Toward and towards mean exactly the same thing. Both are correct spellings of the same preposition, and the only real difference comes down to regional spelling habits.
This guide breaks down when to use each one, so you never second-guess it again.
What Does “Toward” Mean?
Toward is a preposition that shows direction, movement, or attitude — it tells you where something is heading or how someone feels about something.
Toward as a Preposition
When you use toward, you’re pointing at a direction, a goal, or a feeling. It works the same way whether you’re talking about a place, a deadline, or an emotion.
Example Sentences Using Toward
- She walked toward the front door.
- The team is working toward a new product launch.
- He felt warmth toward his old friend.
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What Does “Towards” Mean?
Towards carries the identical meaning as toward — direction, purpose, or attitude. The only visible change is the added “s” at the end.
Towards as a Preposition
Nothing about the grammar shifts when you add the “s.” Towards functions the same way in a sentence and follows the same rules.
Example Sentences Using Towards
- The hikers moved towards the summit.
- Every payment goes towards the total balance.
- She has a positive outlook towards change.
Toward vs. Towards
There’s no grammar rule separating toward from towards. Both are listed as standard, correct spellings in major dictionaries.
Spelling and Usage
The difference is purely regional. Toward without the “s” tends to dominate in the US, while towards with the “s” shows up more often in British and Australian writing.
What Style Guides Say
The Chicago Manual of Style and the AP Stylebook both recommend toward — the shorter spelling — for US-based writing. That’s a useful anchor if you need one fixed rule.
Which Should You Use — Toward or Towards?
If you’re writing for a US readership, lean on toward. It’s the spelling readers expect, and it matches what most editing tools and style guides flag as standard.
Writing for Everyday Use
For blogs, emails, and everyday writing, toward reads as the cleaner, more expected choice. Towards isn’t wrong — it just looks slightly less familiar to US eyes.
Staying Consistent
Whichever spelling you pick, stick with it. Mixing toward and towards in the same piece looks inconsistent and can distract readers from your message.
| Spelling | Common Region | Style Guide Preference |
|---|---|---|
| Toward | United States, Canada | AP Stylebook, Chicago Manual of Style |
| Towards | United Kingdom, Australia | Oxford style guides |
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Common Phrases With Toward and Towards
Working Toward/Towards
This phrase means making progress on a goal. “She’s working toward her degree” and “She’s working towards her degree” mean the exact same thing.
Leaning Toward/Towards
Use this when someone’s opinion is shifting in a direction. “I’m leaning toward yes” signals a decision taking shape.
Attitude Toward/Towards
This describes how someone feels about a person or situation. “His attitude toward feedback changed” is a common, natural construction.
Other Words With “-ward” and “-wards”
Backward, Upward, Afterward
- Backward/backwards
- Upward/upwards
- Afterward/afterwards
- Forward/forwards
Each pair follows the identical regional pattern as toward and towards — the shorter form is standard for US writing.
FAQs About Toward or Towards
Is “toward” or “towards” correct?
Both are correct. Toward is the more common spelling in US writing, per GrammarThat.com’s style notes.
Can I use “towards” in the US?
Yes, it’s grammatically fine — it just reads as less typical for US audiences.
Does Canada use “toward” or “towards”?
Canada generally follows US spelling, so toward is more common there too.
Is “towards” British English?
Yes — towards is the standard spelling in British and Australian English, while toward is standard in American English.
Hi, I’m John Henry, the voice behind Grammar Nudge. I make grammar simple and easy to understand, from basic rules to advanced writing tips. Clear explanations. Practical examples. No confusion.
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