Many English learners and even native speakers search for “toward or towards” because both spellings look correct and appear in books, news, and online writing. This creates
confusion, especially for students, writers, and professionals who want their English to sound natural and correct. Is one American and the other British? Do they change meaning? Or can they be used interchangeably?
This confusion matters because using the wrong spelling for your audience can make writing feel inconsistent or less professional. If you are writing an email, an article, academic content, or social media posts, choosing between toward and towards is a common doubt.
This article solves that problem clearly. You will get a quick answer, history, British vs American usage, mistakes to avoid, real-life examples, trend insights, FAQs, and expert advice all in simple, clear English.
Toward or Towards: Quick Answer
Both toward and towards are correct English words with the same meaning.
- Toward is preferred in American English
- Towards is preferred in British English
Examples:
- She walked toward the door. (American English)
- She walked towards the door. (British English)
The meaning does not change. Only style and regional preference differ.
The Origin of Toward or Towards
To understand why both spellings exist, it helps to look at history.
Origin of “Toward”
The word toward comes from Old English tōweard, meaning in the direction of. It was formed from to (direction) and -weard (facing or turning). For centuries, toward was the dominant spelling in English.
Origin of “Towards”
The spelling towards developed later when English began adding -s to some prepositions and adverbs, such as afterwards, forwards, and backwards.
British English kept this -s ending more consistently, while American English gradually dropped it for simplicity.
This is why both spellings exist today. They come from the same root and carry the same meaning, but regional preferences shaped their usage.
British English vs American English Spelling
The main difference between toward and towards is regional usage, not meaning.
American English
- Toward is standard and preferred
- Towards is understood but less common
Example:
- The company is moving toward digital solutions.
British English
- Towards is standard and preferred
- Toward is acceptable but sounds less natural
Example:
- The policy is moving towards sustainability.
Comparison Table
| Feature | American English | British English |
| Preferred spelling | toward | towards |
| Alternative form | towards (less common) | toward (less common) |
| Meaning difference | None | None |
| Grammar rules | Same | Same |
Which Spelling Should You Use?
The correct choice depends on your audience and writing context.
For a US Audience
Use toward. It matches American style guides and reader expectations.
For a UK or Commonwealth Audience
Use towards. It sounds natural in British, Australian, and New Zealand English.
For a Global Audience
Either form is correct, but:
- Be consistent
- Choose the version that matches your overall spelling style
Professional Tip
If your writing already uses color, organize, center, choose toward. If it uses colour, organise, centre, choose towards.
Common Mistakes with Toward or Towards
Mistake 1: Thinking One Is Incorrect
❌ Believing that towards is wrong ✅ Both spellings are correct
Mistake 2: Mixing Styles in One Document
❌ The project is moving toward success and towards completion. ✅ The project is moving toward success and completion.
Mistake 3: Assuming Meaning Changes
❌ Thinking towards is more formal ✅ Both have the same meaning and tone
Mistake 4: Overcorrecting for Exams
Some learners change correct usage unnecessarily. Stick to one style.
Toward or Towards in Everyday Examples
Emails
- We are working toward a final decision. (US)
- We are working towards a final decision. (UK)
News Writing
- Markets are moving toward stability.
- The country is moving towards economic recovery.
Social Media
- Small steps toward big goals 💪
- Moving towards a better future 🌍
Formal Writing
- Research is directed toward improving outcomes.
- Efforts are directed towards long-term sustainability.
Toward or Towards: Google Trends & Usage Data
Search trends show that “toward or towards” is a high-volume grammar query worldwide.
Popular by Region
- Toward: United States, Canada
- Towards: United Kingdom, Australia, India, South Africa
Usage by Context
- Academic writing: Both, depending on region
- Business writing: Audience-based choice
- Online content: Mixed, but consistency matters
People usually search this keyword when writing professionally or preparing for exams, showing strong intent for clarity and correctness.
Comparison Table: Toward vs Towards
| Word | Region | Meaning | Example |
| Toward | American English | Direction or movement | Walk toward the exit |
| Towards | British English | Direction or movement | Walk towards the exit |
FAQs About
Is “towards” grammatically correct?
Yes. Towards is fully correct, especially in British English.
Is “toward” American English only?
It is preferred in American English but understood everywhere.
Do toward and towards mean the same thing?
Yes. There is no difference in meaning.
Which is better for academic writing?
Use the form that matches your institution’s style guide.
Can I use both in the same article?
No. Choose one spelling and stay consistent.
Is one more formal than the other?
No. Both are equally formal.
Do native speakers care about the difference?
Yes, especially in professional and academic contexts.
read more!Volume is the correct spelling in English.
Conclusion
The difference between toward or towards is simple once you understand it. Both words are correct, both mean the same thing, and both are used widely in English.
The only real difference lies in regional preference and writing style. American English favors toward, while British and Commonwealth English prefer towards.
This means you do not need to memorize complex grammar rules or worry about meaning changes. Instead, focus on your audience.
If you are writing for the US, choose toward. If your audience is in the UK, Australia, or similar regions, choose towards. For global writing, either is acceptable as long as you are consistent.
Small spelling choices like this can have a big impact on how professional and polished your writing appears.
By following the examples, tables, FAQs, and advice in this guide, you can confidently choose the right form every time. Mastering toward vs towards shows attention to detail, and that always improves your English writing.
Related posts!
I am a Nathan Colewood.I am a English content writer and language researcher. I focuses on grammar rules, confusing word pairs, and modern English usag.I goal is to help readers improve their English through short, clear explanations and real-life examples. I mainly creates practical guides for beginners and non-native English learners. Nathan’s writing style is simple, informative, and easy to understand.
