Forward vs Forwards: Which One Should You Use?

When it comes to writing or speaking, a common point of confusion is whether to use “forward” or “forwards.” Although these two words might seem interchangeable, they have subtle differences that can affect the clarity of your message. In this article, we’ll explore “forward vs forwards” and help you understand which one you should use in different contexts.

Why is There Confusion?

The confusion between “forward” and “forwards” arises primarily from the subtle differences in usage across various forms of English. While both words generally mean the same thing, their preferred usage can vary depending on whether you’re following American, British, Canadian, Australian, or New Zealand English conventions.

What Does the Word “Forward” Mean?

The word “forward” can be used as an adverb, adjective, or verb, and it often describes movement, direction, or progress.

• As an adverb: “Forward” means moving ahead or toward a place, position, or time. For example, “The car moved forward” or “Let’s push forward with the plan.”
• As an adjective: It describes something that is ahead or in front, like in the phrase “forward position.” It can also describe someone who is bold or confident, as in “a forward-thinking person.”
• As a verb: “Forward” means to send something onward, usually to another person or place. For instance, “Please forward the email to your team.”

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What Does the Word “Forwards” Mean?

The word “forwards” is primarily used as an adverb, and it has the same basic meaning as “forward” when referring to movement or direction. For example, “She walked forwards” or “The project is moving forwards.” In these cases, “forwards” indicates movement toward a point ahead.

“Forward” vs. “Forwards”: The Differences

While both words are related to direction and movement, their usage varies depending on the context and the form of English you are following.

Usage in Different English Variants

One of the most notable differences between “forward” and “forwards” is their usage across different variants of English, including American, British, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand English.

American English: In American English, “forward” is the preferred form and is used in almost all contexts. Whether you’re describing movement, direction, or progress, Americans tend to stick with “forward.”

Examples:

• • “He took a step forward.”
  • “Let’s move forward with the project.”
  • “She leaned forward to get a better view.”

British English: In British English, “forwards” is more commonly used, though both “forward” and “forwards” are acceptable. “Forwards” might be slightly more prevalent in everyday language, especially in informal contexts.

Examples:

• • “She moved forwards to the front of the room.”
  • “The car rolled forwards down the hill.”
  • “The conversation moved forwards smoothly.”

Canadian English: Canadian English generally follows American English conventions, so “forward” is typically preferred. However, due to British influences, “forwards” may also be used in some informal contexts.

Examples:

• • “He walked forward without hesitation.”
  • “They look forward to the upcoming event.”
  • “Please forward the document to the manager.”

Australian English: In Australian English, both “forward” and “forwards” are used, but “forward” is more common, particularly in formal writing. “Forwards” may appear more frequently in casual conversation or informal writing.

Examples:

• • “The team is moving forward with the plan.”
  • “She stepped forwards to take a closer look.”
  • “He looked forward to the weekend.”

New Zealand English: Similar to Australian English, New Zealand English allows both “forward” and “forwards,” with “forward” being more prevalent in formal contexts. “Forwards” is more likely to be used in everyday speech.

Examples:

• • “We need to move forward on this issue.”
  • “The car inched forwards slowly.”
  • “She leaned forwards to see better.”

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Common Contexts Where Each Is Used

Beyond the regional differences, the choice between “forward” and “forwards” can also depend on the context in which the word is used.

“Forward” is more commonly used in formal writing, instructions, and professional settings. It often appears in phrases like “look forward to” and “forward-thinking,” where the use of “forwards” would seem out of place.

Examples:

• • “Please forward the email to the entire team.”
  • “We look forward to your response.”
  • “The company is known for its forward-thinking approach.”

“Forwards” is more frequently seen in informal speech or writing, especially when the action is physical movement. It’s also used in many idiomatic expressions, particularly in British English and its influenced variants like Australian and New Zealand English.

Examples:

• • “She walked forwards without hesitation.”
  • “The horse trotted forwards at a steady pace.”
  • “He leaned forwards to hear better.”

British English Words Ending in ‘s’ vs American English

Word	British English	American English
Forward/Forwards	Forwards	Forward
Toward/Towards	Towards	Toward
Backward/Backwards	Backwards	Backward
Upward/Upwards	Upwards	Upward
Downward/Downwards	Downwards	Downward
Inward/Inwards	Inwards	Inward
Outward/Outwards	Outwards	Outward
Afterward/Afterwards	Afterwards	Afterward

Examples of “Forward” and “Forwards” in Sentences

To give you a clearer understanding of how these words are used in different contexts, here are some examples for both “forward” and “forwards”:

Sentences Using “Forward”

• “They decided to move forward with the project after the meeting.”
• “The dog took a step forward, curious about the sound.”
• “She leaned forward to pick up the book from the floor.”
• “He was looking forward to his vacation in the mountains.”
• “Please forward the message to the rest of the team.”
• “The plan is to move forward with the new policy next month.”
• “His forward-thinking ideas helped the company grow.”

Sentences Using “Forwards”

• “The line of people moved forwards slowly.”
• “She stepped forwards to accept the award.”
• “The car inched forwards in the heavy traffic.”
• “He tilted his chair forwards to grab the remote.”
• “The parade marched forwards along the main street.”
• “The boat drifted forwards with the current.”
• “She pushed the stroller forwards as they walked through the park.”

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Which One Should You Use: “Forward” or “Forwards”?

Here are some general guidelines and tips for writers to help you make the right choice.

General Guidelines

• Consider Your Audience: If you’re writing for an American audience, stick with “forward” in all contexts. For British, Australian, New Zealand, or Canadian audiences, you have the flexibility to use either “forward” or “forwards,” depending on the tone and formality of your writing.

• Match the Context: In formal writing or professional contexts, “forward” is usually the safer choice. For more casual writing or dialogue, “forwards” can be used, particularly if you’re following British English conventions.

• Avoid Mixing: Consistency is key. Avoid switching between “forward” and “forwards” within the same document or conversation to prevent confusion.

Tips for Writers

• Read Aloud: Sometimes, reading the sentence aloud can help you decide which word sounds more natural in context.
• Check Your Style Guide: If you’re writing for a publication or organization, consult their style guide to see if there’s a preferred form.
• Use Tools: Grammar and style-checking tools can also help you spot inconsistencies in your use of “forward” and “forwards.”

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Synonyms of “Forward” and “Forwards”

Synonyms of “Forward”:

• Ahead
• Onward
• Advancing
• Progressing
• Moving forward
• Promoting

Synonyms of “Forwards”:

• Onwards
• Advancing
• Ahead
• Moving forwards
• Progressing

Origins of “Forward” and “Forwards”

The origins of both “forward” and “forwards” trace back to Old English. The word “forward” comes from the Old English foreweard, meaning “toward the front” or “in front.” The components fore- mean “before” or “ahead,” and -weard is a suffix meaning “toward.” Over time, “forward” became the standard form, particularly in American English, where it is used in almost all contexts.

The word “forwards” also has roots in Old English, deriving from foreweardes, where the -es ending served as an adverbial suffix. This form persisted in British English and its influenced variants, such as Australian and New Zealand English, where the use of -s endings for adverbs like “towards,” “backwards,” and “afterwards” is more common. In contrast, American English largely dropped the -s ending, favoring “forward” in all contexts, a shift solidified by Webster’s dictionary in the 19th century.

Conclusion

While both words generally mean the same thing, their usage varies depending on the context, audience, and regional language conventions.

In American English, “forward” is the preferred choice in almost all situations, whether you’re writing formally or informally. In British English and its influenced variants, such as Australian, New Zealand, and, to some extent, Canadian English, you have more flexibility. In these variants, “forwards” is a common alternative, especially in casual settings, though “forward” is often used in more formal contexts.

Sources

Merriam-Webster (Forwards Definition & Meaning), Etymonline (forward | Etymology of forward by etymonline) and Etymonline (forwards | Etymology of forwards by etymonline).