Toward vs Towards: What’s the Difference?
Toward and towards have the same meaning. Both are prepositions that show direction, movement, purpose, or relationship. The main difference is where they are commonly used. Toward is more common in American English, while towards is preferred in British English. Neither form is more correct than the other, so you should simply stay consistent with the variety of English you are using.
Toward vs Towards at a Glance
| Toward | Towards |
|---|---|
| More common in American English | More common in British English |
| Correct | Correct |
| Used in formal and informal writing | Used in formal and informal writing |
| Same meaning as “towards” | Same meaning as “toward” |
Quick answer: If you’re writing for a U.S. audience, choose toward. If you’re writing for a U.K. audience, choose towards.
What Do Toward and Towards Mean?
Both words mean:
- In the direction of someone or something
- Near or close to
- With regard to
- For the purpose of
- Showing a feeling or attitude
Examples
- She walked toward the station.
- She walked towards the station.
Both sentences are correct.
When to Use Toward
Use toward if you’re writing in American English.
Examples
- We drove toward the beach.
- Please move toward the exit.
- The company is working toward a new goal.
- He smiled toward his teacher.
American dictionaries such as Merriam-Webster generally list toward as the preferred spelling.
When to Use Towards
Use towards if you’re writing in British English.
Examples
- She walked towards the door.
- The children ran towards the playground.
- They are moving towards a better future.
- He showed kindness towards everyone.
British dictionaries like Cambridge and Oxford commonly use towards.
Different Uses of Toward and Towards
Showing Direction
This is the most common use.
Examples:
- The dog ran toward me.
- The dog ran towards me.
Showing Progress
Examples:
- We’re working toward finishing the project.
- They’re moving towards their final decision.
Showing Feelings or Attitudes
Examples:
- She was friendly toward everyone.
- His attitude towards customers has improved.
Showing Purpose
Examples:
- They donated money toward the hospital.
- The money went towards school supplies.
Toward vs Towards in American and British English
| English Variety | Preferred Form |
|---|---|
| American English | Toward |
| British English | Towards |
| Canadian English | Both are used |
| Australian English | Towards is more common |
The meaning never changes. Only the preferred spelling differs.
Is One More Correct?
No.
Both toward and towards are grammatically correct.
The important thing is to remain consistent.
For example:
✅ American article:
- toward
- afterward
- forward
✅ British article:
- towards
- afterwards
- forwards
Avoid mixing styles within the same piece of writing unless there is a specific reason.
Toward vs Towards in Different Situations
Daily Conversation
- Come toward me.
- Walk towards the bus stop.
At School
- The students moved toward the library.
- Everyone looked towards the teacher.
In the Office
- We’re working toward our quarterly goals.
- The team is moving towards better communication.
In Emails
- We look forward toward completing the project. (American style)
- We are moving towards the next stage. (British style)
On Social Media
- Looking toward exciting changes!
- Working towards something big.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Thinking One Is Wrong
❌ Toward is correct but towards is incorrect.
✅ Both are correct.
Why?
They are simply different regional spellings.
Mistake 2: Mixing American and British Style
❌ The company is moving toward success and looking towards new opportunities.
✅ The company is moving toward success and looking toward new opportunities.
OR
✅ The company is moving towards success and looking towards new opportunities.
Why?
Choose one style and use it consistently.
Mistake 3: Choosing Based on Meaning
❌ Toward means movement, while towards means attitude.
✅ Both express movement, attitude, purpose, and direction.
Why?
Their meanings are identical.
Toward vs Towards Compared with Other Direction Words
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Toward/Towards | In the direction of |
| Into | Movement inside something |
| To | Destination |
| Through | Movement from one side to another |
| Across | Movement from one side across a surface |
Examples
- She walked toward the door.
- She walked into the room.
- She went to school.
- He walked through the tunnel.
- They ran across the field.
Quick Tips
- Toward = American English
- Towards = British English
- Both have exactly the same meaning.
- Neither spelling is more formal.
- Stay consistent throughout your writing.
Practice Exercises
Fill in the Blanks
- We walked ______ the park.
- She smiled ______ her friend.
- The team is working ______ success.
- The children ran ______ the playground.
- His attitude ______ customers has improved.
Answers
- toward/towards
- toward/towards
- toward/towards
- toward/towards
- toward/towards
Both spellings are acceptable depending on whether you’re using American or British English.
Multiple Choice
1. Which statement is correct?
A. Only toward is correct.
B. Only towards is correct.
C. Both are correct.
D. Neither is correct.
Answer: C
2. Which spelling is more common in American English?
A. Towards
B. Toward
Answer: B
3. Which spelling is more common in British English?
A. Toward
B. Towards
Answer: B
Correct the Mistakes
1.
❌ Toward is the only correct spelling.
✅ Both toward and towards are correct.
2.
❌ She moved toward the station before walking towards the office.
✅ She moved toward the station before walking toward the office.
OR
✅ She moved towards the station before walking towards the office.
Rewrite the Sentence
Rewrite using British English:
The students walked toward the classroom.
Answer:
The students walked towards the classroom.
Read Must: Stationary vs Stationery
Conclusion
The choice between toward vs towards is much simpler than many learners think. Both words have the same meaning and are grammatically correct. The only real difference is regional preference. American English usually favors toward, while British English prefers towards. If you keep your spelling consistent and match your audience, you’ll always make the right choice.
FAQs
Is toward or towards correct?
Both are correct. The choice depends on whether you’re using American or British English.
Which is more common in the United States?
Toward is the standard choice in American English.
Which spelling does the UK prefer?
British English usually uses towards.
Do they have different meanings?
No. They have exactly the same meaning.
Can I use both in the same document?
It’s better to choose one spelling style and use it consistently.
Is toward more formal than towards?
No. Both are suitable for formal and informal writing.
Which spelling should English learners use?
Use the version that matches the English variety you’re learning or writing in.
