Toward: American English Preference
Toward is more commonly used in American English. Here are a few examples to illustrate its usage:
- โHe walked toward the door.โ
- โHer attitude toward the project has been very positive.โ
- โThey are heading toward the finish line.โ
Towards: British English Preference
Towards is more commonly used in British English. Here are a few examples to illustrate its usage:
- โShe moved towards the window to get a better view.โ
- โTheir feelings towards each other have grown stronger.โ
- โThe car is driving towards the city center.โ
Navigating the Nuances
- Regional Preference
Toward is preferred in American English.
Towards is preferred in British English. - Usage Context
Both words can be used interchangeably in terms of meaning. The choice depends on the regional preference of the speaker or writer.
Usage Examples
- Correct Usage of โTowardโ
โShe ran toward the playground.โ
โHis dedication toward his studies is admirable.โ
โThey sailed toward the horizon.โ - Correct Usage of โTowardsโ
โHe stepped towards the edge of the cliff cautiously.โ
โTheir cooperation towards the group project was excellent.โ
โThe train is moving towards the next station.โ
Practical Application
- Toward
Use โtowardโ when writing in American English.
Example: โShe drove toward the sunset.โ - Towards
Use โtowardsโ when writing in British English.
Example: โHe leaned towards the microphone to speak.โ
Common Pitfalls
- Confusion: โTowardโ and โtowardsโ are sometimes confused due to their similar spelling and meaning. Writers and speakers should be aware of the regional preferences.
- Misinterpretation: Incorrect usage of โtowardโ or โtowardsโ can lead to confusion, especially in written communication aimed at a specific audience. Clarity in word choice is essential to convey the intended meaning accurately.
- Helpful Tip: When deciding between โtowardโ and โtowards,โ consider your audience’s regional preference. Use โtowardโ for American English and โtowardsโ for British English.
