If you have wondered whether toward or towards is the correct spelling, both forms are correct. They are prepositions with the same basic meanings, including direction, relationship, movement toward a goal, position, time, and contribution. The main difference is regional usage: toward is more common in American English, while towards is more common in British English.
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Toward or Towards: Which Is Correct?
Both toward and towards are grammatically correct.
The choice usually depends on the variety of English you are using. In American English, toward is generally preferred. In British English, towards is generally more common. Neither form should be considered an incorrect spelling simply because it is less common in a particular variety of English.
For example:
- She walked toward the door.
- She walked towards the door.
Both sentences are correct and have the same meaning.
If you are writing for an American audience, toward will usually sound more natural. If you are writing for a British audience, towards will generally be the more familiar choice.
What Is the Difference Between Toward and Towards?
There is no significant difference in meaning between toward and towards. Both are prepositions and can normally be used in the same contexts.
| Word | American English | British English | Meaning |
| Toward | More common | Correct but less common | In the direction of, in relation to, or contributing to |
| Towards | Correct but less common | More common | In the direction of, in relation to, or contributing to |
The difference is therefore mainly one of regional preference and style, not grammar or meaning. Cambridge Dictionary specifically states that both forms can be used.
For example:
- We are moving toward the city.
- We are moving towards the city.
Both mean that the movement is in the direction of the city.
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What Does Toward Mean?
Toward is a preposition that commonly means in the direction of someone or something.
It can describe physical movement:
The children ran toward the playground.
It can also describe figurative movement or progress:
We are working toward a solution.
The word can also describe a relationship or attitude:
She has a positive attitude toward her coworkers.
Other uses include indicating a contribution, a position, or a point in time.
Toward for Direction
Use toward when something moves or points in the direction of a person, place, object, or location.
Examples:
- He walked toward the station.
- The dog ran toward its owner.
- She looked toward the window.
- The car moved toward the intersection.
Toward for Progress
Toward can also describe progress toward a goal, result, or desired situation.
Examples:
- We are working toward a better future.
- The company is moving toward greater efficiency.
- She is working toward her degree.
- The negotiations are moving toward an agreement.
Toward for Attitudes and Relationships
The word can describe someone’s feelings, behavior, or attitude in relation to another person or thing.
Examples:
- He was friendly toward everyone.
- She showed kindness toward the children.
- His attitude toward the project has changed.
- They have a positive approach toward learning.
Cambridge notes that toward(s) can express a person’s attitude or feelings in relation to someone or something.
Toward for Contributions
Toward can also mean that something contributes to a particular cost, purpose, or goal.
Examples:
- We donated money toward the project.
- The payment will go toward the total cost.
- She saved money toward a new car.
- His work counted toward the final grade.
What Does Towards Mean?
Towards has essentially the same meanings as toward.
It can indicate physical direction:
She walked towards the park.
It can describe progress:
The country is moving towards a new economic policy.
It can describe an attitude:
He was very helpful towards me.
It can also describe a contribution:
They donated money towards the repairs.
Cambridge gives examples of towards being used for direction, relationships, position, time, and purpose.
Toward vs. Towards in American English
In American English, toward is generally more common than towards.
For American English writing, these forms are usually preferred:
- Walk toward the door.
- Move toward the center.
- Work toward a solution.
- Contribute toward the cost.
- His attitude toward the issue changed.
However, towards is not grammatically wrong in American English. It is simply less common. Scribbr and other usage references note that American English tends to prefer toward, while still accepting towards.
If your website, essay, business communication, or other writing follows American English, using toward consistently is a sensible choice.
Toward vs. Towards in British English
In British English, towards is generally more common.
Examples include:
- She walked towards the station.
- He turned towards the door.
- We are working towards an agreement.
- The company is moving towards a greener future.
- His attitude towards the issue was positive.
British English does not make toward incorrect. It is simply less common than towards. Cambridge specifically identifies towards as the more common form.
Toward or Towards for Formal Writing?
Both forms are suitable for formal writing.
The important consideration is consistency and the variety of English you are following.
If you are using American English, toward is generally the better stylistic choice. If you are using British English, towards is generally more natural.
Some style guides also establish their own preferences. For example, Scribbr notes that both AP style and Chicago style favor toward without the final s.
Therefore, there is no universal grammar rule requiring writers to use only one form.
Toward or Towards in a Sentence
Because the two words normally have the same meaning, they can often replace one another without changing the meaning of a sentence.
Direction
- The boy ran toward the bus.
- The boy ran towards the bus.
Movement
- She moved toward the exit.
- She moved towards the exit.
Goals
- They are working toward success.
- They are working towards success.
Attitude
- He has a positive attitude toward his colleagues.
- He has a positive attitude towards his colleagues.
Contribution
- The money will go toward the repairs.
- The money will go towards the repairs.
The meaning remains essentially unchanged in each pair.
Common Uses of Toward and Towards
Both forms can be used in several important contexts.
1. Direction
Use either word to show movement in a particular direction.
The students walked toward the library.
The students walked towards the library.
2. Position
Both forms can describe a location or position that is closer to a particular place.
We sat toward the back of the room.
We sat towards the back of the room.
3. Time
Both forms can refer to a point approaching in time.
It happened toward the end of the year.
It happened towards the end of the year.
4. Progress
Both can indicate movement toward a result or goal.
The negotiations are moving toward an agreement.
The negotiations are moving towards an agreement.
5. Attitude
Both can describe feelings or attitudes toward someone or something.
She was kind toward the new employee.
She was kind towards the new employee.
6. Contribution
Both can indicate money, effort, or another contribution to something.
They contributed toward the cost.
They contributed towards the cost.
These uses are supported by major dictionary and grammar references.
Is Toward or Towards More Common?
The answer depends largely on the variety of English.
Toward is generally more common in American English, whereas towards is generally more common in British English. Cambridge describes towards as more common overall in its British English grammar guidance, while US-focused references identify toward as the common American preference.
This means that the same sentence can appear differently depending on the intended audience:
American English:
We are moving toward a solution.
British English:
We are moving towards a solution.
Neither sentence is grammatically superior.
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Is Towards Incorrect in American English?
No. Towards is not incorrect in American English.
American English generally prefers toward, but towards is still an established form and can be found in American writing.
Therefore, it is better to describe towards as less common in American English rather than incorrect.
Likewise, toward is not incorrect in British English. It is simply less common than towards.
Is Toward Incorrect in British English?
No. Toward is also correct in British English.
British English tends to favor towards, but British writers can use toward without creating a grammatical error.
The distinction is primarily one of regional usage and editorial preference.
Toward or Towards: Common Mistakes
One common mistake is assuming that one spelling is always wrong.
For example, it would be incorrect to claim:
❌ Towards is always wrong in American English.
It would also be incorrect to claim:
❌ Toward is always wrong in British English.
Both statements confuse regional preference with grammatical correctness.
Another mistake is changing between the two forms unnecessarily. If you are writing an article in American English, consistently using toward can create a more uniform style. If you are following British English conventions, consistently using towards may be preferable.
Toward or Towards: Which One Should You Use?
Use toward if you are primarily writing in American English.
Use towards if you are primarily writing in British English.
If you are following a particular style guide, follow that guide’s preference. For example, AP and Chicago style favor toward.
A simple rule is:
American English: toward
British English: towards
But remember that this is a preference, not a strict rule of grammatical correctness.
Toward vs. Towards Examples
Here are several examples showing how both forms work.
Example 1: Direction
The children ran toward the playground.
The children ran towards the playground.
Example 2: Movement
He walked toward the front door.
He walked towards the front door.
Example 3: Goal
She is working toward a promotion.
She is working towards a promotion.
Example 4: Attitude
He has a friendly attitude toward his neighbors.
He has a friendly attitude towards his neighbors.
Example 5: Contribution
The money will go toward the new building.
The money will go towards the new building.
Example 6: Time
We arrived toward the end of the afternoon.
We arrived towards the end of the afternoon.
In each example, changing toward to towards does not normally change the meaning.
Toward or Towards: Pronunciation
Toward and towards are pronounced similarly, with the main difference being the final s sound in towards.
The exact pronunciation can vary by accent. Dictionary sources provide multiple pronunciations for both forms, particularly across American and British English.
The pronunciation difference does not create a difference in meaning.
Toward or Towards: British vs. American English
The easiest way to remember the difference is to connect each form with its most common regional variety.
| English variety | Preferred form |
| American English | Toward |
| British English | Towards |
| Canadian English | Toward is common |
| Australian English | Towards is common |
| Formal American style guides | Toward |
| Formal British usage | Towards is common |
Regional preferences can overlap, so these should not be treated as absolute rules. For example, towards can appear in American English, and toward can appear in British English.
Summary
Toward and towards are both correct English words. They are prepositions with essentially the same meaning and can usually be used interchangeably.
The main difference is regional preference. Toward is more common in American English, while towards is more common in British English. Both forms can express direction, movement, progress, position, time, attitude, and contribution.
If you are writing for an American audience, choose toward. If you are writing for a British audience, choose towards. Most importantly, do not assume that either form is grammatically incorrect simply because it is less common in your preferred variety of English.
FAQs
Is toward or towards correct?
Both toward and towards are correct. The main difference is regional preference. American English generally prefers toward, while British English generally prefers towards.
What is the difference between toward and towards?
There is normally no difference in meaning. Both words are prepositions and can indicate direction, movement, progress, position, time, attitude, or contribution.
Is toward American or British English?
Toward is more commonly associated with American English, although it is also correct in British English.
Is towards British English?
Yes. Towards is more common in British English, although it is also acceptable in American English.
Is towards wrong in American English?
No. Towards is acceptable in American English, but toward is generally more common.
Is toward wrong in British English?
No. Toward is grammatically correct in British English, although towards is generally more common.
Should I use toward or towards in formal writing?
Use the form that matches your chosen variety of English and style guide. American English commonly uses toward, while British English commonly uses towards.
Which is more common, toward or towards?
The answer depends on the variety of English. Toward is more common in American English, while towards is more common in British English.
Do toward and towards have the same meaning?
Yes. In normal modern usage, they have the same basic meanings and can usually replace one another without changing the meaning of a sentence.
Is it working toward or working towards?
Both are correct. Working toward is more common in American English, while working towards is more common in British English.
Is it toward the end or towards the end?
Both forms are correct. Toward the end is common in American English, while towards the end is more common in British English.
Is it toward me or towards me?
Both are correct. For example, “He walked toward me” and “He walked towards me” have the same meaning.
Which should I use for American English?
Use toward as the default choice for American English, especially when following a style guide that prefers it.
Which should I use for British English?
Use towards as the default choice for British English because it is the more common regional preference.
Grace Holloway is a Creative Learning Designer with more than 9 years of experience producing visually engaging educational resources for preschool and kindergarten children. She specializes in combining educational principles with creative design to develop worksheets that encourage learning through play, exploration, and creativity.