Toward or towards – which one is correct?

Toward or towards? The case of toward and towards is an example of words whose similarity makes it seem impossible that both are correct. Surprise! The English language loves pulling tricks, and this is precisely the case here. Toward and towards differ only by one letter; the meaning and usage remain the same. So can they be used interchangeably? Let’s resolve doubts!

Toward or towards – what do they mean?

Both toward and towards are prepositions that may apply to different situations and contexts. First and foremost, toward or towards may mean moving or facing in the direction of someone or something. These prepositions might be used to indicate the purpose of achieving something. Moreover, toward and towards may be applied while talking about a feeling you carry in relation to somebody or something.

Toward or towards? What is the difference between toward and a towards?

Apart from the -s in the end, there is only one other difference between toward and towards – geographical split. Toward is the preferred spelling in the USA and Canada. Towards, on the other hand, is used predominantly in the UK and Australia.

Toward or towards? Examples of toward and towards in sentences

The party was assailed by Orcs in a high pass of the Misty Mountains as they went towards Wilderland (…).

J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

I was very sorry for Mrs Crale. She felt these things very keenly. I felt extremely bitter toward Mr Crale.

Agatha Christie, Five Little Pigs

For all she swears her job isn’t to make judgments or direct our sessions toward any particular conclusion, I’m coming to realize that Carol often does exactly that.

JP Delaney, The Girl Before

A tall man stood on the deck, looking out towards the flat dark land: and by the light at the pierhead he saw his face, the sorrowful face of Brother Michael.

James Joyce, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man