You are here:
- Home
- Arts/Humanities
- Writing
- General Writing and Grammar Help
- "Toward" and "towards"
General Writing and Grammar Help/"Toward" and "towards"
Advertisement
Question
Hello Jerry,
What is the difference between these two words: "toward" and "towards." Thank you in advance.
Tom,
There really isn't any difference between them, both are acceptable in English grammar.
However, the American Heritage Dictionary of English Usage claims that "toward" is used more often in American English, while "towards" is used more often in British English. So, if you are an American and the author is from outside of the U.S. and presumably learned a form of British English, that would explain why you and she use different forms of the word.
The difference between the American and British version of "toward(s)" follows a general pattern that I've noticed. It seems that when Americans and Brits spell words differently, or use slightly different words to express the same thing, the American version is shorter, leaner, with fewer letters than the more decorative British version.
I hope this helps, Jerry Leone
- View Follow-Ups
- Add to this Answer
- Ask a Question
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | His answer is clear, well-targeted and useful. | ||
Related Articles
- Differences between British and American English - Quiz
- Differences Between American and British English - American and British English Differences
- Americanism - Definition and Examples of Americanisms
- Differences Between British and American Spellings - Spelling in American and British English
- Standard British English - Definition and Examples of Standard British English
Answers by Expert:
Jerry Leone
Expertise
I`ve taught writing or some aspect of the English language for nearly 35 years. I can answer nearly any question on grammar, usage or meanings of words above dictionary usage. An avid crossword fan and writer, I can also answer questions about business presentations and resumes.
Experience
I have worked with words all my life as a teacher of the language and as an amateur and professional writer. Communication is a vital force in my life and everyone else's.
Organizations
Sigma Delta Chi, NY Press Association, NY Publishers Association
Education/Credentials
BA in English from the University of Buffalo, MEd in English from SUNY Buffalo, MA in English Literature from SUNY Buffalo. Course work in Journalism from Syracuse Univ., in Linguistics from Rutgers Univ. and Journalism from Univ. of Texas and Ohio Univesrity.
Awards and Honors
Chancellor's Award for Excellence Teaching SUNY, Distinguished Teaching Award SUNY Morrisville, Who's Who in American Journalism Education
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.