Have you ever paused while writing and wondered whether you should use toward or towards? If so, you’re not alone. This small grammar choice confuses writers, students, and even professionals because both words appear frequently in books, articles, and everyday conversations.
The good news is that the debate over toward vs towards is much simpler than many people think. Both words have the same meaning and are grammatically correct. The main difference comes down to regional preferences and style guides rather than grammar rules.
In this guide, you’ll learn the meaning of both words, when to use them, how major style guides treat them, and practical examples to help you write with confidence.
What Do Toward and Towards Mean?
Both toward and towards are prepositions that indicate:
- Direction
- Movement
- Relationship
- Progress
- Attitude
They mean “in the direction of,” “with regard to,” or “closer to.”
For example:
- She walked toward the station.
- She walked towards the station.
The meaning remains exactly the same in both sentences.
This is why discussions about toward vs towards meaning are relatively straightforward. There is no difference in definition—only a difference in preferred usage.
Toward vs Towards Difference
The primary distinction is regional preference.
Toward
Toward is more common in:
- American English
- U.S. newspapers
- Academic writing in the United States
- Professional and business communication
Towards
Towards is more common in:
- British English
- Australian English
- New Zealand English
- Some Canadian publications
Because both versions are accepted, choosing one often depends on your audience.
Toward vs Towards Grammar
From a grammatical perspective, there is no difference.
Both words function as prepositions and serve the same purpose within a sentence.
Examples:
- The company is moving toward sustainability.
- The company is moving towards sustainability.
Both sentences are grammatically correct.
This is one reason why discussions about toward vs towards grammar often surprise learners. Unlike many commonly confused words, neither form is considered incorrect.
When to Use Toward vs Towards
If you’re wondering when to use toward vs towards, follow these simple guidelines:
Use Toward When:
- Writing for an American audience.
- Following U.S. style guides.
- Creating academic papers that require American English conventions.
- Writing for newspapers and magazines in the United States.
Use Towards When:
- Writing for a British audience.
- Following British English conventions.
- Publishing content primarily for readers in the UK, Australia, or New Zealand.
The most important rule is consistency. Avoid switching between the two forms within the same document unless a style guide specifically requires it.
Toward vs Towards Usage in Everyday Writing
You’ll encounter both forms in several contexts.
Direction
- He ran toward the finish line.
- He ran towards the finish line.
Goals and Progress
- The organization is working toward a better future.
- The organization is working towards a better future.
Attitude or Feelings
- Her attitude toward the project improved.
- Her attitude towards the project improved.
These examples demonstrate that the use of toward vs towards does not change the intended meaning.
Toward vs Towards in a Sentence
Seeing words in context often makes the distinction easier to understand.
Here are some examples:
- The child reached toward the toy.
- We are moving toward a digital economy.
- She turned toward the sound.
- The hikers walked towards the mountain.
- Public opinion shifted towards environmental protection.
- He leaned towards his friend to hear better.
Each sentence remains natural and grammatically correct.
AP Style Toward vs Towards
One of the most searched questions involves journalism standards.
According to AP style toward vs towards guidelines, writers should generally use toward rather than towards.
The Associated Press Stylebook favors the shorter form because it aligns with standard American English usage.
Examples:
- Correct in AP Style: Move toward success.
- Preferred in AP Style: Work toward a solution.
If you’re writing news articles, press releases, or journalistic content, choosing toward is usually the safest option.
Toward vs Towards Chicago Manual of Style
The Chicago Manual of Style also generally prefers toward.
As one of the most influential style guides in publishing and academia, Chicago aligns with American English conventions.
Therefore, if you’re following toward vs towards chicago manual of style recommendations, use toward unless there’s a specific reason to preserve another form.
Toward vs Towards APA Style
Writers preparing academic papers often ask about toward vs towards APA requirements.
The APA Publication Manual follows American English standards. As a result, toward is generally preferred.
For students and researchers writing in APA format:
- Use toward consistently.
- Avoid alternating between forms.
- Follow your institution’s style requirements if they differ.
Merriam-Webster and Modern Usage
Discussions surrounding merriam-webster toward vs towards usage typically emphasize that both forms are standard English.
However, Merriam-Webster notes that toward is more common in American English, while towards appears more frequently in British varieties of English.
This reflects actual usage patterns rather than strict grammatical rules.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though both forms are correct, writers sometimes make these mistakes.
Mixing Styles
Incorrect:
- The report moved toward completion and later shifted towards publication.
Better:
- Choose one form and use it consistently.
Assuming One Is Wrong
Many people mistakenly believe that one version is grammatically incorrect.
In reality, both are accepted by major dictionaries and grammar authorities.
Ignoring Audience Expectations
If you’re writing for a specific audience, matching regional conventions can make your writing feel more natural.
Quick Memory Trick
If you’re unsure which version to use, remember:
- American English → Toward
- British English → Towards
When in doubt, especially in professional or academic writing, toward is usually the more widely accepted choice.
Why Do Both Forms Exist?
English contains many word pairs that differ by regional preference.
Examples include:
- Forward / Forwards
- Backward / Backwards
- Afterward / Afterwards
American English often favors the shorter form without the final “s,” while British English frequently uses the version ending in “s.”
This historical pattern explains why both toward and towards continue to coexist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is toward or towards correct?
Both are correct. The choice depends largely on regional preference and style guidelines.
What is the difference between toward and towards?
There is no difference in meaning. The main distinction is that toward is preferred in American English, while towards is more common in British English.
When do you use toward vs towards?
Use toward for American English writing and towards for British English writing. Consistency matters more than the choice itself.
Does AP Style use toward or towards?
AP Style prefers toward.
Does Chicago Manual of Style prefer toward or towards?
The Chicago Manual of Style generally recommends toward as part of its American English conventions.
Is towards grammatically correct?
Yes. Towards is fully grammatically correct and widely used throughout the English-speaking world.
Which is more common in academic writing?
In American academic writing, toward is generally preferred because major style guides such as APA and Chicago favor it.
Conclusion
The debate over toward vs towards is less about correctness and more about style and regional preference. Both words mean the same thing, function identically in grammar, and are accepted by dictionaries and language experts.
If you’re writing for an American audience or following AP, APA, or Chicago guidelines, toward is usually the preferred choice. If you’re writing for a British audience, towards may feel more natural. Ultimately, the best approach is to choose one form and use it consistently throughout your writing.
Understanding these subtle differences helps you write more confidently, communicate more clearly, and match the expectations of your audience. For more grammar and usage guides, explore other commonly confused word pairs and continue sharpening your writing skills.
