The English language—it’s something quite unique we humans have created. Even a single character can make all the difference in how a word is used. Take forward and forwards, for example. At first glance, they seem interchangeable but dig a little deeper, and you’ll find subtle yet important distinctions.
Whether you’re writing an email, crafting a story, or simply trying to sound polished, understanding the difference between forward vs forwards can elevate your communication. And it’s not just these two—English is full of word pairs like pre vs post, compose vs comprise, and hangar vs hanger that can trip you up if you’re not careful. Ready to clear up the confusion? Let’s dive in and explore the key differences you need to know.
Forward vs Forwards: Definitions and Usage
If you’ve ever paused mid-sentence wondering whether to use forward or forwards, you’re not alone. This small difference can trip up even fluent speakers, especially when writing formally. But don’t worry—you’re about to get a clear, no-nonsense breakdown of when to use which, why it matters, and how to keep your writing sharp.
What Does "Forward" Mean?
The word forward is the more flexible of the two. It can function as an adjective, adverb, noun, and even a verb, depending on the context.
- As an adjective, it describes something at or toward the front:
- She had a forward attitude in business, always pushing for new ideas.
- As an adverb, it means moving ahead:
- He stepped forward to introduce himself.
- As a noun, it refers to a position in sports (like soccer or basketball):
- The forward scored the winning goal.
- As a verb, it means to send something on:
- Can you forward me that email?
What About "Forwards"?
Unlike forward, the word forwards is only used as an adverb. It also means moving ahead, but with one key difference—it’s more common in British English.
- She leaned forwards to hear the conversation better.
- The car moved forwards after the light turned green.
If you’re in the U.S., forward is almost always the preferred choice. In the U.K., both forms exist, but forwards are slightly more common in casual speech.
The Key Difference: American vs. British English
The main reason for the confusion? Regional differences. If you’re writing for an American audience, stick to forward. If you’re writing for a British audience, both forms are acceptable, but forwards might sound more natural in everyday conversation.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Function | Forward (American English) | Forwards (British English) |
|---|---|---|
| Adverb | “Move forward with confidence.” | “Move forwards cautiously.” |
| Adjective | “A forward motion is necessary.” | (Not used this way) |
| Noun | “He’s playing as a forward in the game.” | (Not used this way) |
| Verb | “I’ll forward the message to you.” | (Not used this way) |
When to Use Forward vs Forwards
Now that you know the difference between forward vs forwards, the next question is: When do you use one over the other? Context is everything. While both words indicate movement ahead, certain situations make one form more natural than the other. Let’s break it down.
1. Directions and Movement
If you’re giving directions, you’re almost always better off using forward, especially in American English. It’s the standard in navigation, instructions, and even figurative speech.
- Keep moving forward until you see the red sign.
- She looked forward to the weekend getaway.
In British English, forwards sometimes appear in spoken language when referring to physical movement:
- He stepped forwards to shake hands.
2. Sports and Gameplay
If you’re talking about sports, the forward is the clear winner. Whether you’re discussing soccer, basketball, or hockey, forward refers to an offensive position in the game.
- The forward sprinted toward the goal line and scored.
- Coaches always emphasize a forward mindset in high-pressure games.
The adverbial form is also widely used in sports commentary:
- He passed the ball forward, setting up the perfect play.
Using forwards, in this case, would sound unnatural, even in British English.
3. Communication and Planning
When it comes to discussions about progress, planning, and looking ahead, forward is always the right choice. This applies whether you’re talking about career goals, business strategies, or personal development.
- Let’s move forward with the project next week.
- She sent the proposal forward for approval.
Even in British English, forwards wouldn’t be used here—it’s strictly reserved for physical movement.
4. The Backward vs Backwards Parallel
If you’re still wondering when to use forward vs forwards, think about backward vs backwards. The same rule applies.
- In American English, backward and forward are preferred across the board.
- In British English, both backwards and forwards are common, especially in casual speech.
For example:
- He took a step backward before turning around. (American English)
- She stumbled backwards into the chair. (British English)
The same distinction holds for forward vs forwards, making it easier to remember.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
By now, you’ve got a solid grasp on when to use forward vs forwards, but this is where things get tricky—because mistakes still happen. Whether it’s mixing up the words in the wrong context, overcorrecting, or assuming they’re always interchangeable, these errors can sneak into writing and speech without you even noticing.
1. Overusing "Forwards" in American English
One of the biggest mistakes non-British speakers make is using forwards when writing formally. If you’re in the U.S., stick to forward—it’s the standard in all professional and academic writing.
Incorrect: We are looking forwards to the conference next week.
Correct: We are looking forward to the conference next week.
This is a simple fix. If the sentence doesn’t involve physical movement, forwards don’t belong.
2. Swapping "Forward" and "Forwards" at Random
Another common error? Assuming both words can be used interchangeably at all times. While they mean the same thing in terms of movement, regional preferences matter. In an American business email, saying, “Let’s move forwards with the proposal,” might sound slightly off. In a British conversation, it’s perfectly natural.
The fix? Be consistent with your audience. If you typically use American spelling and grammar, forward is always the better choice. If you’re following British conventions, forwards is acceptable in casual speech, but forward still dominates formal writing.
3. Confusing "Forward" with Other Lookalike Words
People also tend to mix up forward with completely different words that look or sound similar. This is where things get even trickier—because English is full of near-identical words that mean entirely different things.
Take compose vs comprise, for example. Many assume they’re interchangeable, but they’re not. Compose means to make up a whole (“Five rooms compose the apartment.”), while comprise means to include (“The apartment comprises five rooms.”).
The same kind of mix-up happens with reign vs rein. One is about ruling, the other about controlling (“Queen Elizabeth had a long reign,” but “She kept a tight rein on her advisors.”).
With forward vs forwards, the confusion is simpler—it’s just a matter of regional preference. But it’s worth paying attention to how small distinctions can change meaning, especially in formal writing.
4. The "Backwards" Trap
Since backwards is widely accepted in British English, some assume forwards must also be standard everywhere. But unlike backwards, which is still common even in American speech, forwards never quite caught on in the U.S. as the go-to choice.
If you’re already comfortable using backward vs backwards correctly, then you’ve got a built-in memory trick: forward follows the same rule. If you’d say “step backward”, then “step forward” should follow the same structure.
Other Commonly Confused Words
By now, you’ve seen how easily forward vs forwards can trip people up. But English is full of these little traps—words that look alike, sound alike, or just seem interchangeable when they’re really not. To sharpen your writing even further, let’s take a quick look at a few more commonly confused pairs that often cause headaches.
1. Pre vs Post
These two prefixes seem straightforward—pre means before, and post means after—but mix them up, and suddenly the timeline gets scrambled.
- The meeting was pre-recorded, so we watched it later.
- We reviewed the numbers post-launch to measure success.
The key? Think of pre as setting something up (pre-event planning) and post as reflecting on it afterward (post-game analysis).
2. Serigraph vs Lithograph
If you’re into art, these two can be especially tricky. A serigraph is a screen print, where ink is pushed through a stencil, layer by layer. A lithograph, on the other hand, is made using a flat surface (usually stone or metal) where oil and water repel each other to create the design.
- She bought a limited-edition serigraph of the artist’s latest work.
- The museum displayed a 19th-century lithograph of the original painting.
If you’re ever unsure, just remember: serigraphs use screens, and lithographs use stones or plates.
3. Of Course or Ofcourse?
This one’s simple. Of course is always two words. There’s no such word as ofcourse, even though it often pops up in casual writing.
- Of course, we’ll be attending the event.
- (Incorrect: Ofcourse we’ll be attending the event.)
If you’re in doubt, break it down. Would you write, of course not? If that sounds right, you already know the correct version.
4. Reign or Rein?
This is another pair that sounds identical but means very different things. Reign refers to ruling (a king’s reign), while rein relates to control (holding the reins).
- The queen’s reign lasted 50 years.
- He kept a tight rein on the company’s finances.
The easiest trick? Picture an actual rein in your hands—if control is involved, it’s rein. If power or monarchy is involved, go with reign.
5. Choosing or Chosing?
Another simple fix: chosing isn’t a word. The correct past tense of choose is chosen while choosing is the present participle.
- She is choosing a new laptop.
- Yesterday, she chose the blue one.
If you ever find yourself writing chosing, stop right there—you’re looking for either choosing or chose instead.
Final Note
Mastering the nuances of forward vs forwards is a small but significant step toward sharper, more precise communication. Whether you’re writing for an American or British audience, understanding when to use each term ensures your message is clear and professional. And while you’re at it, keep an eye out for other tricky pairs like backward vs backwards, serigraph vs lithograph, and reign vs rein. These distinctions might seem minor, but they can make a world of difference in how your writing is perceived. So, the next time you’re unsure, remember: forward is your go-to in most cases, while forwards have their place in British English. Keep practicing, and soon, these nuances will feel like second nature.
Frequently Asked Question
Both are correct, but their usage depends on the context and regional preferences. Forward is more common in American English and can function as an adjective, adverb, noun, or verb. Forwards is primarily used as an adverb in British English.
While forwards are technically correct, they are rarely used in American English. Stick to forward in all contexts to avoid sounding unnatural.
The distinction is similar to forward vs forwards. Backward is preferred in American English, while backwards is more common in British English. Both mean the same thing—moving in the reverse direction.
Not always. In American English, forward is the standard in all contexts. In British English, forwards is used for physical movement, but forward is still preferred in formal writing.
Compose means to make up a whole (e.g., “Five rooms compose the apartment”), while comprise means to include or contain (e.g., “The apartment comprises five rooms”).
