Some critters repremand me for leaving out the "s" saying it's "towards." While others scratch out my additional "s" saying it's "toward."
So I did a little digging.
You know what I found out?
It's both ... in a sense. It really depends on where you are from, which is the correct spelling. Towards is more common in British English whereas Toward is more common in American English.
Taken from Dictionary.com
to·ward (tôrd, tōrd, tə-wôrd')
prep. also to·wards (tôrdz, tōrdz, tə-wôrdz')
1. In the direction of: driving toward home.
2. In a position facing: had his back toward me.
3. Somewhat before in time: It began to rain toward morning.
4. With regard to; in relation to: an optimistic attitude toward the future.
5. In furtherance or partial fulfillment of: contributed five dollars toward the bill.
6. By way of achieving; with a view to: efforts toward peace.
adj. (tôrd, tōrd)
1. Favoring success or a good outcome; propitious.
2. often towards Happening soon; imminent.
3. Obsolete Being quick to understand or learn.
[Middle English, from Old English tōweard : tō , to ; see to + -weard , -ward .]
Usage Note : Some critics have tried to discern a semantic distinction between toward and towards, but the difference is entirely dialectal. Toward is more common in American English; towards is the predominant form in British English.
8 comments:
That one's always stumped me, too. Thanks for posting it, Katie.
This some always gets me, as well, because I like the sound of "towards" better but my critique partners always change it. I'm holding onto that s until an agent says I can't have them. lol
I like towards ... it just sounds better to me.
There's a lot of confusing words out there. I've found the best source for questioning any words like this is grammar girl. If you go there, you'll find gobs of information on these things and more. I recommend the site. You can sign up for her e-news letter too.
Yep Yep. Grammar Girl is awesome! I have one of her books.
I have a mental block with this one...am always messing it up and couldn't even concentrate when trying to read your explanation...must get therapy. :)
i say its towards
Good read! I didn't know this!
http://www.awordorthree.com
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