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Toward and towards are prepositions that both mean “in the direction of” and are interchangeable. The only difference between them is the spelling. Moreover, we also use them to show direction, result, relation, help, and time.
Toward is the preferred American English spelling and more favored in the United States (North America) and Canada. Meanwhile, the preferred British English spelling in the United Kingdom and Australia is towards. Also, towards is the chosen term for informal conversations in America, especially in the south.
When to Use Toward
Toward is a preposition that expresses “in the direction of someone or something” and is used as the American English spelling. Use toward when speaking with or writing for Americans.
Showing Direction of Somebody or Something
Examples:
The car moved toward the empty parking lot.
She saw the mailman coming toward her.
All of the houses are facing toward the mountains.
Producing Result
Examples:
The committee is doing its best toward reaching a negotiation.
As the country drifted toward war, it faced adversity.
The leader is on his way toward a solution.
Expressing Feelings or Attitude
Examples:
Felice’s outlook toward her life is always positive. She quickly moves from setbacks.
After learning about his mental health condition, they became more compassionate toward him.
I started becoming friendlier toward my family after moving out.
Paying For Something
Examples:
The money from the fundraising will be given toward constructing a new school building.
All the monetary help will be put toward repairing the old facility.
We saved a lot of money, and we will use it toward hiring teachers to help us.
Indicating Closer Point in Time
Examples:
We will begin the project toward the end of February.
Annie was late. She came toward the end of the class.
Toward the end of the evening, it rained hard.
When to Use Towards
Towards is a preposition with the same meaning as toward, which means “in the direction of someone or something.” However, it is the preferred British English spelling in the United Kingdom and Australia, so use towards when speaking with or writing for the British.
Showing Direction of Somebody or Something
Examples:
The girl walked towards the library.
There was a man who walked towards me.
My room is facing towards the swimming pool.
Producing a Result
Examples:
We’re having a meeting and doing our best towards achieving a common goal.
Our group has disagreements; we’re working towards a reconciliation.
The leader is on his way towards a solution.
Expressing Feelings or Attitude
Examples:
I feel very calm towards her.
It’s essential to be considerate towards everyone.
He’s having a hard time now. I feel sympathetic towards his situation.
Paying For Something
Examples:
We will use the money towards repairing the old house
The monetary help will be put towards creating a food budget for those in need.
Thank you for all the donations. They will be put towards creating a sustainable livelihood.
Indicating a Closer Point in Time
Examples:
I predict that this task will be done towards the end of the day.
I fell asleep towards the end of the discussion.
Towards the end of the song, I shed a tear.
Conclusion: Toward vs. Towards – What’s the Difference?
Use toward and towards to show direction, relationship, result, help, time, or purpose. After the prepositions, always have an object (a noun or a pronoun that affects the preposition.) For example, toward the park (“park” is a noun”); towards the man (“man” is a pronoun.) Use a grammar tool to improve writing if needed.
There’s no difference between the two words, and we can use them interchangeably—the only difference is the context they’re used: toward for American English and towards for British English. Hence, use toward when writing for American audiences and towards for British audiences.
While both toward and towards are correct, it’s still advisable to choose the spelling for the preferred country or audience.
References:
Merriam Webster Dictionary. (n.d). Toward. In https://www.merriam-webster.com/ dictionary. Retrieved February 4, 2022, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/towards
Longman Dictionary. (n.d.). Towards. In https://www.ldoceonline.com/ dictionary. Retrieved February 4, 2022, from https://www.ldoceonline.com/dictionary/towards
