The terms toward and towards are often used interchangeably, but they do have some subtle differences. Especially when it comes to spelling.
Traditionally, Americans prefer toward (no ‘S’) while British English speakers use towards with the’s’.
However, they are both correct and equally acceptable for use as prepositions in English. The only real difference is where they are more commonly used.
Prepositions
When used in the proper context, toward and towards can be interchanged. But there are some important differences between the two words that may help you avoid confusing your readers or committing a grammar error.
These two words are prepositions, meaning they show relationships of time, space, or possession between an object and a subject. Often, they are used to denote direction (coming soon; imminent), relationship (helping someone get something done; toward the wind), result, or help (forward).
They both originate from Old English, where the word toweard meant “in the direction of.” Toweards was the adverbial genitive s added to toweard to form these two words.
While toward is the preferred spelling in North America, it is more common to hear towards without the s in England and Australia. However, even American speakers use towards in colloquial writing.
Adverbs
Adverbs are words that modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. They can express when, where, how, for what reason, or to what degree something happens.
They can also be used to describe how often something happens, which are called adverbs of frequency. They come in two types: adverbs of indefinite frequency and adverbs of definite frequency.
Despite the fact that they are different, towards and towardss have been used interchangeably for many centuries. In fact, Chaucer wrote The Canterbury Tales in a time before English spelling was standardized and yet still uses toward without the -s.
Both are acceptable forms of the preposition towards, though American writers prefer toward over towardss. This isn’t necessarily a problem for formal written English, but it does affect how they are used in informal communication.
Pronouns
A pronoun is a word that stands in for another word or phrase. It can be singular or plural.
There are several types of pronouns, including reflexive, indefinite, and gender-neutral. All of these pronouns have the same purpose: to substitute for a noun or noun phrase in a sentence.
They also should agree with their antecedents, which are the words they replace or refer to. This ensures that your meaning is clear and precise.
Grammarly is able to recognize the usage of these pronouns and can suggest changes to the correct forms.
Gender-inclusive language and gender-neutral pronouns have become more common in recent years, as a way to make space for people of all identities. They are becoming officially recognized by a number of language organizations and style guides.
Objects
In grammar, an object is a noun, noun phrase, pronoun or longer complex object that is affected by the action of a verb. They are an important part of English grammar, giving our language detail and texture.
Objects are divided into two broad categories: direct and indirect objects. The direct object receives the action of a verb, while the indirect object receives the action of a preposition.
As with subjects, a verb often shuffles around the expected position of an object within a sentence. But it doesn’t mean that they aren’t there!
Explain that a direct object typically answers the questions “what?” or “whom?” It also completes the meaning of a sentence.
After students understand the function of a direct object, expand on what they’ve learned by going over the function and purpose of indirect objects. Use the marked sentences on the board to illustrate these concepts.