Onward vs. Onwards – Which is Correct?
The choice between onward and onwards primarily depends on regional English variations. In American English, onward is the standard and preferred form, functioning as both an adverb and an adjective. Onwards is predominantly used in British English and is less common in American usage.
Onward or Onwards – Which is Correct?
Both “onward” and “onwards” are grammatically correct, but their usage differs significantly between American and British English. In the United States, “onward” is the universally accepted and preferred form for both adverbial and adjectival uses. It signifies moving forward in space, time, or progress. “Onwards,” with the added ‘s,’ is the standard form in British English and other Commonwealth countries.
The root cause of this distinction lies in a historical linguistic trend where some adverbs in British English retained or gained a terminal ‘s’ that was dropped or never adopted in American English (e.g., “toward” vs. “towards,” “forward” vs. “forwards”). For American English speakers and writers, sticking to “onward” will ensure consistency and adherence to regional norms.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
To remember which to use in American English, think of the “A” in “American” and the absence of “S” in “onwArd.” If you’re writing for an American audience, drop the ‘s’. If you’re writing for a British audience, remember the “S” for “Standard British.” Alternatively, consider that American English often favors simpler forms, so the shorter “onward” fits this pattern.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onward | Adverb/Adjective | Moving forward; progressing; toward the front. | The team pushed onward despite the challenges. (Adverb) The onward journey was long. (Adjective) |
| Onwards | Adverb/Adjective | (British English) Moving forward; progressing; toward the front. | The train continued onwards to London. (Adverb – British English) |
How to Use Onward
“Onward” is a versatile word in American English, functioning primarily as an adverb and occasionally as an adjective. As an adverb, it describes movement or progression in a forward direction, whether literally in space or figuratively in time or development. As an adjective, it describes something that is moving forward or situated further on.
When used adverbially, “onward” often follows verbs of motion or existence, indicating continuous movement or a state of progression. It conveys a sense of determination, momentum, or continuation. When used adjectivally, it typically precedes the noun it modifies.
Example 1: After a brief rest, the hikers pressed onward towards the summit.
Example 2: The company’s growth has been steady from 2020 onward.
Example 3: They celebrated the completion of the first phase and looked forward to the onward development.
Etymology of the word Onward
The word “onward” traces its origins back to Old English. It is a compound of “on,” meaning “upon” or “forward,” and “-weard” (or “ward”), a suffix indicating direction. The original Old English form was onweard. Over centuries, the word evolved, maintaining its core meaning of moving or facing forward. The ‘s’ in “onwards” is an adverbial genitive ending, common in older English, which has been retained in British English for certain directional adverbs but largely dropped in American English.
Related Concepts
Understanding broader grammatical concepts helps clarify the distinction and proper usage of words like “onward” and “onwards.”
- Adverbs of Direction: These adverbs specify the direction of an action. Words like “onward,” “forward,” “backward,” “upward,” and “downward” fall into this category. The variation in the presence or absence of a terminal ‘s’ (e.g., “forward” vs. “forwards”) is a common feature among these adverbs, often depending on regional dialect.
- Regional Variations in English: English is a global language with distinct regional variations, primarily American English and British English. These differences encompass vocabulary, spelling, pronunciation, and certain grammatical constructions. “Onward” vs. “onwards” is a classic example of such a regional spelling and usage difference, where both forms are correct within their respective dialects.
Examples from Media and Literature
- “We must press onward with courage and conviction.” – A common motivational phrase.
- “From this day onward, you are free.” – A declaration often found in historical fiction or legal contexts.
- “The ship sailed onward into the vast expanse of the ocean.” – Describing continuous movement in an adventure novel.
- “With the new policy, all employees from June 2026 onward will receive increased benefits.” – A statement from a company announcement.
- “The onward march of technology continues to reshape our world.” – A phrase used in journalistic or academic writing.
Onward Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Forward | In the direction that one is facing or traveling; ahead. |
| Ahead | Further forward in space or time; in front. |
| Progressively | Gradually and steadily advancing or developing. |
| Forth | (Archaic or formal) Out and into view; away from a place. |
| Continuously | Without interruption or pause. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “onward” always an adverb?
No, “onward” can function as both an adverb and an adjective. As an adverb, it means “forward” or “further on” (e.g., “move onward”). As an adjective, it describes something moving forward (e.g., “the onward journey”).
Question 2: Can “onward” refer to time?
Yes, “onward” can certainly refer to time. It is often used in phrases like “from [a specific date] onward,” meaning from that date continuously into the future (e.g., “from Tuesday onward”).
Question 3: Why do some words end in ‘s’ in British English but not American English?
This is a historical linguistic difference. Many adverbs of direction in Old and Middle English had an adverbial genitive ‘s’ ending. While American English generally simplified these forms by dropping the ‘s’, British English often retained it, leading to pairs like “forward/forwards,” “backward/backwards,” and “onward/onwards.”
Conclusion
The distinction between “onward” and “onwards” is a clear example of regional variation within the English language. For writers and speakers in the United States, “onward” is the universally accepted and expected form, whether used as an adverb or an adjective. While “onwards” is grammatically correct in British English, its use in American contexts can appear non-standard or even incorrect. Understanding these nuances not only improves grammatical accuracy but also demonstrates an awareness of stylistic conventions. Pro Tip: When in doubt, especially in professional or academic writing for an American audience, always opt for the simpler, ‘s’-less “onward” to maintain a consistent and professional tone.
