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”).
The hikers made their way slowly toward/towards the clearing.
The money raised goes toward/towards the roof repairs.
It’s important to realize the benefits of a positive approach toward/towards your studies.
Also be aware that style guides might have specific requirements, with both APA and Chicago preferring toward without the “s.”
In some cases, you can use “to” as an alternative for towards/toward (e.g., “He was heading to the exit”).
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.
Rich loved both Italy and France, but he was leaning toward/towards visiting Spain this year.
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.
Kyle had always struggled in English, but he was consistently working toward/towards a passing grade.
Other interesting articles
If you want to know more about job applications, research, or idioms, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.
Job applications
Research
Frequently asked questions about toward or towards
- Is it walk toward or towards?
-
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?
-
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.
