Toward and Towards: Definition, Synonyms, and Usage
Toward and Towards – Definition and Part of Speech
“Toward” and “towards,” both adverbs, denote movement in the direction of a specific point or object. Though often interchangeable, their usage varies based on regional preference—American English predominantly uses “toward,” while British English favors “towards.” These terms do not possess different grammatical forms akin to verbs like “to run” and “run.”
Core Synonyms
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| In the direction of | Direct movement or progression towards a point; often more formal. | “The river flows in the direction of the sea.” | Formal/Academic |
| Heading for | Implies intention or purpose towards something; slightly informal. | “They are heading for the new city on their road trip.” | Casual/Informal |
| Advancing toward | Suggests gradual movement, often used in more formal contexts. | “The committee is advancing toward a decision on the proposal.” | Formal/Academic |
| Approaching | Denotes proximity and imminent arrival; versatile across styles. | “Approaching the end of the semester, students began final projects.” | Academic/Business/Casual |
Usage Notes
-
In the direction of: Ideal for formal writing such as academic papers or business reports where precision in movement is important.
-
Example: “The company expanded its operations in the direction of emerging markets.”
-
Heading for: Suitable for casual conversation and informal writing, implying a deliberate course towards an objective.
-
Example: “We’re heading for a coffee shop after this meeting.”
-
Advancing toward: Best used in contexts where gradual progress is emphasized, such as scientific papers or detailed reports.
-
Example: “Research is advancing toward potential breakthroughs in renewable energy technologies.”
-
Approaching: Versatile across various styles, it signifies nearing proximity to an event, deadline, or goal.
-
Example: “With the approaching holiday season, sales have begun to increase significantly.”
Common Pitfalls
One common pitfall is mixing up “toward” and “towards,” which could be a matter of regional preference rather than error. Another potential confusion arises with words like “approaching,” where the emphasis is more on proximity than direct motion. Ensuring clarity by choosing synonyms that best fit the context can prevent misunderstandings in both written and spoken communication.
Final Recap
“Toward” and “towards” convey movement or progression in a particular direction, serving as useful adverbs across many contexts. Synonyms like “in the direction of,” “heading for,” “advancing toward,” and “approaching” offer nuanced alternatives that can enrich vocabulary. By understanding these subtleties:
- Use “in the direction of” for formal or academic settings.
- Opt for “heading for” in casual conversations or informal writings.
- Apply “advancing toward” when indicating gradual progress, particularly in formal documents.
- Choose “approaching” to highlight proximity and imminent occurrences across different registers.
Practice using these synonyms in writing your own sentences and conversational exchanges to develop a more nuanced understanding of their applications. This will help you communicate with greater precision and sophistication in both everyday situations and specialized contexts.