Toward vs Towards: Which Should You Use?
Both are correct and mean exactly the same thing. Toward is preferred in American English; towards is preferred in British, Australian and most other English. Pick the one that matches your spelling style and use it consistently.
Updated 21 October 2026 · EssayWriting.com editorial team
- Toward and towards mean the same thing.
- Toward is American; towards is British and international.
- Match your paper’s spelling style and stay consistent.
Toward vs towards: the difference at a glance
| Form | Preferred in | Example |
|---|---|---|
| toward | US and Canadian English | A step toward equality. |
| towards | UK, Ireland, Australia, NZ, India | Attitudes towards social media. |
Using toward in American English
US style guides such as AP and Chicago favour toward. The same pattern applies to afterward, backward, forward and upward.
- Students’ attitudes toward AI tools.
- We are working toward a solution.
Using towards in British English
British writers use towards, as well as afterwards and backwards.
- A shift towards remote learning.
- Towards the end of the novel…
How to remember the difference
Match it to your spelling: if you write color and organize, use toward. If you write colour and organise, use towards. The s is British, like s in organise.
Tricky cases and exceptions
Forward is the exception: it is standard in both varieties, while forwards is mainly British and used for direction. Untoward (unexpected or improper) never takes an s.
Toward vs towards in academic writing
Consistency matters more than the choice. Follow your assignment’s spelling convention: APA journals use American spelling; UK universities usually accept British. Never mix toward and towards in the same paper.
Practice quiz
Choose the correct option, then open each answer to check your reasoning.
1. Is "attitudes towards" correct?
Yes, in British English; in American English "attitudes toward" is preferred.
2. Which matches "behavior"? (toward / towards)
toward: American spelling.
3. Is "untowards" a word?
No. The word is untoward.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Is towards incorrect in American English?
No, just less common. Toward is the usual US form.
Do toward and towards mean different things?
No. They are identical in meaning.
Which does APA use?
APA follows American spelling, so toward.
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