Have you ever paused mid-sentence, unsure whether to write “backward” or “backwards”? You’re not alone. The difference between Backward vs Backwards is subtle but important, and mastering it can make your writing clearer and more polished. Whether you’re drafting an email, writing a report, or simply texting a friend, knowing when to use each word can save you from awkward mistakes.
But that’s not all—English is full of tricky word pairs like compose vs comprise, reign vs rein, and forward vs forwards that can trip up even the most confident writers. In this blog, we’ll break down the difference between “backward” and “backwards,” explore why grammar matters, and give you tips to avoid common mistakes. Ready to clear up the confusion? Let’s dive in!
Backward vs Backwards – What’s the Difference?
English has a sneaky way of making you second-guess even the simplest words. One of the biggest culprits? Backward vs Backwards. If you’ve ever hesitated before writing one of these, you’re not alone. The difference between them is subtle, but once you get it, you’ll never second-guess yourself again.
The Core Difference Between the Two
The key to understanding backward vs backwards is knowing how each functions in a sentence. Backward pulls double duty as both an adjective and an adverb, while backwards is strictly an adverb.
Let’s break it down:
- Backward (Adjective) – Describes a noun, often meaning “opposite of forward” or “behind in progress.”
- Example: “She took a backward step to avoid the puddle.”
- Backward (Adverb) – Describes an action happening in the opposite direction.
- Example: “He stumbled backward but managed to regain his balance.”
- Backwards (Adverb) – Means the same thing as “backward” when used as an adverb, but it’s more common in British English.
- Example: “She glanced backwards to check if anyone was following her.”
American English vs. British English – The Regional Twist
Here’s where things get tricky. If you’re in the U.S., you’re more likely to hear “backward” as the preferred form for both adjectives and adverbs. In British English, “backwards” is more common when used as an adverb. That means an American might say, “He walked backward into the room,” while a Brit might say, “He walked backwards into the room.”
Both versions are grammatically correct, but using “backward” in the U.S. and “backwards” in the U.K. aligns with regional preferences. So, if you want your writing to sound natural, it helps to know your audience.
Comparison Table: Backward vs Backwards
| Usage | Backward | Backwards |
|---|---|---|
| Adjective | ✔ “A backward glance” | ❌ (Incorrect) |
| Adverb (American English) | ✔ “He moved backward.” | ✅ (Less common) |
| Adverb (British English) | ✅ (Less common) | ✔ “He moved backwards.” |
Common Grammar Confusions – A Quick Look
If backward vs backwards had you thinking twice, you’re not alone—English is full of words that seem interchangeable but actually have distinct meanings. And if you’ve ever hesitated before writing something as simple as “compose vs comprise” or “reign or rein,” you know exactly how tricky it can get.
Understanding these differences isn’t about nitpicking—it’s about making your writing clearer, more professional, and more precise. So, let’s clear up some of the most common grammar mix-ups once and for all.
1. Pre vs Post – Timing Is Everything
When talking about pre vs post, pre- means before, and post- means after. Simple, right? But things get tricky when you’re deciding which prefix to use.
- Pre-event planning means planning before an event takes place.
- Post-game analysis happens after a game is over.
If you’re unsure, just ask yourself: Am I talking about something happening before or after? That’s your answer.
2. Compose vs Comprise – The Whole vs Its Parts
These two words seem interchangeable, but they’re not.
- Compose means to make up something. (“The United States is composed of 50 states.”)
- Comprise means to include or contain. (“The United States comprises 50 states.”)
A quick trick? The whole comprises the parts, but the parts compose the whole.
3. Hangar vs Hanger – Planes or Clothes?
One of these stores aircraft, and the other holds your favorite shirt.
- Hangar = A large building where planes are kept.
- Hanger = What you use to hang clothes in your closet.
Picture this: You wouldn’t park your car in a hanger—unless it’s a coat that needs hanging.
4. Serigraph vs Lithograph – The Art of Printing
If you’re into art prints, this one’s for you.
- A serigraph is a silk-screen print (think vibrant, layered ink).
- A lithograph is made using stone or metal plates, often for fine art reproductions.
Both are collectible, but knowing the difference can help you choose wisely.
5. Oxymoron vs Juxtaposition – Similar, But Different
At first glance, these might seem identical, but they serve different purposes.
- An oxymoron is a phrase with contradictory words: “deafening silence” or “bittersweet.”
- Juxtaposition places two contrasting ideas side by side for effect: “A luxury car parked next to a rundown house.”
Both highlight contrasts, but oxymorons do it in a single phrase, while juxtaposition does it through context.
6. Of Course or Ofcourse – The Correct Spelling
This one’s easy. The phrase is always “of course”—two words. “Ofcourse” isn’t a word. If you ever see it written that way, it’s a mistake.
7. Forward vs Forwards – A Lot Like Backward vs Backwards
If you caught onto the difference between backward vs backwards, then this should be familiar.
- Forward is preferred in American English.
- Forwards is more common in British English.
So, an American might say “Move forward with the plan,” while a Brit might say “She leaned forwards slightly.” Both work, but forward is more universally accepted.
8. Reign or Rein – Power vs Control
Ever read “take the reigns”? That’s a mistake—because reigns and reins mean very different things.
- Reign refers to a period of rule: “The queen’s reign lasted 50 years.”
- Rein refers to control—either of a horse (“Pull the reins to slow down”) or a situation (“Keep your emotions in check—rein them in.”)
A trick? Reign = royalty, rein = restraint.
9. Choosing or Chosing – Spelling Counts
If you’re writing “chosing,” stop right there—it’s not a word.
The correct form is choosing (“She is choosing the best option.”).
English can be weird, but when in doubt, always double-check your spelling.
Why Grammar Matters?
Now that we’ve untangled some of the most confusing word pairs, it’s time to address the bigger question—why does any of this matter? You might think that swapping reign for rein or using backwards instead of backward is just a minor slip, but in reality, small grammar mistakes can change the meaning of a sentence, make your writing harder to understand, and even affect how professional you appear.
Good grammar isn’t about impressing grammar purists—it’s about making sure your message is clear, credible, and taken seriously.
1. Clarity: Say What You Actually Mean
When words are misused, they can create unintended confusion. Imagine a pilot telling passengers, “We’ll be arriving at the airport hangar shortly.” If you’re not paying close attention, you might be wondering why you’re landing inside a hanger—which, of course, is for clothes, not airplanes.
The same thing happens when someone writes, “She was chosing her words carefully.” The incorrect spelling can make the reader pause, break their focus, and question the credibility of the content.
When writing, every second the reader spends deciphering your words is a second they’re not absorbing your message.
2. Professionalism: People Notice Mistakes
Like it or not, people judge your writing. Whether you’re sending an email, drafting a report, or publishing an article, poor grammar can make you seem careless or unprofessional.
For instance, if a business proposal says, “Our company comprise experienced professionals,” it immediately raises red flags. A potential client might wonder if the same lack of attention to detail carries over into the company’s work.
Using the right words and structures helps you come across as polished, knowledgeable, and trustworthy.
3. Credibility: Readers Trust Well-Written Content
Even if you’re not in a professional setting, clear and correct writing makes a difference. Imagine you’re reading an article about financial advice, and the author confuses compose vs comprise or forward vs forwards inconsistently throughout the piece. It doesn’t matter how good the advice is—if the writing seems sloppy, you’re less likely to trust the information.
Grammar is an invisible force that strengthens credibility. When words are used correctly, readers focus on the message. When they’re not, readers focus on the mistakes.
Tips to Avoid Common Grammar Mistakes
Now that we’ve covered why grammar matters, the next step is figuring out how to improve it. The good news? You don’t need to be a walking dictionary or memorize every rule. The key is building habits that make correct grammar second nature. Small adjustments—like recognizing the difference between backward vs backwards or knowing when to use compose vs comprise—can make your writing clearer, more professional, and more confident.
Here’s how to sharpen your grammar skills without making it feel like school all over again.
1. Use Grammar-Checking Tools (But Don’t Rely on Them Completely)
Grammar tools like Grammarly, Hemingway Editor, and even Microsoft Word’s built-in checker can catch many common mistakes. They highlight spelling errors, misused words, and awkward phrasing—helping you spot issues before hitting send.
But here’s the catch: these tools aren’t perfect. They can miss subtle distinctions, like when reign vs rein is used incorrectly in context. Instead of treating them as a final decision-maker, use them as a guide. When in doubt, double-check with a trusted grammar resource.
2. Read Widely to Absorb the Correct Usage
You don’t have to study grammar books to improve your writing. Just reading more—whether it’s news articles, well-written blogs, or even novels—helps you naturally pick up on correct word usage. The more you see words used in context, the more familiar you become with tricky distinctions like hangar vs hanger or forward vs forwards.
Reading also sharpens your intuition. Over time, sentences will start to sound right or wrong before you even think about the rules. That’s when you know you’re making real progress.
3. Practice Writing and Proofreading
You can read all the grammar guides in the world, but if you never put the knowledge into practice, it won’t stick. Writing regularly—whether it’s emails, social media posts, or even journal entries—helps reinforce what you’ve learned.
But proofreading is just as important as writing. Instead of rushing through and assuming everything is correct, take a moment to read your work out loud. This forces you to slow down and catch mistakes that your brain might have skimmed over. If you’ve ever accidentally written “ofcourse” instead of “of course,” you know how easy it is for the mind to overlook small but important details.
Final Note
Understanding the difference between Backward vs Backwards is just one step toward mastering the nuances of English grammar. While the distinction may seem small, it’s these little details that can elevate your writing and make your communication more precise. Whether you’re navigating regional preferences (like forward vs forwards) or avoiding common mix-ups (like reign vs rein), paying attention to grammar ensures your message is clear, professional, and credible. So, the next time you’re tempted to write “ofcourse” or “chosing,” remember: good grammar isn’t about perfection—it’s about clarity and confidence. Keep practicing, and soon, these tricky word pairs will feel like second nature.
Frequently Asked Question
No, “backwards” is not incorrect in American English, but it’s less common. In the U.S., “backward” is generally preferred for both adjective and adverb usage. For example, Americans are more likely to say, “He walked backward into the room,” while British English speakers might say, “He walked backwards into the room.” Both are correct, but regional preferences matter.
These two words are often confused, but they have distinct meanings:
- Compose means to make up or form something. For example, “The committee is composed of five members.”
- Comprise means to include or contain. For example, “The committee comprises five members.”
- A quick tip: The whole comprises the parts, but the parts compose the whole.
Think of “reign” as ruling (like a king or queen’s reign) and “rein” as control (like the reins of a horse). For example:
- “The queen’s reign lasted 50 years.”
- “Pull the reins to guide the horse.”
- A common mistake is writing “take the reigns” instead of “take the reins”—remember, “reins” are for control, not royalty!
The correct spelling is always “of course”—two words. “Ofcourse” is not a word and is considered a spelling error. For example, “Of course, I’ll help you with that project.”
This pair works similarly to “backward” and “backwards.”
- Forward is more common in American English. For example, “Move forward with the plan.”
- Forwards is more common in British English. For example, “She leaned forwards slightly.”
- Both are correct, but “forward” is more universally accepted.
