Forward vs Forwards: Which One Should You Use?

One of the more confusing word pairs in English is “forward” vs “forwards”. At first glance, they seem to be interchangeable, but subtle differences in usage can affect how natural your writing or speech sounds. Should you use “forward” or “forwards” in a particular context

Is there a preferred choice in American English versus British English? And does it matter if you’re writing formally or casually? This article will explore the intricacies of “forward” vs “forwards”, offering guidance on usage, examining regional language differences, and offering practical advice for both formal writing and casual writing.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer understanding of when and how to use forward and forwards in different situations, plus a deeper understanding of the nuances between them. So let’s dive into the details of forward vs forwards and examine which one to choose based on context, formality, and English variant.

The Basics: Forward vs Forwards

At its core, “forward” and “forwards” both describe motion in the direction of the front or ahead. They are adverbs of movement and direction, but the key difference lies in their usage and context. Though they are often interchangeable, “forward” is considered more standard, particularly in American English, while “forwards” is used more in British English and in some informal contexts.

The distinction is subtle but important in writing. Let break down when to use each term:

• “Forward” is generally used in more formal contexts, especially in American English, and it has a broader application in various phrases.
• “Forwards”, on the other hand, is often preferred in British English, and it can feel more conversational and casual in speech and informal writing.

The choice between forward and forwards depends largely on the formality of the writing and the regional variation.

Usage in Different Contexts

Understanding when to use forward vs forwards comes down to the context in which the word appears. Here’s a breakdown of their typical usage in formal and informal writing:

Formal Writing

In formal writing, such as academic papers, business correspondence, and official reports, “forward” is almost always the preferred choice. For example:

• “Let’s move forward with the proposal.”
• “She is forward-thinking in her approach to leadership.”

In these examples, “forward” conveys a sense of progression and direction in a more refined, polished tone that suits formal writing.

When discussing forward movement in formal contexts, such as in business or policy discussions, “forward” is typically more neutral and less conversational, making it the more appropriate choice.

Casual Writing

In casual writing or informal speech, “forwards” is often used. This is particularly true in British English, where “forwards” may feel more natural and conversational. For instance:

• “We should keep moving forwards on this project.”
• “I’m really looking forwards to the weekend.”

In these examples, “forwards” adds a touch of familiarity and ease, making it more suited to informal contexts, such as text messages, blog posts, or everyday conversations.

Regional Language Differences

There are also regional preferences that influence the choice between forward and forwards. The most significant distinction is between American English and British English, but other English variants like Canadian English, Australian English, and New Zealand English also have their own tendencies.

American English vs British English

• In American English, “forward” is the more widely used form. In formal settings, you are more likely to encounter sentences such as “The meeting will move forward” or “Please send the document forward.”
• British English, however, favors “forwards” more often, especially in speech. For instance, “We need to look forwards to the future” or “Step forwards and introduce yourself.” In this case, the British variant feels more fluid and relaxed, with “forwards” fitting well with casual spoken language.

Canadian English, Australian English, and New Zealand English

• In Canadian English, both forms are used, but “forwards” is more common in informal speech and in certain regional dialects.
• In Australian English and New Zealand English, the distinction is less rigid, and both forms are used interchangeably, though “forwards” might be favored in casual contexts.

Understanding these regional language differences can help guide your choice of wording when writing for audiences in specific regions.

Synonyms of Forward and Forwards

Both forward and forwards share some synonyms that can be used to vary your language and avoid repetition. These include:

• Onward – Commonly used to describe movement in a forward direction, often in a formal or literary context.
• Ahead – Another synonym for forward, commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
• Toward – While toward refers to the direction of movement, it doesn’t imply forward progression in the same way forward or forwards does.

Examples:

• “The plan is to move onward with the merger.”
• “We need to look ahead to the next phase of development.”
• “He stepped toward the door but paused before going further.”

Using these synonyms allows you to maintain variety in your writing while keeping the meaning intact.

Origins of Forward

Both forward and forwards trace their origins back to Old English. The Old English word “forweard” referred to moving ahead or in front. Over time, forward became the standard term in Middle English, and forwards evolved as a variant, particularly used in the plural form.

Interestingly, the word “forward” has a more consistent historical usage, while “forwards” gradually gained acceptance in more informal speech.

Adverb Usage: Forward and Forwards

Both forward and forwards are adverbs, meaning they modify verbs to describe the direction of action. For example:

• “She looked forward to the event.”
• “They stepped forwards into the spotlight.”

As adverbs, they are both used to indicate direction or movement, typically referring to progressing or advancing. The only difference lies in their regional and stylistic preferences.

Formal vs Informal Writing

When deciding between forward and forwards, it’s important to consider the tone and style of your writing. Formal writing calls for a more neutral, polished approach, so “forward” is usually the safer choice. In contrast, informal writing allows for more flexibility, and “forwards” may feel more approachable.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose the right word:

Context	Preferred Form	Example Sentence
Formal Writing	Forward	“We must move forward with the plan.”
Casual Writing	Forwards	“Let’s move forwards with the project!”
American English	Forward	“The discussion moved forward.”
British English	Forwards	“He stepped forwards confidently.”
Synonyms	Ahead, Onward	“We must move ahead to progress.”

This table highlights the general trends in usage, though individual preferences may vary.

Toward vs Towards, Backward vs Backwards

To deepen your understanding of forward and forwards, let’s quickly look at some other commonly confused pairs of adverbs:

• Toward vs Towards: Like forward and forwards, “toward” (American English) and “towards” (British English) are interchangeable. Both mean “in the direction of.”
• Backward vs Backwards: Similarly, “backward” (American English) and “backwards” (British English) both refer to movement in the opposite direction.

These pairs follow the same pattern as forward and forwards, with “toward” and “backward” preferred in American English, while their counterparts (“towards” and “backwards”) are more common in British English.

Onward vs Onwards

Lastly, the difference between onward and onwards mirrors that of forward and forwards. Both indicate forward motion, but onward is typically used in more formal or literary contexts, while onwards is favored in more casual or conversational language.

Examples:

• “The team pressed onward with the initiative.”
• “We are moving onwards with

the new project.”

Conclusion

The choice between “forward” and “forwards” largely depends on the context and formality of your writing. “Forward” is typically preferred in formal settings and is more common in American English, while “forwards” is often used in casual speech and in British English. Understanding these distinctions will help you sound more natural and appropriate based on the situation.

Ultimately, both words are correct, but choosing the right one ensures your writing flows smoothly and aligns with the tone you want to convey. Whether you’re advancing a discussion in a professional context or casually chatting with friends, knowing when to use “forward” or “forwards” makes a significant difference in your communication.