English is full of words that seem the same, but have subtle differences in their spelling and usage. These tricky words seem designed specifically to trip you up. Recently, we tackled ensure vs. insure. Today, let's take on another vocabulary conundrum: Toward or towards? And upward or upwards?
Or does it even matter?
The Short Answer
Both are correct, and they can be used interchangeably depending on your personal preference.
Is One Ever Better?
The real difference between the two forms is whether the word is an adverb or an adjective. In general, when you're in need of an adjective, remove the “s.” Add it back on if you're looking for an adverb.
Sandra looked upwards at the gathering clouds and wished she'd remembered her umbrella.
Doug let go of a balloon and watched its upward motion as it drifted towards the sky.
This is true for most -ward words: downward, upward, forward, backward, toward, etc.
The main exception is afterward(s), which is always an adverb. In that case, the “s” is a signal of formality level. It's considered more formal writing to omit it.
But Why Are There Two Versions?
I know I just told you to use an “s” to make an adverb or drop it to make an adjective. But really, that's a guideline, not a hard-and-fast rule. Both have been in use interchangeably since the 9th century.
This is one of those areas where American English and British English diverge. In general, no matter which part of speech they're using, Americans prefer to drop the “s,” and British spelling likes to include it. But as I said, both are correct spellings.
Even style guides differ in their recommendations. The Chicago Manual of Style acknowledges the differing approaches of American and British English, while AP style states that “toward” is correct and “towards” is just wrong (at least for organizations that use their guide to indicate preferred spellings).
(In fact, “s” or no “s,” “toward(s)” is almost always a preposition, occasionally an adjective. But it's not an adverb, so adding the “s” doesn't suggest any extra meaning.)
Toward or Towards? Consistency is Key
American spelling, British spelling, or adverbs vs. adjectives? All of these standards are valid, and you can decide which guide you prefer.
No matter which version you pick, just be sure to maintain consistency.
And with this vocabulary confusion un-muddled, it's onwards and upwards! (Or . . . onward and upward? Oh dear.)
Need more grammar help? Once you master toward (or towards?), check out my favorite tool that helps find grammar problems and even generates reports to help improve my writing: ProWritingAid. Works with Word, Scrivener, Google Docs, and web browsers. Also, be sure to use my coupon code to get 20 percent off: WritePractice20
PRACTICE
Write about baseball for fifteen minutes. Use the -ward words as much as you can with or without the “s,” depending on whether it's an adjective or an adverb. Post your practice in the Pro Practice Workshop here and take some time to read the practices of your fellow writers too.
Growing up in Los Angeles, we would often make our way towards Dodgers Stadium. The trip there was always fraught with difficulties. Cramped in the backseat of a car and stuck in traffic for upwards of an hour, we 3 kids would push, fight and kick our way forward toward our goal. Then came the parking lot. Downward through the rows and rows of cars parked along its slopping pavement, we made our way upward and onward towards the ramp that lead to the cheap seats. Ever forward and undeterred we climbed all 57 steps toward our hot red seats. Finally at our goal, someone, usually me, would ask to be taken downwards once again to the restroom. Funny, I remember the trip getting towards the stadium more than the games I saw there.
I’m still not clear on the grammatical rule about the -ward words (as my practice probably shows!), but this is a very desciptive and entertaining memory from kid-hood! Very enjoyable.
Great essay — brings back memories.
I enjoyed riding along with you, tied to the bumper, flying upwards, sideways and laughing with you onward towards the finish line. Thank you for inviting me.
But, but, but— toward(s?) is a preposition! Is it “toward the end” or “towards the end”?
I was taught that toward, upward, and similar constructions are American constructions and adding the S is an English convention. I’ve never heard that it is a part of speech issue. (BTW, I’m a Pirate fan too. I thought I was the only one!)
English is not my first language and this has always confused me. Thanks for clarifying the difference between -ward and -wards!
It started in ’48 with all that sliding baseward on that one foot, that’s when the heel began to speak to him in a loud, clear voice of pain, but the doctors worked on him, the pain subsided and he had pushed the matter from his mind as he looked forward to a new season of more strings and hitting safely and setting those records with his at-bats.
But then came that day at LaGrave Field in Fort Worth, April 11, 1949 in an exhibition game against the Dallas Angels — his fly soared beautifully skyward as he dropped the bat and began the run around the bases, but the fielders were quick and agile and he realized there was going to be a battle at second. He glanced briefly backward but the line coach was not in his field of vision, so he put his head down and headed for the clutch and slid one more time on that heel, and that did it — there was a bark of pain and he had to get himself removed, so he was out of the exhibition game against the Fort Worth Cats tomorrow.
His mind drifted backward in time on the flight to Boston, back to The Wharf and his brothers, all three of them were good ballplayers but he was the natural. Courage came from the example of his dad, who worked so hard for all those years. He dared not give the thought of his future baseball career more than a sideways glance right now — what will be, will be. Lord, it hurts, he thought. All the big-wigs were ready to write him off, the wires were abuzz with it. He did not look forward to the next few weeks.
But who knows what can happen, he reminded himself. Getting all down in the dumps is nothing but backward motion. This is America, where anything is possible, and by the way thank the Lord for making me a New York Yankee, it’s already been worth it, and how. And going forward, who knows? I might end up a business tycoon or a senator, or heck — I might even end up married to someone like Marilyn! I bet that wouldn’t last long. But my life’s ahead of me. I need to keep my mouth shut and keep my own counsel, just like always. And keep moving forward.
You do realize that my entire week is now messed up because there’s a grammar post on Wednesday, right? I’m going to have no idea what day it is until the pleasant surprise that will be Saturday. Well done! Thanks!
Katie
If you’re whole week revolves around The Write Practice, you’re the best Practitioner ever.
Or the biggest creeper The Write Practice has ever had. One of the two.
Sorry, Joe, I gotta do it… If *your whole week… 😉
Ooooh, nice to know! I always go back and check over my manuscript after I read these posts. My writing process seems to be lengthening. I before e except after c, upward or upwards, comma splice no no… I wish I had paid better attention in fourth grade!
Awesome picture of PNC Park!
I always wondered about that. Thanks you!!
I believe in American English, -ward is always used while it is in British English that -ward is used for adjectives and -wards for adverbs. The author must be British.
Well hey, I never really thought about these words. Thank you.
You’re welcome! Glad to bring some obscure vocabulary to light.
You should mention ‘toward/towards’ is a preposition, not an adverb or an adjective.
You’re right! Thanks for catching that. We’ve updated the post to clarify.
I prefer to use the “S” because I like the way it sounds!
That’s a great reason!