Towards or toward?

Towards and toward are prepositions. We can use both forms, but towards is much more common than toward.

Toward(s) most often means ‘in the direction of something’:

The oil pollution is now moving towards the shore, and could threaten beaches and wild life.

He stood up and moved toward the door.

We use toward(s) to mean ‘in relation to someone or something’. We don’t use against or aboutwhen we talk about people’s attitudes, feelings and behaviour in relation to one another:

She’s always been very friendly towards me.

He felt very angry towards her when she refused him.

Not: … angry against her … or … angry about her …

Toward(s): position

We use toward(s) to mean ‘near to or just before a time or place’:

Toward the late afternoon I always get sleepy and can’t work so well.

We sat towards the back of the room but we could still hear the speakers very clearly.

Toward(s): purpose

Toward(s) can mean ‘for the purpose of buying or achieving something’:

Would you like to make a contribution towards our new children’s playground? (Would you like to give some money to help pay for it?)

The essays you do during term count towards your final grade.

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