Have you ever wondered whether you should say “forward” or “forwards”? Both words are correct, but they are not always used in exactly the same way. The choice can depend on grammar, sentence structure, and whether you are following American or British English.
In this guide, we’ll explain forward vs forwards in simple English, show you real examples, and help you understand when each form sounds natural. By the end, you’ll know which word to choose without second-guessing yourself.
Forward vs Forwards: What Is the Difference?
The simplest answer is that forward and forwards can both function as adverbs meaning “toward the front” or “ahead.” However, their usage differs somewhat by English variety and context.
Forward is especially common in American English, while forwards is more common in British English when describing movement toward the front or ahead.
Forward Meaning
Forward means toward the front, ahead, or toward a future point in time.
For example:
- She stepped forward to receive the award.
- We need to move forward with the project.
- Please look forward.
- The meeting has been moved forward by one hour.
The word can also work as an adjective, noun, verb, and adverb depending on the sentence.
Forwards Meaning
Forwards generally has the same basic meaning as forward, particularly when describing movement.
Examples:
- He took two steps forwards.
- The car moved forwards slowly.
- She leaned forwards to hear the speaker.
- Keep moving forwards.
The important point is that forwards is not an incorrect form of forward. It is a legitimate English word.
Quick Comparison
| Word | Common Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Forward | Movement, direction, progress | Move forward. |
| Forwards | Movement/direction, especially British English | Move forwards. |
| Forward | American English preference | Walk forward. |
| Forwards | British English preference in some contexts | Walk forwards. |
So, if you are wondering “forward or forwards?”, the answer is usually: both can be correct.
When Should You Use Forward?
Forward is extremely versatile. It can describe physical direction, progress, time, communication, and even someone’s behavior.
Forward for Physical Movement
Use forward when someone or something moves toward the front.
Examples:
- The child walked forward.
- Take one step forward.
- The cyclist moved forward carefully.
- Please lean forward.
In American English, this form is particularly natural.
Forward for Progress
“Forward” is also frequently used when discussing progress or development.
For example:
We need to move forward with our plans.
Other examples include:
- Let’s move forward with the agreement.
- The company is looking forward to growth.
- She wants to take her career forward.
- We must find a way forward.
Here, forward does not necessarily describe physical movement. Instead, it expresses progress toward a goal.
Forward in Time
The word can also describe something happening later in time.
Examples:
- From this point forward, things will change.
- Looking forward, we need a better strategy.
- The deadline was pushed forward.
One especially common expression is “look forward to.”
For example:
I look forward to hearing from you.
This phrase is standard in both formal and everyday English.
When Should You Use Forwards?
Forwards is also correct, particularly when talking about physical movement or direction.
Forwards for Direction
Use forwards when describing movement toward the front.
Examples:
- The dog ran forwards.
- He stepped forwards.
- She leaned forwards.
- The machine moved forwards.
These sentences are perfectly understandable and grammatically acceptable.
Forwards in British English
British English often uses forwards where American English commonly uses forward.
For example:
British English:
Take a step forwards.
American English:
Take a step forward.
Neither sentence is inherently wrong. The difference is largely related to regional usage and style.
Is “Forwards” More Formal?
Not necessarily.
Adding -s does not automatically make the word more formal. Forward and forwards are both standard forms.
The better choice depends on:
- English variety
- Sentence context
- Personal or regional preference
- Consistency of writing style
Therefore, don’t assume that forwards is more sophisticated or that forward is more grammatically correct.
Forward or Forwards: Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re writing for a broad international audience, forward is often the safest choice because it is widely used and particularly common in American English.
However, if your writing consistently follows British English conventions, forwards may sound more natural in certain movement-related sentences.
American vs. British English
Here’s a useful comparison:
| Context | American English | British English |
|---|---|---|
| Physical movement | Move forward | Move forwards |
| Taking a step | Step forward | Step forwards |
| Looking ahead | Look forward | Look forward |
| Progress | Move forward | Move forward |
| Formal phrase | Look forward to | Look forward to |
Notice something important: British English does not always use “forwards.”
For example, the standard phrase is:
I look forward to meeting you.
Not:
I look forwards to meeting you.
This is one reason you should consider the individual expression rather than applying a simple “British = forwards” rule.
A Simple Rule to Remember
For everyday writing, use this shortcut:
Use “forward” when you want the most broadly accepted form.
Use “forwards” when it naturally fits your variety of English, especially in British-style descriptions of physical movement.
Common Mistakes With Forward and Forwards
Although both forms are correct, writers sometimes use them incorrectly in specific expressions.
Mistake 1: Adding “-s” to “look forward to”
Incorrect:
I look forwards to your reply.
Better:
I look forward to your reply.
The expression look forward to is normally written without the final -s.
Mistake 2: Assuming Forwards Is Always Wrong
Some learners see forwards and assume it is a spelling mistake.
That is incorrect.
For example:
The child ran forwards.
This can be perfectly acceptable, particularly in British English.
Mistake 3: Mixing English Varieties Unnecessarily
Consistency is helpful when writing professionally.
If your website generally follows American English, you might prefer:
Move forward with the plan.
If your content follows British English conventions, you may naturally write:
Move forwards with the plan.
However, don’t change established expressions simply to force consistency.
Mistake 4: Thinking Forward Only Describes Direction
“Forward” has several meanings.
Consider:
We need to move forward.
Here, “forward” refers to progress, not physical movement.
Another example:
I am looking forward to the weekend.
Here, it expresses anticipation.
A Real-Life Example: Choosing the Right Form
Imagine an international company preparing an email for customers in different countries. The marketing team wants to write:
We are excited to move forwards with our new service.
A British English writer might naturally choose forwards. However, an American English editor could change the sentence to:
We are excited to move forward with our new service.
Both versions communicate the same basic idea.
Now consider another sentence:
We look forwards to working with you.
This is where the editor should pay closer attention. The established expression is “look forward to,” so the preferred version is:
We look forward to working with you.
This example demonstrates why grammar cannot always be reduced to simply choosing one spelling. Forward and forwards overlap in meaning, but fixed expressions and regional conventions matter.
For professional writing, the safest approach is to understand your audience first. If you’re writing for American readers, forward will usually feel more natural. If you’re writing for British readers, forwards may appear more often in movement-related contexts. Regardless of the variety, established expressions such as look forward to should be preserved.
Forward vs Forwards: Usage Trends in 2025–2026
Modern English continues to vary across regions, platforms, and audiences. Digital communication has also made American English conventions highly visible internationally.
What Current Usage Shows
Large English-language dictionaries and style resources recognize both forward and forwards. Their continued presence reflects a broader characteristic of English: some words can have alternative forms without one being grammatically “wrong.”
For SEO and online writing, however, natural language matters more than forcing a particular variation.
If your audience searches for:
- forward meaning
- forward or forwards
- move forward meaning
- forwards meaning
- forward vs forwards
your content should naturally address these variations rather than repeatedly inserting keywords.
Why Audience Matters
A grammar article intended for American readers may favor:
Take a step forward.
A British audience may be more comfortable with:
Take a step forwards.
Therefore, audience and regional style should guide your choice.
For authoritative grammar content, consistency and context are more useful than trying to declare one version universally correct.
A Practical Checklist for Choosing Forward or Forwards
When you’re unsure which word to use, run through this quick checklist.
Step 1: Check the Meaning
Are you describing movement toward the front or progress?
If yes, either forward or forwards may work depending on context.
Step 2: Check Your English Variety
Are you writing primarily in American English?
Forward is usually the natural choice.
Are you writing primarily in British English?
Forwards may be more common for physical movement.
Step 3: Check for a Fixed Expression
Some phrases have established forms.
For example:
look forward to
Use the conventional expression rather than automatically adding -s.
Step 4: Stay Consistent
Don’t switch randomly between regional styles throughout the same piece of writing.
Consistency makes your content easier to read and more professional.
Mini Quiz: Forward or Forwards
1. Quick Grammar Check: Which One Fits?
Choose the correct word:
Please take one step _____.
A) forward
B) forwards
Answer: A) forward
Both can be used, but forward is especially common in American English and widely accepted in international writing.
2. The British English Pick
Which sentence sounds natural in British English?
A) The child walked forward.
B) The child walked forwards.
Answer: B) The child walked forwards.
“Forwards” is commonly used in British English when describing physical movement.
3. Email Grammar Test
Which sentence is correct?
A) I look forwards to hearing from you.
B) I look forward to hearing from you.
Answer: B) I look forward to hearing from you.
The established expression is look forward to, not “look forwards to.”
4. Spot the Better Choice
Complete the sentence:
We need to move _____ with the project.
A) forward
B) forwards
Answer: A) forward
“Move forward” is a very common expression for making progress.
5. Direction Detective
Which sentence uses the word naturally for physical direction?
A) She stepped forward.
B) She stepped looking forward.
Answer: A) She stepped forward.
“Step forward” directly describes movement toward the front.
6. American English Challenge
Which form is especially common in American English?
A) forward
B) forwards
Answer: A) forward
American English strongly favors forward in expressions describing movement.
7. Don’t Fall for the “-s” Trap
Which sentence is preferred?
A) I look forward to your reply.
B) I look forwards to your reply.
Answer: A) I look forward to your reply.
The standard phrase is look forward to.
8. Progress or Movement?
What does “forward” mean in this sentence?
We must move forward with our plans.
A) Move backward
B) Make progress
C) Stop the plans
D) Change direction
Answer: B) Make progress
Here, “forward” describes progress, not physical movement.
9. Choose the Natural Sentence
Which sentence sounds most natural?
A) Please lean forward.
B) Please lean forwards only.
Answer: A) Please lean forward.
“Lean forward” is a common expression for moving the upper body toward the front.
10. British vs. American
Which pair correctly reflects a common regional preference?
A) American: forward / British: forwards
B) American: forwards / British: forward only
Answer: A) American: forward / British: forwards
Both forms exist, but regional preferences can differ.
11. Future Focus
Complete the sentence:
From this point _____, things will be different.
A) forward
B) forwards
Answer: A) forward
“From this point forward” is the standard expression.
12. Which One Is NOT Automatically Wrong?
A) The car moved forwards.
B) The car moved forward.
Answer: Both are correct.
Both forms can describe movement toward the front. The choice may depend on regional style.
13. Find the Fixed Expression
Which phrase is standard?
A) Look forward to
B) Look forwards to
Answer: A) Look forward to
“Look forward to” is the established expression used to show anticipation.
14. Fill the Gap Like a Pro
She leaned _____ to hear the speaker.
A) forward
B) forwards
Answer: A) forward
“Lean forward” is natural and widely used, especially in American English.
15. Progress Check
Which sentence uses “forward” to express progress?
A) He walked forward.
B) The company moved forward with the plan.
Answer: B) The company moved forward with the plan.
Here, “forward” means progressing with an action or plan.
16. Is “Forwards” a Real Word?
What is the correct answer?
A) No, “forwards” is always wrong.
B) Yes, “forwards” is a legitimate English word.
Answer: B) Yes, “forwards” is a legitimate English word.
“Forwards” is a standard word, particularly common in British English for movement.
17. Pick the Professional Phrase
Which sentence works best in a professional email?
A) I look forward to your response.
B) I look forwards to your response.
Answer: A) I look forward to your response.
“Look forward to” is the standard professional expression.
18. Direction Challenge
Which sentence describes movement toward the front?
A) The runner moved forward.
B) The runner moved yesterday.
Answer: A) The runner moved forward.
“Forward” describes the direction of the runner’s movement.
19. Can Both Be Correct?
Choose the best answer:
The machine moved _____ slowly.
A) forward
B) forwards
C) Both can be correct
D) Neither is correct
Answer: C) Both can be correct
Both “forward” and “forwards” can describe movement toward the front.
20. Don’t Overthink This One
Which sentence is standard?
A) We should move forward.
B) We should move forwards only because it is more formal.
Answer: A) We should move forward.
“Move forward” is a standard expression meaning to make progress.
21. Grammar + Context Challenge
Which sentence uses “forward” to express anticipation?
A) I look forward to the weekend.
B) I walk forward to the weekend.
Answer: A) I look forward to the weekend.
“Look forward to” means to anticipate something positively.
22. British English Bonus
Which sentence can be natural in British English?
A) He moved forwards carefully.
B) He moved forwardly carefully.
Answer: A) He moved forwards carefully.
“Forwards” is a standard adverb used for movement in British English.
23. Which One Sounds Better?
For a general international audience, which choice is often the safer option?
A) forward
B) forwards
Answer: A) forward
“Forward” is widely understood and is especially common in American English.
24. Final Grammar Trap
Which sentence should you normally use?
A) I look forward to working with you.
B) I look forwards to working with you.
Answer: A) I look forward to working with you.
The standard expression is look forward to + noun or -ing form.
25. The Ultimate Forward vs. Forwards Test
Which statement is most accurate?
A) Forward is correct and forwards is always wrong.
B) Forwards is correct and forward is always wrong.
C) Both can be correct depending on context and English variety.
D) Neither word is standard English.
Answer: C) Both can be correct depending on context and English variety.
The key is understanding context, regional English, and established expressions. “Forward” is especially common in American English, while “forwards” is often used for movement in British English.
FAQs
1. Is “forward” or “forwards” correct?
Both forward and forwards are correct words. The preferred form depends on context and English variety. “Forward” is especially common in American English, while “forwards” is often used in British English for movement.
2. Is “forwards” grammatically correct?
Yes. Forwards is grammatically correct when used appropriately. For example, “The car moved forwards” is a valid sentence.
3. Is “forward” more American than British?
Forward is particularly common in American English, but it is also widely used in British English. British speakers may use forwards more often when describing physical movement.
4. Should I say “move forward” or “move forwards”?
Both can be correct. Move forward is extremely common internationally and especially in American English. Move forwards is also used, particularly in British English.
5. Is it “look forward” or “look forwards”?
The standard expression is “look forward to.”
For example:
I look forward to hearing from you.
This form is widely used in both American and British English.
6. Can forward be used as a verb?
Yes. Forward can be a verb meaning to send something onward, especially a message or email.
Example:
Please forward the email to the manager.
7. Which is better for formal writing: forward or forwards?
Neither is automatically more formal. Choose according to your English variety and the context. For many international and American-English audiences, forward is a natural choice.
Conclusion: Forward or Forwards?
So, forward or forwards which should you use?
The answer is that both are correct, but they are not equally common in every variety of English. Forward is especially common in American English and is widely understood internationally, while forwards is frequently used in British English when describing movement.
The most important thing is to consider context, audience, regional English, and established expressions. Remember that phrases such as “look forward to” normally use forward, regardless of whether you are writing American or British English.
Once you understand these differences, choosing between forward and forwards becomes much easier.
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Helpful References
I’m Muhammad Bilal, an SEO Expert and the founder of Gramoxa. With 1 year of experience in SEO and educational content, I create simple, accurate, and practical English grammar guides. My mission is to help students, professionals, and English learners write with confidence and improve their communication skills every day.
