Forward vs. Forwards: Exploring the Language Dilemma

Language is filled with subtle twists that can stump even seasoned writers. Take forward and forwards, for instance. These two words seem practically identical. Just one little “s” sets them apart—yet that tiny detail can stir up confusion, especially when writing for different audiences.

You’ve probably seen both used in books, emails, news articles, and maybe even heard them tossed around in conversation. So which one is correct? Are they interchangeable? Does it depend on where you live or how formal you want to sound?

Let’s be real—choosing the right word matters. In business writing, academic papers, and even casual emails, using the wrong form might make your tone sound off or worse, incorrect.

In this article, we’ll break everything down into simple, clear explanations. You’ll learn what each word means, when to use it, how they differ depending on whether you’re in the U.S. or U.K., and how grammar rules, cultural nuances, and even tech language play a role.

Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone curious about word choice, this guide will help you move confidently forward—or forwards, if you’re feeling British.

Table of Contents

What Do ‘Forward’ and ‘Forwards’ Actually Mean?

Let’s get straight to the point: both “forward” and “forwards” are real words, and they can mean almost the same thing in some contexts. But there are differences—stylistic, regional, and grammatical.

Core Definitions

Forward (adverb): in the direction that one is facing or moving.
- She took a step forward.
Forward (adjective): relating to the front; ahead in position or time.
- The forward section of the plane.
Forward (verb): to send on, especially messages or emails.
- I’ll forward that message to you.
Forward (noun): a player in sports (e.g., basketball or soccer) who plays in an attacking position.
- The forward scored the winning goal.
Forwards (adverb): in the direction that one is facing or moving—same meaning as the adverb form of “forward”, but more commonly used in British English.
- She stepped forwards confidently.

So yes—they’re both correct, but they show up in different places.

Key Differences in Usage

“Forward” is the default in American English for all meanings.
“Forwards” is mostly used in British English, and only as an adverb.
You won’t see “forwards” used as a verb, noun, or adjective.

The Grammar Breakdown: Part of Speech Matters

Understanding the part of speech clears up a lot of the mystery. Let’s break it down:

Adverb Use: Forward vs. Forwards

Both words can be used as adverbs. They describe movement in a direction ahead.

He moved forward (American English)
He moved forwards (British English)

The meaning stays the same, but in American English, the “s” is dropped in formal and informal writing.

Style tip:

Use “forward” if you’re writing for an international audience—it’s clearer and more universally accepted.

Adjective and Noun Usage: ‘Forward’ Only

When it’s not an adverb, you can only use “forward.”

Adjective: A forward-looking company
Noun: The forward on the team scored twice

“Forwards” just doesn’t work in these contexts. Try saying “a forwards-thinking business.” Sounds awkward, right? That’s because “forwards” can’t act as an adjective or noun.

Verb Form: To Forward Something

Another huge difference: only “forward” is a verb.

Can you forward me that document?
They forwarded the email chain.

“Forwards” as a verb? Doesn’t exist. You’ll never hear “I’ll forwards that to you.”

British English vs. American English: Regional Variations

How Geography Influences Grammar

This is where things get interesting. In the UK, “forwards” is considered standard in many everyday conversations.

She walked forwards into the dark.
They moved forwards together.

In the US, this would be:

She walked forward into the dark.
They moved forward together.

Both are grammatically correct, but in America, “forwards” might sound a bit old-fashioned or even wrong.

Real Usage Stats from Corpus Data

Let’s go to the data. Using Google Ngram Viewer, we see:

“Forward” has consistently been more popular in American English for the last 200 years.
“Forwards” shows higher frequency in British texts, especially in the 20th century.

Conclusion: Geography matters—but so does your audience.

Formality and Style: When to Use Each One

Professional vs. Conversational Settings

In professional writing—like business reports, resumes, academic papers—“forward” is almost always the right choice.
In casual conversation or creative writing, especially in the UK, “forwards” may feel more poetic or natural.

Tone and Flow in Writing

“We are moving forward with the plan” sounds confident, professional.
“We are moving forwards with the plan” feels slightly more emotive, maybe even hopeful.

Subtle? Yes. But readers pick up on these tonal shifts.

Common Contexts Where People Get It Wrong

Misuses in Business Communication

Ever seen this?

❌ “Please forwards this to the client.”
✅ “Please forward this to the client.”

The error here is treating “forwards” like a verb. It’s not. Only “forward” works when you’re talking about sending or redirecting something.

Creative Writing and Journalism

Writers might lean into “forwards” to add rhythm or voice. That’s fine—in fiction or narrative work. But in newswriting or essays, it’s cleaner to use “forward.”

Idioms, Phrasal Verbs, and Set Expressions

Phrases That Only Use ‘Forward’

“Look forward to”
“Push forward”
“Fast forward”
“Bring forward”
“Go forward with confidence”

These are fixed expressions—don’t add an “s.”

I look forwards to meeting you ❌
I look forward to meeting you ✅

Expressions Where ‘Forwards’ Appears

While rarer, “forwards” does show up in poetic or spoken British English.

He leaned forwards, eager to hear more.
She walked forwards, into the mist.

Here, it adds a slight lyrical feel—but it’s still just an adverb, never a verb, noun, or adjective.

The Evolution of Both Words: A Historical Glance

Old English and Middle English Origins

Forward comes from the Old English “foreweard” — meaning “toward the front.”
“Forwards” developed later, from the same root, with the “s” added as a directional intensifier—much like “towards” and “afterwards.”

Linguistic Drift and Divergence

In Early Modern English, “forwards” became more common in poetry and regional dialects.
As American English standardized, it favored shorter, simpler forms, dropping the “s” from many adverbs.

So yes—both forms are historically valid, but they’ve drifted apart in usage.

What Do Style Guides and Dictionaries Say?

Oxford, Merriam-Webster, Cambridge Positions

Oxford English Dictionary: lists both, noting “forwards” as chiefly British.
Merriam-Webster: marks “forwards” as a variant of “forward,” less commonly used.
Cambridge Dictionary: clearly states the regional difference between the two.

AP, MLA, and Chicago Style Recommendations

AP Stylebook (used in journalism): stick with “forward”
MLA and Chicago: allow both, but recommend consistency throughout a document

So the verdict? Use “forward” unless you have a specific stylistic or regional reason to choose otherwise.

Forward in Modern Tech and Culture

Email Language and the Digital Age

We say “I’ll forward that to you” dozens of times a week.

Forwarded messages
FWD: Subject line

This is a clear modern usage that keeps “forward” in everyday language. You’ll never see “forwardsed”—because that’s not a word.

Sports, Music, and Pop Culture References

“Fast forward” in music and film
“Forward pass” in football
“The Forward” (a historic Jewish-American newspaper)
Forwards as a position in soccer or hockey

In sports, “forwards” refers to multiple players in a position—not a direction.

The forwards played aggressively.

This is a noun, not the adverb form. Different role, same spelling.

When in Doubt: Easy Rules of Thumb

Cheat Sheet for Writers and Editors

Context	Use “Forward”	Use “Forwards”
Adverb (directional)	✅ (U.S. & U.K.)	✅ (mainly U.K.)
Adjective	✅	❌
Noun (sports, roles)	✅ (Forward)	✅ (Forwards – plural players)
Verb (to send)	✅	❌
Business writing	✅	❌
Creative writing	✅	✅ (U.K. tone)

Test Your Understanding: Quick Sentence Fixes

I’ll forwards that email to you. ❌
I’ll forward that email to you. ✅
She looked forwards to the event. ❌ (unless you’re British, and it’s poetic)
She looked forward to the event. ✅

Conclusion: How to Move Forward (Not Forwards) with Confidence

Words matter. And even small ones—like whether you tack an “s” onto “forward”—can change how your writing sounds and how it’s received. Now that you understand the history, grammar, tone, and cultural preferences behind these two lookalike words, you’re well-equipped to choose the right one.

Use “forward” for most situations—especially in formal writing or American English. Use “forwards” only as an adverb, and primarily if you’re leaning into a British or poetic tone. The key is knowing your audience and choosing the form that makes your message clear, professional, and purposeful.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is “forward” or “forwards” more correct?

Both are grammatically correct, but “forward” is preferred in American English and in formal writing. “Forwards” is more common in British English, especially in informal contexts, and only as an adverb.

Can I use “forwards” in business emails?

It’s best to stick with “forward” in professional settings. “Forwards” may sound informal or incorrect to international readers, especially Americans.

Is there a difference between “look forward” and “look forwards”?

Yes. “Look forward to” is the standard and widely accepted form, especially in formal writing. “Look forwards to” might appear in British English but is much less common and can seem awkward.

Can “forwards” be a verb like “I’ll forwards the message”?

No. Only “forward” can be used as a verb. Saying “I’ll forwards the message” is incorrect. The correct form is “I’ll forward the message.”

Why does British English sometimes add ‘s’ to adverbs like “towards” or “forwards”?

This is a historical linguistic trait from Early Modern English. British English retained the -s endings for many adverbs (like “forwards,” “towards,” “afterwards,”) while American English streamlined them by dropping the “s.”

Mia Rose

Mia Rose are the minds behind Globals English, a platform dedicated to making English learning simple, engaging, and effective. With a shared passion for education and communication, they bring years of experience in language teaching and curriculum development.