Backward and backwards may almost sound and be spelled the same, but they have different usage. Backward (the one without the letter “s”) is an adjective, while backwards is an adverb. Both have close meanings and talk about toward the opposite direction, but they are used differently.
In most cases, as an adjective, backward needs a noun before it. Meanwhile, backwards doesn’t need one; a verb typically precedes it. Furthermore, both spelling variations, backward (American English) and backwards (British English), can be used interchangeably when used as an adverb.
When to Use Backward
We use backward as an adjective to mean looking or moving toward the back. It can also mean developing slowly and less successfully than most others. Most of the time, backward is followed by a noun. Remember, backward is not interchangeable with backwards as an adjective. Backward, without the letter “s,” is the only correct spelling when used as an adjective.
Cheat sheet:
✅ A backward stretch (correct)
❌ A backwards stretch (incorrect)
Backward as an Adjective
Directed or moving toward the back
I saw a child having a backward glance at the back of a car.
She screamed in panic and took some backward steps.
It’s strange how my friend cooks a barbecue in a backward motion.
Developing slowly
The people in most rural areas are a bit backward.
Backward countries are less successful compared to developing countries.
When to Use Backwards
We use backwards as an adverb to mean in the direction toward the back. However, when used as an adverb, backward (the one without the letter “s”) is an American English spelling, and backwards is standard in British English. These spelling variations are interchangeable in this context. There are other definitions of the word when used as an adverb.
Cheat sheet:
✅ Move backward (correct)
✅ Move backwards (correct)
Backward as an Adverb
In the direction that’s behind you
Nathan raised his hand and took a step backward.
He pushed him, and he fell backwards into the chair.
Toward the beginning or the past
Using a dryer backwards will make it faulty.
The race will start after counting backwards from 10.
With the back part in front
Sometimes I wear my shirt backwards and notice it too late.
She doesn’t mind wearing her top backward since it’s a plain shirt.
Toward a worse state
The new policies set by the company are seen by some as a major step backwards.
Some countries are progressing backward due to their corrupt government and incompetent leaders.
Backward vs. Backwards: Which One Is Correct?
In a nutshell, backward and backwards are both correct depending on the context, and there are cases in which one is interchangeable, and the other is not. Additionally, backward is used as an adjective, while backwards is used as an adverb. However, backward (American English) and backwards (British English) are both interchangeable and correct in the context of being used as an adverb.
Remember:
– When used as an adjective, backward (without the letter “s) is the only correct spelling.
– When used as an adverb, backward (American English) and backwards (British English) are both correct.
References:
Cambridge Dictionary. (n.d.) Backward. In https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/ dictionary. Retrieved from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/backward
Cambridge Dictionary. (n.d.) Backwards. In https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/ dictionary. Retrieved from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/backwards
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Online. (n.d.). Backward. In https://www.ldoceonline.com/ dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/backward
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English Online. (n.d.). Backwards. In https://www.ldoceonline.com/ dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/backwards
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Backward. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backward
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Backwards. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/backwards
