Is It Toward or Towards? | Spelling, Difference & Examples
Toward and towards are two ways of spelling the same preposition, which means “in contribution to,” “in the direction of,” or “in relation to.” The words are often used interchangeably, but there’s a difference in preference depending on whether you use British or American English.
- In American English, “toward” is more common.
- In British English, “towards” is more common.
It’s important to choose one spelling and use it consistently. The LanguageTool Grammar Checker can help you with this.
As the storm approached, people hurried toward/towards shelter.
The organization is moving toward/towards a more sustainable business model.
Working toward or towards
The phrase working toward or towards means “trying to achieve.” The same distinction applies to this phrase.
- In American English, “working toward” is more commonly used.
- In British English, “working towards” is preferred.
The nonprofit organization is tirelessly working toward/towards eradicating hunger in the community.
The team is working toward/towards a more efficient and streamlined workflow.
Main differences between American and British English
American and British English are very similar, but there are a few main differences in spelling. Five important differences are:
-or vs -our |
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-er vs -re |
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-ize vs -ise |
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-ed vs -t |
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Single vs double consonant |
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