Toward or Towards | Usage, Differences & Definition
Towards and toward are both prepositions that can be used interchangeably. They both mean “in the direction of” (the most common meaning), as well as “in contribution to” and “in relation to.” Which one you use will largely depend on whether you use British English or American English.
- In British English, it is more common to use “towards” (with an “s”).
- In American English, it is more common to use “toward” (without an “s”).
Leaning toward or towards something
Leaning toward/towards (with or without the “s”) is a phrase meaning your opinion is starting to move in a particular direction.
Working toward or towards something
Working toward/towards is a phrase that means you are making progress in attaining a goal but have not yet achieved it.
Frequently asked questions about toward or towards
- Is it walk toward or towards?
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Both “walk toward” and “walk towards” are correct. The main difference between toward and towards is between American English and British English. Toward (without an “s”) is more common in American English, and towards (with an “s”) is preferred in British English.
- The guide gestured towards the cathedral. (British English)
- The guide gestured toward the cathedral. (American English)
It is always best to be consistent in your spellings.
- What is a synonym for work towards?
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A few synonyms and near synonyms for work towards/toward include:
- Aim for
- Strive for
- Pursue
- Aspire to
- Advance
- Progress
- Further
- Develop
- Contribute to
- Help bring about
- Facilitate
QuillBot can help you find synonyms for phrases like “work towards/toward” and automatically rewrite sentences.