Toward or Towards: British and American Usage
They mean exactly the same thing. Toward is usual in American English; towards is usual in British English.
He walked toward the door. He walked towards the door.
The test that settles it
There is no meaning test, because there is no difference in meaning. Pick the one that matches the variety of English you are writing in, and then use it consistently through the document.
Writing for an American publication → toward.
Writing for a British or Australian one → towards.
The shorter word goes with the shorter spelling system — American English also drops the u from colour and the second l from travelled.
Toward: the American preference
Standard in American edited prose, where style guides generally recommend it. It carries every sense the longer form does: direction, position in time, and attitude.
She turned toward the window.
Toward the end of the year
his attitude toward the work
Is the audience American? Then toward.
Towards: the British preference
Standard in British, Irish, Australian and most Commonwealth writing. Identical in meaning; the final s is the only difference.
She turned towards the window.
Towards the end of the year
his attitude towards the work
Is the audience British or Commonwealth? Then towards.
Side by side
| Toward | Towards |
|---|---|
| American preference | British preference |
| Same meaning | Same meaning |
| Direction, time, attitude | Direction, time, attitude |
| walked toward us | walked towards us |
The exceptions
This is a preference, not a rule. No dictionary marks either form as wrong, and readers on both sides of the Atlantic understand both. The only real fault is switching between them inside one piece of writing.
Forward and forwards, backward and backwards, upward and upwards split the same way — though in these cases both varieties keep the s-less form for the adjective: a forward movement, never a forwards movement.
Untoward, meaning improper or unexpected, never takes an s in any variety.
Where people get it wrong
| Incorrect | Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| He moved towards the exit, then walked toward the car. | He moved towards the exit, then walked towards the car. | Pick one and keep it. |
| a forwards movement of the arm | a forward movement of the arm | The adjective drops the s everywhere. |
| nothing untowards happened | nothing untoward happened | Untoward never takes an s. |
| Toward the end of the match, the British crowd fell silent. | Towards the end of the match, the British crowd fell silent. | British context, British form. |
Practice — choose the right word, then check yourself.
- In American English, write ___.
- In British English, write ___.
- Nothing ___ was reported.
- She took a ___ step. (adjective)
- Which is wrong: toward, towards, or neither?
Show the answers
1. toward 2. towards 3. untoward 4. forward 5. neither
Frequently asked
Is one more formal?
No. Formality plays no part — this is purely a regional preference.
What if my audience is mixed?
Choose one and be consistent. Consistency is the only thing a reader will notice.
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