally when the topic itself is toward vs towards.
Toward vs Towards in Formal Writing
Both forms are acceptable in formal writing.
However, your audience can influence which one sounds more natural.
For American formal writing:
The initiative represents a significant step toward economic stability.
For British formal writing:
The initiative represents a significant step towards economic stability.
Neither sentence is inherently less professional.
What Should Editors Do?
Editors should generally:
- Identify the document’s English variety.
- Check the organization’s style guide.
- Follow the established convention.
- Maintain consistency.
- Avoid changing a correct form merely because another variant is more familiar to them.
This is especially important in multinational organizations.
Toward vs Towards: Does Context Change the Choice?
Usually, context does not change the meaning-based choice.
Regional style is more important.
You can use either form with expressions such as:
- toward(s) the door
- toward(s) the future
- toward(s) success
- toward(s) the end
- toward(s) him
- toward(s) a solution
- toward(s) the north
- toward(s) evening
The sentence context determines the meaning, while the choice between toward and towards usually reflects regional or stylistic preference.
Toward and Towards in Common Expressions
Both forms occur with many common constructions.
Direction
walk toward the river
walk towards the river
Goals
work toward success
work towards success
Solutions
move toward a solution
move towards a solution
Time
toward the end of the day
towards the end of the day
Attitude
attitude toward others
attitude towards others
Progress
progress toward equality
progress towards equality
These are all normal constructions.
Important Note About “Towards” and “Toward” Before Verbs
A common misunderstanding is that these words must be followed by a particular type of verb.
They are prepositions, so they normally introduce a noun phrase or another appropriate complement.
For example:
We are moving toward success.
Here, success is a noun.
With a verb, English often uses a gerund:
We are working toward improving the system.
However, particular expressions can vary, and some constructions may sound more natural with a different preposition depending on the intended meaning.
The important point is that toward/towards itself does not become a verb or adjective just because the sentence is about an action.
Toward vs Towards: Parts of Speech
Both words are primarily classified as prepositions.
Toward
She walked toward the station.
Towards
She walked towards the station.
The grammatical role is the same.
They can express a relationship between an action or state and a noun phrase.
They are not:
- verbs
- nouns
- adjectives
- adverbs in their primary modern use
Some dictionaries and grammatical traditions may discuss additional historical or adverbial uses, but for ordinary modern writing, treating both as prepositions is the clearest approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “towards” grammatically correct?
Yes. Towards is grammatically correct and is a standard English preposition. It is especially common in British English.
Is “toward” grammatically correct?
Yes. Toward is also grammatically correct. It is particularly common in American English.
Is toward or towards better?
Neither is universally better. Toward is generally preferred in American English, while towards is generally preferred in British English.
Is towards British or American?
Towards is more strongly associated with British English, although American English speakers also use it.
Is toward American English?
Toward is particularly common in American English, but it is not restricted exclusively to Americans.
Do toward and towards have different meanings?
No meaningful difference normally exists. Both generally mean in the direction of, closer to, or in relation to something.
Can I use towards in American English?
Yes. It is understood and grammatically acceptable, although toward is generally the more common American form.
Can I use toward in British English?
Yes. British English can use toward, although towards is generally more common.
Which one should I use in formal writing?
Use the form that matches your target variety of English and your publication’s style guide. Neither is inherently more formal.
Final Verdict
So, toward vs towards is not really a battle between a correct word and an incorrect one.
Both are correct. Both are standard English. Both generally mean the same thing.
The main difference is regional preference:
- 🇺🇸 American English → toward is generally preferred.
- 🇬🇧 British English → towards is generally preferred.
- 🌍 International English → either can work, provided your usage is natural and consistent.
If you are writing for an American audience, toward is the safest default. If you are writing for a British audience, towards will usually sound more natural.
The simplest rule to remember
Toward and towards mean essentially the same thing. Choose “toward” for typical American English and “towards” for typical British English.
You do not need to worry that one is a spelling mistake, a grammatical error, or an informal version of the other.
When in doubt, look at the audience, publication, and style guide—then use the preferred form consistently.
Evan Bennett is a language enthusiast who writes simple, clear guides about word meanings, slang, phrases, and everyday expressions.
He helps readers understand modern language quickly with easy explanations and useful examples.