US and UK English
toward vs towards
Regional usage, spelling, and examples
Toward and towards have the same meanings. Toward is more common in American English, while towards is more common in British English.
Regional decision guide
Match the usual form to your audience
Neither version is incorrect in either region. Consistency matters more than enforcing an absolute rule.
United States
toward
American preference
Toward without final S is substantially more common in American prose.
They walked toward the station.
United Kingdom
towards
British preference
Towards with final S is more common in British prose and conversation.
They walked towards the station.
Direct answer
What is the difference?
Both prepositions can describe direction, movement, position, attitude, or progress. The choice is normally regional or stylistic rather than grammatical. Toward ends with /d/; towards adds a final /z/ sound after that consonant, so the difference remains audible even though the meanings do not change.
Optional listening · American English
Compare the regional pronunciation
Switch between American and British English, then hear natural, careful, and slow reference samples for every term.
Word 1
toward
preposition or adjective
In the direction of, closer to, or in relation to something.
US pronunciation
/tɔrd/
UK IPA
/təˈwɔːd/
Hear three samples
How to pronounce it
Finish with a clear D. British speech often gives the word a light first syllable before stressed “ward.”
Word 2
towards
preposition
In the direction of or in relation to something; a variant of toward.
US pronunciation
/tɔrdz/
UK IPA
/təˈwɔːdz/
Hear three samples
How to pronounce it
After the D, keep the voice on for a final Z sound. Avoid dropping the last consonant in careful speech.
Listen in context
6 example sentences
Context makes meaning, grammar, and natural rhythm easier to understand. Every sentence has its own playback.
Examples with
toward
- The child ran toward the open gate.
- We are working toward a practical solution.
- Her attitude toward the proposal has changed.
Examples with
towards
- The boat moved slowly towards the shore.
- Public opinion shifted towards the new plan.
- She put the savings towards her tuition.
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