Forward vs. Forwards: Exploring the Language Dilemma

Welcome! Language is full of quirks and questions. One common puzzle is forward vs. forwards. Which one is right? You’ve probably seen both words. You might wonder why there are two options. You’re not alone. Writers, editors, and speakers face this choice every day. In this post, we’ll dive deep into the history, the rules, and the practical uses of these terms. 

By the end, you’ll know when to pick forward and when to go with forwards. This guide is based on real research, style guides, and real-world examples. We keep it clear and easy. No jargon. No fluff. Just simple, friendly advice. Ready to sharpen your writing skills? Let’s jump in!

The Etymology of “Forward” and “Forwards”

1. Old English Roots:
   The base word forward comes from Old English “foreweard”. It joined “fore” (meaning “before”) and “weard” (meaning “toward”). Early texts from around the 10th century show this form.
   
2. Middle English Shift:
   In Middle English, “foreward” and “forward” were common. Writers spelled words a bit differently. Spelling wasn’t fixed then.
   
3. Emergence of “Forwards”:
   The adverb form forwards appeared later. It followed a pattern with other adverbs like “backwards” and “towards”. This form added an -s suffix to signal direction.
   
4. Evolution Over Time:
   Over centuries, usage settled. Some regions favored the plain form forward for both adjective and adverb. Others kept the -s for adverbs.
   
5. Literary Examples:
   
   • Geoffrey Chaucer uses forward in The Canterbury Tales.
     
   • Shakespeare also chose forward, never forwards, in his plays.
     

Understanding history helps us see why both forms exist.

“Forward” Defined

• Part of Speech:
  
  1. Adjective: Describes position or attitude (e.g., a forward thinker).
     
  2. Adverb: Shows direction (e.g., move forward).
     
  3. Noun: In sports, it names a player position (e.g., a basketball forward).
     
  4. Verb: Means to send on (e.g., forward an email).
     
• Dictionary Definitions:
  
  1. Adjective: “situated at or directed toward the front.”
     
  2. Adverb: “in the direction that one is facing or moving.”
     
  3. Noun: “a person who plays in a forward position.”
     
  4. Verb: “to pass on to a further destination.”
     
• Key Points:
  
  1. As an adverb, forward is standard in American English.
     
  2. It’s clear and works in formal writing.
     
• Example Sentences:
  
  1. She took a forward step.
     
  2. Please forward the document to me.
     
  3. He plays forward for the team.
     

“Forwards” Defined

• Part of Speech:
  
  1. Adverbs only.
     
• Dictionary Definition:
  
  1. “in the direction that one is facing or moving,” with an -s suffix.
     
• Regional Preference:
  
  1. Common in British English as the adverb form.
     
  2. Less common in American English but still acceptable.
     
• Example Sentences:
  
  1. The car rolled forwards.
     
  2. Step forward and introduce yourself.
     

Remember, forwards is rarely used as an adjective or noun. It stays an adverb.

Key Differences Between “Forward” and “Forwards”

• 
  Grammatical Role: Use forward when you need an adjective, noun, or verb.
  
• Tone: In American writing, forward as an adverb sounds cleaner.
  
• Region: British speakers often say forwards in everyday speech.
  

Usage in Different English Variants

British English

• Favors forwards as the adverb.
  
• Examples from UK newspapers use forwards consistently.
  

American English

• Prefers forward in all roles.
  
• Even British imports in US texts often drop the -s.
  

Australian and Canadian English

• A mix of both, leaning toward British conventions.
  
• Forwards shows up, but not as strongly as in the UK.
  

Knowing your audience helps you pick the right form.

Context-Specific Usage

1. Business Writing
   
   • Use forward to stay formal.
     
   • We look forward to your reply.
     
2. Everyday Conversation
   
   • Forwards sounds natural in British speech.
     
   • Come forward if you have questions.
     
3. Creative Writing
   
   • Both are fine—match your character’s voice.
     
   • A British character might say forwards.
     
4. Technical and Scientific Writing
   
   • Stick with forward for clarity.
     
   • Adhere to style guides.
     

The ‘-s’ Suffix in British vs. American English

• Pattern: Many adverbs add -s (e.g., towards, backwards).
  
• British Logic: The -s dates to Old Norse influence.
  
• American Shift: Dropped the -s for simplicity.
  

Parallel Examples:

Seeing this pattern helps you remember when to use forwards.

Practical Examples in Sentences

• Imperative:
  
  • Move forward! (US)
    
  • Step forward! (UK)
    
• Declarative:
  
  • She leaned forward in her chair.
    
  • He took two steps forwards.
    
• Interrogative:
  
  • Can you move forward a bit?
    
  • Will you step forwards?
    
• Email Context:
  
  • Please forward this message.
    
  • (“Please forwards this message” is incorrect.)
    
• Narrative:
  
  • The knight rode forward into battle.
    
  • The knight rode forwards into battle. (Both work, but the first is more common.)
    

Style Guides and Professional Writing

• APA: Recommends forward as an adverb.
  
• MLA: Doesn’t forbid forwards, but examples use forward.
  
• Chicago Manual of Style: Prefers forward in formal writing.
  

Corporate Style:

• Many companies set forward as the standard adverb.
  
• Helps maintain consistency.
  

Journalistic Style:

• AP Stylebook uses forward.
  
• Journalists rarely use forwards.
  

Consistency is key. Choose one form and stick with it.

Digital Age Impact on Usage

• Email & Messaging:
  
  • Verb forward is vital (e.g., forward an email).
    
• Social Media:
  
  • Short text favors forward (no extra letter).
    
• Tech Terms:
  
  • Forwarding functions drop the -s in the UI (e.g., the “Forward” button).
    

Digital trends push toward simplicity.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Using “forwards” as an adjective
   
   • Incorrect: a forwards pass
     
   • Correct: a forward pass
     
2. Swapping forms in one document
   
   • Pick one style guide and follow it.
     
3. Informal vs. Formal Mix
   
   • Avoid forwards in academic papers.
     
4. Myths
   
   • Myth: forward is always US only.
     
   • Fact: UK accepts forward too.
     

Self-Check Tips:

• Identify part of speech.
  
• Check your style guide.
  
• Read aloud—what sounds natural?
  

Tips for Choosing Between “Forward” & “Forwards”

• Formal or Informal?
  
  • Formal: forward.
    
  • Informal (UK): forwards.
    
• Audience:
  
  • US readers expect forward.
    
  • UK readers accept both, prefer forwards.
    
• Usage:
  
  • Adjective, noun, verb: forward.
    
  • Adverb: both, but forward wins in US.
    
• Consistency Checklist:
  
  • One document uses one form.
    
  • Make a quick note: “Use forward for adverbs.”
    

Related Directional Terms and Their Usage

Learning these helps you keep direction words straight.

The Future of “Forward” & “Forwards”

• Digital Usage Data: Online corpora show forward rising everywhere.
  
• Linguists’ View: Many predict the -s forms will fade.
  
• Dictionaries: Still list both, but note regional preferences.
  
• Prediction: Forward will dominate global English.
  

Language evolves. Keep an eye on style guides and corpora.

Conclusion

We’ve covered the history, definitions, and practical rules for forward vs. forwards. Both words are correct. Choice depends on part of speech, region, and formality. For clear, consistent writing:

• Use forward in formal and American contexts.
  
• Use forwards in informal British speech.
  
• Stick to one form per document.
  

With these tips, you’ll write confidently and accurately. Keep exploring language. Stay curious. And enjoy the journey forward!

FAQs About “Forward” and “Forwards”

1. Is “forwards” wrong in American English?
   No. It’s not wrong, but forward is preferred for formal and adverb use.
   
2. Can “forward” be used as a noun?
   Yes. In sports, a forward is a player position.
   
3. What’s the difference between “forward thinking” and “thinking forwards”?
   “Forward thinking” is an adjective phrase. “Thinking forwards” uses “forwards” as an adverb.
   
4. Do other -s adverbs follow the same pattern?
   Yes. Words like towards, backwards, and upwards have British/American splits.
   
5. Is there a difference in pronunciation?
   No. Both forward and forwards sound similar. The extra -s does not change stress.

Ruby Skye