Towards and toward are both correct spellings for the same preposition. However, they’re used differently in different parts of the world.
Using the wrong spelling can confuse your readers and make your writing look sloppy. This is especially true for words that sound similar, such as toward vs. towards.
1. Meaning
Both toward and towards are prepositions that mean in the direction of. They are derived from the Old English word toweard, which means in or for the direction of something.
While many English writers use both words interchangeably in casual writing, it is important to consider your audience when choosing which one to use. Using the right spelling for your audience will help to avoid grammatical errors and ensure that your readers understand the meaning of your sentence.
The AP Stylebook recommends that American and Canadian English writers should use toward without the s. This spelling is also preferred in some other print styles guides, such as The Chicago Manual of Style.
However, in British English writing, both toward and towards are used frequently. A study of American books, magazines, and newspapers from 1800 to 2000 shows that toward was gradually adopted as the preferred North American spelling while towards continued to be used in Britain and other parts of the world.
2. Spelling
When writing in English, it can be confusing when words that seem identical in meaning and pronunciation have different spellings. For instance, towards and toward are both prepositions that mean “in the direction of,” but each has a preferred spelling in different regions of the world. In general, toward without an s is the American preference while towards with an s is the British preference.
Although the preference for each spelling differs from country to country, it’s still important to be consistent when using these words. In addition, the spelling of a word can influence its meaning and context.
Both toward and towards come from Old English as the adverb toweard. It wasn’t until around the 9th century that it took on a new form as a preposition: towards.
3. Vocabulary
Towards and toward are both prepositions that mean in the direction of something. They have the same meaning and can be used interchangeably, although one is more common in North America than the other. Neither of them is considered incorrect by grammar experts, and it is ultimately up to the writer to decide which is preferred.
Some people argue that toward is the better choice because it doesn’t have an s at the end, but others believe that the spelling differences don’t matter. In casual writing, either is fine. However, it is important to consider your audience and writing style when deciding which one to use in formal documents.
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4. Usage
Towards and toward are homophones, pronounced nearly the same, but they have different meanings. They are also used in a similar way, as prepositions. It is important to understand this difference, as it may affect the tone of your writing.
While it is acceptable to use both toward and towards, you should consider your audience. Generally, American and Canadian audiences prefer toward, while British and Australian audiences use towards.
However, there are no set rules that dictate when to use each word. The most important thing is to be consistent in your usage. Once you decide on which spelling to use, stick with it throughout the piece. This will help your reader understand the tone of your work. It is also helpful to refer back to your style guide if you are unsure which spelling to choose. For example, the AP Stylebook recommends using toward in formal writing. However, this is not a rule that you should follow strictly.