English learners often encounter subtle differences between American and British English. One such difference lies in the use of the words toward and towards. While both words are correct and understood in both versions of English, they are used differently depending on whether you’re following American or British conventions. This article will delve into the nuances of toward and towards and help you understand when to use each one.
First, let’s establish that toward and towards are prepositions that essentially mean the same thing. They indicate direction, movement, or orientation toward a point, object, or person. For example, you might say, “She walked toward the park,” or “He turned towards the sound.” Both sentences are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning.
However, the preference for one form over the other can vary significantly depending on whether you are in an American or British English-speaking context. In American English, the preferred form is toward without the ‘s’. For example, Americans would typically say, “I am heading toward the city.” In contrast, British English speakers are more likely to use towards with the ‘s’. For instance, a British person might say, “I am walking towards the building.”
The preference for toward or towards is not just about regional dialects; it also extends to formal and informal writing. American academic and professional writing tends to favor toward. For example, in research papers, business reports, and other formal documents, you will more often see sentences like, “The company is moving toward a new strategy.” Conversely, British formal writing generally leans towards towards. You might find sentences such as, “The organization is progressing towards its goals” in British journals and official papers.
It’s worth noting that the distinction between toward and towards is not a hard and fast rule. There is some degree of interchangeability, and both forms are often understood and accepted in both American and British contexts. However, adhering to the regional preference can make your writing sound more natural and polished to native speakers of that variant of English.
Interestingly, this pattern of preference for the ‘s’ ending is not unique to toward and towards. It extends to other directional prepositions as well. For instance, American English prefers forward, backward, upward, and downward, while British English tends to favor forwards, backwards, upwards, and downwards. Understanding this broader pattern can help you remember the usage of toward and towards more easily.
One might wonder why such differences exist in the first place. The divergence between American and British English can be traced back to historical, cultural, and social factors. When the English language was exported to the Americas, it began to evolve separately from its British counterpart. Over time, spelling, grammar, and usage differences emerged, influenced by the new cultural context and the need for a distinct national identity. The difference between toward and towards is a small but telling example of this broader linguistic evolution.
For language learners, the key takeaway is to be aware of these regional preferences and adapt your usage accordingly. If you are writing for an American audience, use toward. If your audience is British, towards is the better choice. In cases where your audience might be international, consistency is crucial. Pick one form and stick with it throughout your text to maintain clarity and coherence.
In addition to regional preferences, context can also influence your choice. In more formal or academic settings, sticking to the regional norm is advisable. However, in informal contexts or when speaking, the difference is less critical, and both forms are generally acceptable.
Another point to consider is that some style guides and dictionaries might have specific recommendations. For example, the Chicago Manual of Style, which is widely used in American publishing, advocates for toward. On the other hand, the Oxford English Dictionary, a cornerstone of British English, lists towards as the preferred form. When in doubt, consulting the relevant style guide for your context can provide additional guidance.
To sum up, the choice between toward and towards boils down to regional preference and context. American English favors toward, while British English prefers towards. Both forms are correct and convey the same meaning, but adhering to these preferences can enhance the naturalness and professionalism of your writing. By understanding and applying these distinctions, you can communicate more effectively and authentically with your audience, whether they are in the United States, the United Kingdom, or elsewhere in the English-speaking world.
In conclusion, mastering the subtleties of language usage, such as the difference between toward and towards, is a valuable skill for any language learner. It not only improves your writing and speaking but also deepens your appreciation of the rich and varied world of English. So, the next time you find yourself writing a sentence with toward or towards, take a moment to consider your audience and context. With a little attention to detail, you can ensure that your language is both accurate and appropriate, whether you’re navigating the streets of New York or the avenues of London.
