Hi Everyone! Welcome to today’s blog. “To,” “toward,” and “towards” are three very similar words. How are they different? How can you use them? In this lesson, I’m going to explain the differences in a very simple way. You can watch my mini video below or keep scrolling to read on.
to + destination
I am going to school.
School is my destination. We use the preposition “to” to show this.
We went to my parents’ house for dinner last night.
My parents’ house was our destination.
A: Where are you going on vacation?
B: We’re going to Hawaii for three weeks.
A: Lucky you!
Hawaii is our destination.
You can see we use “to” when we make it clear what our destination is. Can you complete these sentences with your own personal examples?
1) This morning I went to + location.
Example: This morning I didn’t go to school because I wasn’t feeling well.
2) I’ve been to + location three times in my life.
3)If I had enough money, I would go to + location.
toward / towards
“Toward” is the more common spelling in American English, and “towards” is the more common spelling in British English. But, the meaning is exactly the same. Simple!
“Toward/towards” + direction of travel
A: Excuse me. Can you tell me where to find the nearest ATM?
B: Of course. Do you see that bridge over there? Walk toward it and take the first left you see.
The bridge is the direction I need to walk in. We use the preposition “toward” to show this.
A: I think we’re lost.
B: I think we should head toward the river. Hopefully, we’ll spot a boat.
The river is the direction we need to travel in. It is not our destination.
An elephant ran toward the gate scaring the visitors at the zoo.
The gate is the direction the elephant was running in.
“Toward/towards” can also be used to mean “closer to something.”
He leaned toward me and whispered in my ear.
He came closer to me.
yoga teacher: Stretch toward the sky and feel your spine elongate.
Stretch your body closer to the sky.
Can you complete these sentences with your own ideas?
1) Have you ever walked toward someone thinking they were someone else?
2) How would you feel in a hurricane was coming toward your town/city?
3) Why would someone lean toward someone to speak to them?
There are many ways to use the prepositions “to,” “toward,” and “towards.” But, in this mini lesson I have focused on the differences that students find most confusing.
