Toward or Towards: Which Spelling Is Correct?

Toward and towards have the same meaning. Both words show direction, movement, purpose, or a relationship with something. Many people get confused because American English usually prefers toward, while British English often uses towards.

This difference leads writers to wonder which spelling is correct for school, work, websites, and formal documents. In this guide, you will learn the meaning of both words, their history, spelling differences, common mistakes, real-life examples, usage trends, and how to choose the right spelling for your audience.

Quick Answer

Both toward and towards are correct.

The only real difference is regional preference.

Toward is more common in American English.
Towards is more common in British English, Australian English, and other Commonwealth countries.

Examples

She walked toward the station. ✅
She walked towards the station. ✅
We are moving toward our goal. ✅
We are working towards a better future. ✅

The meaning stays the same in every sentence.

The Origin of Toward or Towards

The word toward comes from Old English tōweard, which meant “in the direction of” or “facing.”

Over time, English speakers created another form by adding -s, resulting in towards. This extra -s did not change the meaning. Instead, it became a regional spelling preference.

Many English words have similar pairs, such as:

Forward and forwards
Backward and backwards
Afterward and afterwards

American English later favored the shorter forms, while British English continued using the longer forms more often.

Today, both spellings are accepted by major dictionaries and style guides.

British English vs American English Spelling

The biggest difference is location.

American English	British English
toward	towards
Move toward the door.	Move towards the door.
Look toward the future.	Look towards the future.
Drive toward home.	Drive towards home.

Quick Comparison

Feature	Toward	Towards
Meaning	Same	Same
Grammar	Correct	Correct
American English	Preferred	Less common
British English	Accepted	Preferred
Australian English	Less common	Preferred
Canadian English	Both used	Both accepted
Formal writing	Yes	Yes

Which Spelling Should You Use?

Choose the spelling based on your readers.

Use toward if:

You write for an American audience.
You follow AP Style.
Your company uses American English.

Use towards if:

You write for the UK.
Your readers are in Australia or New Zealand.
Your work follows British English.

For Global Content

Either spelling is correct. The most important rule is to stay consistent throughout your writing.

Do not switch between toward and towards in the same article unless there is a specific reason.

Common Mistakes with Toward or Towards

Mixing both spellings

❌ Our company works toward better service and looks towards new markets.

✅ Our company works toward better service and looks toward new markets.

✅ Our company works towards better service and looks towards new markets.

Thinking one spelling is wrong

Many learners believe towards is incorrect.

That is false.

Both spellings are correct.

Using the wrong style guide

If your school or company follows American English, choose toward.

If it follows British English, choose towards.

Changing spelling in one document

Keep one spelling throughout the entire document for a professional appearance.

Toward or Towards in Everyday Examples

Emails

We are moving toward the final project deadline.
We are working towards completing the report this week.

News

The government is moving toward new economic reforms.
The country is taking steps towards cleaner energy.

Social Media

One step toward success every day.
Keep moving towards your dreams.

Formal Writing

Research points toward a positive outcome.
The policy aims towards long-term sustainability.

Toward or Towards – Google Trends & Usage Data

Google Trends shows different regional preferences rather than different meanings.

Toward is searched more often in the United States.
Towards is more popular in the United Kingdom.
Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa generally prefer towards.
Canada commonly accepts both spellings.
International businesses often select one version based on their brand style guide.

Search interest remains steady because English learners frequently ask which spelling is correct.

Toward or Towards Comparison Table

Feature	Toward	Towards
Correct spelling	Yes	Yes
Meaning	In the direction of	In the direction of
American English	Preferred	Less common
British English	Accepted	Preferred
Australian English	Less common	Preferred
Grammar	Correct	Correct
Formal writing	Correct	Correct
Informal writing	Correct	Correct
Dictionary acceptance	Yes	Yes

FAQS

Is toward or towards correct?

Both are correct. The choice depends on whether you use American or British English.

Why does American English prefer toward?

American English often favors shorter word forms, making toward the preferred spelling.

Is towards incorrect?

No. Towards is completely correct and widely used in British English.

Do both words have the same meaning?

Yes. Both mean “in the direction of” or “moving closer to.”

Which spelling should I use in business writing?

Use the spelling that matches your company’s style guide or your audience’s location.

Does Google accept both spellings?

Yes. Search engines recognize both spellings as correct English.

Can I use both in one article?

It is better to choose one spelling and use it consistently throughout your writing.

Conclusion

Both toward and towards are correct, and the only real rule is that toward is preferred in American English while towards is more common in British and Commonwealth English. Always match your spelling to your audience and keep it consistent from beginning to end.

This simple habit makes your writing look more professional and easier to read. If you often write for international readers, choose one style guide before you begin.

You may also enjoy reading our related guide on forward or forwards to understand another common British and American English spelling difference.