Though preference is the general guideline for using toward(s), if you’re writing for a particular publication, you should check the style guide followed by whatever publication it is you’re writing tweeted this a few years ago: “AP Style tip: We use forward and toward, not forwards and towards.”

And though less likely, you could find a “toward” in British writing. You might come across a “towards” in North American writing. Those tendencies aren’t hard and fast rules or meticulously followed preferences even.

Common use among English speakers in the UK and Australia is towards.

Common use among English speakers in the USA and Canada is toward.

The bottom line about the use of toward(s) is pretty simple, actually. Including the “s” does not change the meaning or make the word plural (since it’s not a noun, that rule wouldn’t apply anyway). The differences don’t go any deeper than the physical appearance of a letter, with the no s version representing an American spelling and the added s version representing a British spelling. Toward and towards are similar to color and colour. Toward and towards represent one of those rare times when there isn’t a complicated rule to follow. towards, we can follow Ella and Louis’s lead. Thankfully, by the end of their song, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong realized their preferred word pronunciations were not reason to “call the whole thing off” and just represented unimportant personal preferences. towards? I’ll tell you, but first, you have to sing along!Ĭan you see what answer we are heading toward(s)? Should You Use Toward or Towards? Want to know who won the battle of toward vs. He was not happy about the inclusion of that end-of-the-word s in towards or in other words like it, calling such usage “arbitrary,” “capricious,” and “ignorant.” Gould published his book Good English, which included an article dedicated to the use of toward or towards. Want to fight about it? Grammarians in past centuries certainly did. If I take a step in your direction, am I moving toward you or am I moving towards you? They represent one of those rare times when there isn’t a complicated rule to follow.

When you’re called on by the general evaluator during the evaluation segment, stand by your chair and give your report.Toward and towards mean the same thing.

“No one in the choir sings better than her” should be, “No one in the choir sings better than she.” “One in five children wear glasses” should be “one in five children wears glasses.” Note when a pronoun is misused. For example, point out if someone used a singular verb with a plural subject. Write down any awkward use or misuse of the language (incomplete sentences, sentences that change direction in midstream, incorrect grammar, or malapropisms) with a note of who erred.

Throughout the meeting, listen to everyone’s word usage.

Write down how many filler sounds or words each person used during all portions of the meeting.

Throughout the meeting, listen to everyone for sounds and long pauses used as fillers and not as a necessary part of sentence structure.

When you’re introduced by the Toastmaster, explain the role of the Grammarian.

Bring a pen and blank piece of paper for notes, or retrieve a copy of the Grammarian’s log from the Sergeant at Arms.

Prepare a brief explanation of the duties of the Grammarian for the benefit of guests.

The Grammarian role is an excellent opportunity to practice your listening skills. You should also note when a speaker repeats a word or phrase such as “I, I.” These words and sounds can be annoying to listeners. Words may be inappropriate interjections, such as: and, well, but, so and you know. The purpose of the Grammarian is to track improper grammar, filler words or expressions, words, or sounds used as a crutch by anyone who speaks during the meeting.

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