While the difference between toward and towards may seem minor, it can be important when writing for a professional audience or adhering to a certain style guide. For instance, the AP Stylebook recommends using toward over towards for most instances.
Fortunately, most casual writers can use either word. Ultimately, it is up to the writer to decide which one sounds best.
What is the Difference?
When it comes to spelling and grammar, some words have multiple correct forms. This is often the case with prepositions. For example, toward and towards are both acceptable spellings for the same word meaning “in the direction of.”
But which one is preferred? Ultimately, it is up to the writer and their audience. While toward is the favored spelling in America and Canada, towards is more commonly used in Australia and Great Britain. While professional style guides often recommend toward, the choice is ultimately up to the writer. In casual writing, either spelling is fine. Just make sure the intended meaning is clear. Otherwise, your readers might be confused. This is especially true when the spelled words sound similar or even the same. Toward and towards are homophones, which means they are pronounced almost the same.
Using Toward in American English
As American English writers, we have the freedom to choose whether or not to use toward or towards. Both words have the same meaning, and both can be used in casual writing. However, if you’re writing professionally, it’s best to stick with one or the other. This will help ensure that your readers understand the meaning of your sentence.
Towards is more common in British English, but since around 1900, it has been surpassed by toward in American usage. Some strict grammarians will argue that towards is incorrect in America, but they’re in the minority. Ultimately, you should use whatever word sounds more natural to you. Just be sure to stick with it throughout your entire piece. This will make it easier for your readers to follow along.
Using Towards in British English
In formal writing, some professional style guides advise writers to use toward for American audiences and towards for British or Australian ones. However, these tendencies are not hard and fast rules, and you can choose which spelling to use based on your own preference or that of your audience.
Regardless of whether you choose toward or towards, both words act as prepositions and have the same meaning. Generally, you should pick the spelling that is more common in the country or region where you are writing. You can also use Grammarly’s free writing app to check for grammatical mistakes and improve your writing. Try it now! You can even use it for free if you’re not a Grammarly Premium user. Just sign up for a free account and get started!
Using Towards in Canadian English
Whether to use toward or towards in formal writing can depend on the audience and style guide used. The AP Stylebook suggests using toward without the s, and the Chicago Manual of Style recommends towards. In informal writing or in the case of a mixed audience, writers can decide which version to use depending on their preference and what sounds best.
Despite the grammatical differences between toward and towards, they both have the same meaning. The one thing to keep in mind is that consistency is key when it comes to using either term. Switching back and forth between the two can distract readers from your point. So, if you decide to use one version, stick with it throughout your writing. It will help your audience stay focused on what matters most to them.
Using Towards in Australian English
There are many instances where a single letter can make a huge difference. For example, words like affect vs. effect and there vs. their are easy to distinguish because of their differing sounds. However, other grammatical mistakes are not as apparent and can be more difficult to spot. One such error is toward vs. towards.
Although AP style recommends using toward without the s for writers in America, it is acceptable to use towards for those writing to audiences in England and Australia. Both spellings are derived from the Old English word toweard and have the same meaning.
Ultimately, it’s up to the individual writer to decide whether to use toward or towards and to stick with that choice throughout their writing. The key is consistency and being aware of the audience you’re writing for.