Forward vs Foreword: Which One Do You Need?
Forward means ahead. A foreword is the short piece at the front of a book.
Step forward. The foreword is by the editor.
The test that settles it
Look for the word word. A foreword is made of words, and it comes before them.
“the ___ to the second edition” → part of a book, so foreword.
“move ___ with the plan” → ahead, so forward.
Forward: ahead
Adverb, adjective and verb. It covers direction, position, an attitude that is too bold, and passing an email on.
She stepped forward.
A forward position on the pitch.
Please forward the message.
Swap in ahead. If it works, forward.
Foreword: the opening note in a book
A noun only. It is usually written by someone other than the author, which distinguishes it from a preface.
The foreword was written by a former minister.
She skipped the foreword.
A new foreword for the anniversary edition.
Is it a piece of writing at the front of a book? Then foreword.
Side by side
| Forward | Foreword |
|---|---|
| Ahead | Opening note in a book |
| Adverb, adjective, verb | Noun only |
| Ends -ward, like backward | Ends -word, because it is words |
| Look forward | Read the foreword |
The exception
A foreword is written by someone else and vouches for the book. A preface is by the author, explaining how the book came about. An introduction is by the author and is part of the argument.
Publishers observe the distinction fairly strictly, so it is worth knowing if you are writing one.
Where people get it wrong
| Incorrect | Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| the forward to the book | the foreword to the book | It is made of words. |
| I look foreword to it. | I look forward to it. | Ahead in time. |
| Please foreword this email. | Please forward this email. | Send it on. |
| a foreward | a foreword | There is no such spelling as foreward. |
Practice — choose the right word, then check yourself.
- The ___ runs to three pages.
- We are looking ___ to the results.
- Could you ___ me the file?
- A distinguished critic wrote the ___.
- The clocks go ___ tonight.
Show the answers
1. foreword 2. forward 3. forward 4. foreword 5. forward
Frequently asked
Is foreword common outside publishing?
Rarely. If you are not writing about a book, the word you want is almost certainly forward.
What about forwards?
British English allows both forward and forwards as adverbs. American English prefers forward.
More words people confuse
