Toward or Towards: Understanding the Difference

The words toward and towards can look like different forms of the same word, and that is exactly what they are. Both describe movement in a particular direction, an approach to something, or progress toward a goal.

The main difference is regional preference, not meaning. In American English, toward is generally preferred, while towards is more common in British English and is also widely used in other English-speaking regions.

If you are unsure which spelling to choose, consider your audience and keep your writing consistent. Understanding this small difference can help you write naturally in emails, school assignments, professional documents, and everyday conversations.

Quick Answer

Toward and towards have the same meaning. Both indicate direction, movement, or progress in the direction of something. American English generally favors toward, while British English tends to favor towards. Neither spelling is inherently incorrect, so choose the form that best matches your audience and writing style.

Toward or Towards Meaning

Toward and towards mean in the direction of a person, place, object, or goal. They can also describe an attitude, relationship, or effort to achieve something.

For example, “She walked toward the door” describes physical movement, while “He is working towards a better future” describes progress toward a goal.

The two spellings are interchangeable in meaning. The main distinction is that American English generally prefers toward, whereas British English often uses towards.

Toward Meaning

The word toward is a preposition that expresses direction, movement, an approach, or progress. It can also describe how someone feels or behaves toward another person or situation.

Here are a few examples.

• The cat moved toward the window.
• She is saving money toward a new car.
• His attitude toward his colleagues is respectful.

In each sentence, toward connects an action, feeling, or effort to its direction or intended target. The word does not always describe physical movement; it can also refer to an abstract goal or relationship.

Toward or Towards: Which Is Correct in the UK?

Both spellings are correct in the United Kingdom, but towards is generally more common in British English.

Examples include:

• We walked towards the railway station.
• The school is working towards better results.
• She has a positive attitude towards learning.

British writers may also use toward, particularly when following a specific publication’s style guide. However, towards is usually the more familiar choice for British audiences.

If you are writing for a UK-based website, school, or publication, use towards unless the organization specifies a different preference.

Toward or Towards: Which Is Correct in American English?

In American English, toward is generally preferred in everyday writing, academic work, and professional communication.

For example:

• The children ran toward the playground.
• We are moving toward our goal.
• The company is working toward a solution.

Although towards is understandable and grammatically acceptable in the United States, toward is the more conventional American choice.

When writing for an American audience, using toward consistently is a simple way to follow local spelling preferences.

Toward or Towards Pronunciation

The words toward and towards are pronounced almost identically, except that towards has an additional final /z/ sound.

Toward

IPA: /təˈwɔːrd/

The final sound is a /d/.

Towards

IPA: /təˈwɔːrdz/

The final sound is /dz/.

Pronunciation can vary slightly between American and British accents. In both words, the main stress usually falls on the second syllable. The difference in spelling does not create a major change in pronunciation.

Toward or Towards Examples

Both words can describe physical direction, progress, or feelings. The following examples show how they work in everyday English.

Physical movement

• The dog ran toward the gate.
• The tourists walked towards the museum.

Goals and progress

• She is working toward her degree.
• They are taking steps towards financial independence.

Attitudes and relationships

• His attitude toward change is positive.
• Her feelings towards the decision remain unclear.

Everyday communication

• We are heading toward the city center.
• The conversation gradually moved towards a solution.

All these sentences are correct. You can replace toward with towards, or the other way around, without changing the basic meaning.

Toward or Towards Me

Both toward me and towards me are grammatically correct. They describe movement or direction in which someone or something approaches the speaker.

Examples:

• He walked toward me after class.
• She smiled as she came towards me.
• The ball rolled toward me.
• The dog ran towards me when I called its name.

The choice depends mainly on regional preference. American writers commonly use toward me, while British writers often prefer towards me.

Remember that toward me does not necessarily mean that someone reaches you. It simply indicates movement in your direction.

Toward or Towards in AP Style

The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook generally follows American English conventions, so toward is the preferred spelling in AP-style writing.

This matters for journalists, news writers, editors, bloggers, and others who follow AP style for consistency.

For example:

• The crowd moved toward the exit.
• Officials are working toward an agreement.
• The new policy represents a step toward reform.

If your publication requires AP style, use toward rather than towards. Always check your organization’s current style guidance if a particular editorial rule applies.

Toward or Towards in Legal Writing

In legal writing, both spellings are grammatically correct, but consistency and adherence to the required style guide are important. American legal documents generally favor toward, while British legal writing may commonly use towards.

For example:

• The payment was applied toward the outstanding balance.
• The parties took steps toward resolving the dispute.
• The employee acted with respect toward the other parties.

When preparing contracts, court documents, legal correspondence, or academic legal papers, follow the relevant jurisdiction’s conventions and any required drafting guidelines.

If you are quoting a law, contract, judgment, or other legal source, preserve the original wording rather than changing its spelling simply to match your preference.

Is Toward More Formal Than Towards?

Neither spelling is inherently more formal. Both are suitable for academic writing, professional emails, reports, and everyday conversations.

The important difference is regional preference. An American business report will generally use toward, while a British publication may use towards.

Avoid switching between the two spellings without a clear reason. Consistent usage makes your writing easier to edit and helps it match the expectations of your intended audience.

Common Mistakes When Choosing Toward or Towards

Writers sometimes assume that one spelling is incorrect or that the two words have different meanings. These are the main points to remember.

• Both forms are grammatically correct.
• Toward is generally preferred in American English.
• Towards is generally preferred in British English.
• Neither word is automatically more formal.
• The spelling does not change the basic meaning.
• Do not add to unnecessarily after either word, as in “toward to the door.”

Choosing the appropriate regional form and using it consistently will help you avoid most common mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between toward and towards?

Both words have the same meaning and grammatical function. The main difference is regional preference, with toward more common in American English and towards more common in British English.

2. Is toward or towards correct in British English?

Both are correct, but towards is generally more common in British English. Follow your publisher’s or organization’s style guide when one is provided.

3. Is toward or towards correct in AP style?

Toward is the preferred choice for AP-style American writing. Writers should also follow any specific editorial rules required by their publication.

4. Are toward and towards pronounced differently?

They sound very similar. Towards has an additional final /z/ sound, while toward ends with a /d/ sound.

5. Should legal writers use toward or towards?

Legal writers should follow the conventions of their jurisdiction and any required style guide. American legal writing generally favors toward, while British legal writing often uses towards.

Final Thoughts

Toward or towards is a question of regional preference rather than grammatical correctness. Both words describe direction, progress, and attitudes, and neither changes the meaning of a sentence. American English generally favors toward, while British English tends to favor towards.

For everyday writing, choose the spelling that suits your audience. For AP-style articles, legal documents, and other formal work, follow the relevant style guide and remain consistent throughout your text.