Language can be tricky, and sometimes two words look so similar that it’s hard to tell if they’re different or just alternative spellings.
One classic example is the pair backward and backwards.
Writers, students, and professionals alike often pause and wonder:
“Which is correct — backward or backwards?”
This isn’t just a grammar nerd’s dilemma. Using the right word can impact how polished and professional your writing sounds, especially in formal settings like academic papers, business documents, or international communications.
In this guide, we’ll clear up the confusion once and for all. You’ll learn meanings, part of speech differences, American vs British usage, historical origins, and practical examples — so you can use these words with complete confidence.
Why the Confusion Exists
The mix-up between backward and backwards isn’t random. It’s a product of history, geography, and grammar.
Here’s why:
- Both words are correct in the right context. This isn’t a case of one being “wrong.”
- The confusion mainly stems from regional spelling differences between American English preference and British English preference.
- English has a long tradition of adding or removing the “s” from adverbs — think toward/towards, afterward/afterwards, forward/forwards.
- The meanings overlap, so in speech, they sound almost identical in intent.
Over centuries, what started as small spelling variations became recognized regional standards — a perfect recipe for modern-day uncertainty.
Meaning of “Backward”
The word backward wears more than one grammatical hat.
As an Adjective
When used as an adjective, backward describes something in reverse position, behind in progress, or contrary to the usual direction.
Examples:
- The country’s backward infrastructure needs urgent development.
- She gave him a backward glance before leaving.
In both cases, you can see it only works as an adjective — this is a key point in the part of speech differences discussion.
As an Adverb
Backward can also be used as an adverb, meaning “in reverse” or “toward the back.”
Examples:
- He stepped backward to avoid the falling box.
- The chair tipped backward.
Here, backward functions perfectly well as an adverb — showing direction or movement.
Meaning of “Backwards”
Backwards has a simpler, more limited role.
As an Adverb Only
Unlike backward, the form backwards is only an adverb.
It describes movement toward the back or in reverse order.
Examples:
- She walked backwards into the elevator.
- The movie tells the story backwards.
There is no widely accepted adjectival form of backwards in standard English — this is one of the core part of speech differences to remember.
Backward vs Backwards — The Key Differences
The main distinctions between the two words can be summarized in a simple table:
| Feature | Backward | Backwards |
|---|---|---|
| Part of Speech | Adjective and Adverb | Adverb only |
| American English Preference | Common in formal writing | Rare in formal writing |
| British English Preference | Used as adjective; less common as adverb | Common as adverb in both speech and writing |
| Tone/Formality | Sounds slightly more formal | Sounds slightly more conversational |
| Interchangeable as Adverbs | Yes, in most cases | Yes, in most cases |
Part of Speech Differences: Adverb vs Adjective
The part of speech differences matter because word choice can change sentence correctness.
- Only backward as adjective → You can say “a backward step”, but not “a backwards step”.
- Interchangeable as adverbs → You can say “move backward” or “move backwards” without losing meaning, though regional usage varies.
Think of it this way: if you need an adjective, the safe bet is backward. If you’re using an adverb, either can work — but regional norms kick in.
American vs British Usage
The American vs British usage divide is a big reason for confusion.
American English Preference
- Uses backward in both adjective and adverb roles.
- Example: “The car rolled backward down the hill.”
- In formal contexts, Americans almost always drop the “s” from adverbs like this.
British English Preference
- Uses backward as an adjective and backwards as the usual adverb.
- Example: “The children walked backwards into the hall.”
- Feels natural in everyday British conversation and writing.
Tip: When writing for an international audience, aim for consistency in writing — choose one form and stick to it.
British English Words Ending in “-s” vs American English
The “-s” ending in adverbs is a well-established pattern in British English.
Other examples:
- toward → towards
- afterward → afterwards
- forward → forwards
In American English, these same adverbs tend to drop the “s” for a cleaner, shorter form.
This isn’t a hard grammar rule — it’s a regional spelling difference rooted in history.
Which One Should You Use?
The right choice depends on:
- Your audience: Are they primarily American or British?
- Your tone: Do you want it to sound more formal or conversational?
- Your purpose: Academic, business, or casual writing?
Quick guide:
- Writing for Americans → Prefer backward in all cases.
- Writing for Brits → Use backward for adjectives, backwards for adverbs.
- Mixed audience → Pick one style and maintain consistency in writing.
Examples in Context
Backward (Adjective)
- A backward glance revealed her surprise.
- The reforms were seen as a backward step.
Backward (Adverb)
- He staggered backward when the door slammed shut.
- The wind pushed the boat backward.
Backwards (Adverb Only)
- She counted backwards from ten.
- The magician shuffled the cards backwards for effect.
Synonyms and Related Terms
Some situations allow you to replace backward or backwards with synonyms.
| Context | Synonym | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | reverse | The gears shifted into reverse. |
| Movement | in reverse | The sequence ran in reverse. |
| Position | rearward | They moved rearward to make space. |
| Scientific/technical | retrograde | The planet’s retrograde motion puzzled astronomers. |
| Retreat | retreating | The retreating army left supplies behind. |
Knowing these synonyms can help you avoid repetition and improve the flow of your writing.
Etymology and Old English Origins
Both forms trace back to Old English origins.
- Backward comes from the Old English bæcweard, meaning “toward the back.”
- The “-ward” suffix indicated direction or position.
- Over time, British English began adding “-s” to certain adverbs — a habit that stuck with words like backwards, forwards, and afterwards.
Linguistic historians note that the “s” ending originally had a subtle emphasis role in speech patterns, but eventually it just became a regional spelling choice.
Case Study: Business Writing Consistency
Scenario:
An international company produces training manuals for employees in the U.S., U.K., and Australia.
Early drafts used backward in some sections and backwards in others.
Problem:
Employees noticed inconsistency and questioned whether there was an error.
Solution:
Editors adopted a consistency in writing rule:
- U.S. manuals → backward only.
- U.K. and Australia manuals → backward (adjective), backwards (adverb).
Result:
Confusion dropped, and the brand’s professionalism improved.
Final Takeaways
- Backward = adjective and adverb.
- Backwards = adverb only.
- American English preference favors backward in all roles.
- British English preference uses backwards for adverbs.
- Both forms are correct, but choose based on audience and stick with it.
“When in doubt, remember: if it’s an adjective, go backward. If it’s an adverb, either works — just stay consistent.”