Is It Toward or Towards? | Spelling, Difference & Examples
Toward and towards are two ways of spelling the same preposition, which means “in contribution to,” “in the direction of,” or “in relation to.” The words are often used interchangeably, but there’s a difference in preference depending on whether you use British or American English.
It’s important to choose one spelling and use it consistently. The QuillBot Grammar Checker can help you with this.
- In American English, “toward” is more common.
- In British English, “towards” is more common.
It’s important to choose one spelling and use it consistently. The QuillBot Grammar Checker can help you with this.
Examples: Toward or towards in a sentence
The hiker started walking toward/towards the summit of the mountain.
As the storm approached, people hurried toward/towards shelter.
The organization is moving toward/towards a more sustainable business model.
The hiker started walking toward/towards the summit of the mountain.
As the storm approached, people hurried toward/towards shelter.
The organization is moving toward/towards a more sustainable business model.
Working toward or towards
The phrase working toward or towards means “trying to achieve.” The same distinction applies to this phrase.
- In British English, “working toward” is more commonly used.
- In American English, “working towards” is preferred.
Examples: Working toward or towards in a sentence
The therapy sessions are helping Zoey in working toward/towards emotional healing.
The nonprofit organization is tirelessly working toward/towards eradicating hunger in the community.
The team is working toward/towards a more efficient and streamlined workflow.
The therapy sessions are helping Zoey in working toward/towards emotional healing.
The nonprofit organization is tirelessly working toward/towards eradicating hunger in the community.
The team is working toward/towards a more efficient and streamlined workflow.
Main differences between American and British English
American and British English are very similar, but there are a few main differences in spelling. Five important differences are:
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Frequently asked questions about toward or towards
Is it toward or towards in AP style?
Toward and towards are two spellings of the same preposition. The spelling depends on the type of English.
- In American English, “toward” is more common.
- In British English, “towards” is preferred.
AP style generally follows American English conventions, so they favor toward.
It's important to choose one and use it consistently. The QuillBot Grammar Checker can help you with this.
Is it leaning toward or towards?
Toward and towards are two spellings of the same preposition. The spelling depends on the type of English.
- In American English, you typically use “toward,” so leaning toward is most common.
- In British English, you generally use “towards,” so leaning towards is most common.
It's important to choose one and use it consistently. The QuillBot Grammar Checker can help you with this.
Is it geared toward or towards?
Toward and towards are two spellings of the same preposition. The spelling depends on the type of English.
- In American English, you typically use “toward,” so geared toward is most common.
- In British English, you generally use “towards,” so geared towards is most common.
It's important to choose one and use it consistently. The QuillBot Grammar Checker can help you with this.