toward

Meanings

1. 1preposition

   In the direction of someone or something.

   Grammar: Used before a noun or pronoun: toward the door. 'Towards' is the British variant.

   Patterns

   • toward something
   • toward someone

   She walked slowly toward the window.

   The dog ran toward its owner.

   He leaned toward me to hear better.

2. 2preposition

   In relation to a feeling, attitude, or opinion about someone or something.

   Grammar: Often used with words like 'attitude', 'feeling', 'behavior': his attitude toward work.

   Patterns

   • toward someone
   • toward something

   Her attitude toward the project changed after the meeting.

   He felt no anger toward his former boss.

   The community's feelings toward the new law are mixed.

3. 3preposition

   Close to a particular time or age.

   Grammar: Used with times and ages: toward evening, toward the end of the year.

   Patterns

   • toward the end of something
   • toward evening

   We left toward the end of the party.

   He became more forgetful toward the end of his life.

   The store gets busy toward five o'clock.

4. 4preposition

   As a contribution or help for a particular purpose.

   Grammar: Often used with money: put money toward a new car.

   Patterns

   • toward something

   She saved $50 toward a new bike.

   The company gave money toward the repairs.

   Any extra funds will go toward the school library.

Common combinations

toward the end

Toward the end of the book, the hero returns home.

attitude toward

His attitude toward criticism is very positive.

walk toward

She walked toward the exit without looking back.

toward evening

Toward evening, the wind died down.

contribute toward

Everyone contributed toward the gift.

Synonyms and how they differ

towards

The same meaning; 'towards' is more common in British English, 'toward' in American English.

to

Also shows direction, but 'to' is used with destinations (go to school), while 'toward' suggests movement in a general direction.

Opposites

Commonly confused: toward or towards?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “toward”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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