1. MissRis

    MissRis New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2012
    Messages:
    234
    Likes Received:
    4
    Location:
    Canada

    Toward or towards?

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by MissRis, May 12, 2012.

    I keep coming to this in my story. "I walked toward..." I'm reviewing my work and I keep finding that I have written "towards." Which is it? Is it simply a matter of casual versus formal writing?
     
  2. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    May 19, 2007
    Messages:
    36,161
    Likes Received:
    2,827
    Location:
    Massachusetts, USA
    Google toward vs towards, and you'll find good coverage of this issue. There are also prior threads on it here.
     
  3. C.B Harrington

    C.B Harrington New Member

    Joined:
    May 8, 2012
    Messages:
    92
    Likes Received:
    6
    Either is fine, it's like spelling color colour. Just depends on what form of English you're using.

    However, I generally use towards with gerunds and toward with past tense.

    I jumped toward her.
    I was jumping towards her.

    Just something I noticed I do.
     
  4. killbill

    killbill Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2012
    Messages:
    551
    Likes Received:
    25
    Location:
    where the mind is without fear...
    I am not surprise you are from Canada. Only US English seems to use "toward".
     
  5. digitig

    digitig Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2010
    Messages:
    2,490
    Likes Received:
    81
    Location:
    Orpington, Bromley, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
    Although if you look at the ngram curves on grammarist (which you'll find if you follow Cog's advice) it looks as if non-US usage might be starting to switch over too, about a century later than US usage did.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice