Backward vs Backwards: When To Use Each One In Writing?

Are you confused about whether to use backward or backwards? You’re not alone. Many people are unsure which one is correct. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between the two and help you determine which one is the proper word to use in different contexts.

Let’s clear up any confusion about which one is the correct term. The truth is, both backward and backwards are acceptable spellings of the same word. However, there is a slight difference in usage between the two.

Backward is the more commonly used form of the word, and it is the preferred spelling in American English. Backwards, on the other hand, is more commonly used in British English.

So, what do these words mean? Both backward and backwards are adverbs that describe movement in the opposite direction. Backward means “toward the rear” or “in reverse,” while backwards means “in a backward direction” or “toward the back.”

Throughout this article, we’ll use the spelling backward as the preferred spelling, but keep in mind that both spellings are acceptable depending on your location and context.

Define Backward

Backward is an adjective used to describe something that is directed or facing towards the back or rear. It can also refer to something that is behind in progress, development, or achievement.

For example, if a person is walking backward, they are facing away from their destination and moving in the opposite direction. Similarly, if a company is experiencing backward growth, it means that their profits are decreasing, and they are falling behind their competitors in the market.

It is important to note that backward is the standard spelling in American English, while British English often uses the spelling backwards.

Define Backwards

Backwards is an adverb that is used to describe an action that is directed or performed towards the back or rear. It can also refer to something that is done in a reverse or opposite order.

For instance, if a person is walking backwards, they are physically moving in a reverse direction, facing away from their destination. Similarly, if a person is reading a book backwards, they are starting from the end and reading towards the beginning.

It is important to note that backwards is the standard spelling in British English, while American English often uses the spelling backward.

Backward vs Backwards

Term	Definition	Spelling
Backward	An adjective used to describe something that is directed or facing towards the back or rear. It can also refer to something that is behind in progress, development, or achievement.	American English
Backwards	An adverb that is used to describe an action that is directed or performed towards the back or rear. It can also refer to something that is done in a reverse or opposite order.	British English

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using backward and backwards in a sentence may seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference in the clarity and correctness of your writing. Here are some tips on how to use these words properly.

How To Use Backward In A Sentence

The word backward is an adjective that describes something that is directed or facing toward the back or rear. It can also be used as an adverb to describe movement in the opposite direction of what is considered forward. Here are some examples:

• The car was moving backward down the hill.
• He took a step backward to avoid the puddle.
• The company is taking a backward approach to innovation.

It’s important to note that backward is the preferred spelling in American English, while backward and backwards are both used in British English.

How To Use Backwards In A Sentence

The word backwards is also an adverb that describes movement in the opposite direction of what is considered forward. However, it can also be used as an adjective to describe something that is oriented or facing toward the back or rear. Here are some examples:

• She fell backwards off the balance beam.
• The arrow was pointing backwards.
• The team took two steps backwards after their initial success.

Again, it’s important to note that backwards is the preferred spelling in British English, while backward and backwards are both used in American English.

More Examples Of Backward & Backwards Used In Sentences

In order to fully understand the difference between “backward” and “backwards,” it’s important to see them used in context. Here are some examples of how each word can be used in a sentence:

Examples Of Using “Backward” In A Sentence

• She took a step backward to avoid the oncoming car.
• The company’s profits have been moving backward for the past year.
• He couldn’t solve the problem and had to take a backward step.
• The team’s performance has taken a backward turn since their star player was injured.
• He has a backward way of thinking that doesn’t match modern society.
• The book tells the story of a man who travels backward in time.
• She had to write the word backward on the board so the students could read it in the mirror.
• The arrow on the sign pointed backward, indicating that they were going the wrong way.
• He walked backward out of the room, keeping his eyes on the suspect.
• The company’s policies are holding them backward in a rapidly changing market.

Examples Of Using “Backwards” In A Sentence

• She put her shirt on backwards and didn’t realize until she saw herself in the mirror.
• The car was parked backwards in the driveway, making it difficult to pull out.
• He read the entire book backwards, starting with the last chapter.
• The teacher wrote the sentence backwards on the board and asked the students to fix it.
• He walked backwards down the hallway, trying to avoid the security cameras.
• The company’s new strategy is a step backwards from their previous success.
• The video was played backwards to reveal a hidden message.
• She spoke backwards, saying the words in reverse order.
• He wore his hat backwards, a fashion trend popular among young people.
• The team had to run the drill backwards to practice their defensive strategy.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using backward and backwards, many people tend to use them interchangeably, which is a common mistake. However, there are distinct differences between the two terms, and using them incorrectly can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using Backward As An Adverb

One common mistake people make is using backward as an adverb, when it should be used as an adjective. For example, saying “He walked backward” is incorrect, as backward is an adjective that describes the direction in which he walked. The correct way to use it as an adverb would be to say “He walked backwards.”

Using Backwards As An Adjective

Conversely, another mistake people make is using backwards as an adjective, when it should be used as an adverb. For example, saying “He put his shirt on backwards” is incorrect, as backwards is an adverb that describes how he put his shirt on. The correct way to use it as an adjective would be to say “He put his shirt on backward.”

Using Backward And Backwards Interchangeably

As mentioned earlier, using backward and backwards interchangeably is a common mistake. While they may seem interchangeable, there are subtle differences in their usage. Backward is used when describing the direction of movement or position, while backwards is used when describing an action or manner. For example, “He fell backward” describes the direction of his fall, while “He stumbled backwards” describes the manner in which he stumbled.

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, it’s important to understand the differences between backward and backwards. Here are some tips:

• Remember that backward is an adjective that describes position or direction, while backwards is an adverb that describes action or manner.
• When in doubt, use backwards as the default adverb form.
• If you’re unsure whether to use backward or backwards, rephrase the sentence to see if it still makes sense. For example, if you’re unsure whether to say “He walked backward” or “He walked backwards,” try rephrasing it as “He walked in a backward direction” or “He walked in a backwards manner” to see which sounds more natural.

Context Matters

Choosing between backward and backwards can depend on the context in which they are used. While they are both adverbs that describe a direction opposite to the usual one, there are situations where one is preferred over the other.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts where the choice between backward and backwards might change:

Context	Preferred Adverb
In British English	Backwards
In American English	Backward
In sports	Backwards
In computer programming	Backward
In time travel fiction	Backward

In British English, the adverb backwards is more commonly used, while in American English, backward is preferred. In sports, the term backwards is often used to describe a movement or play that goes in the opposite direction of the team’s goal. In computer programming, the term backward is used to describe a loop that starts at the end and goes to the beginning. In time travel fiction, the term backward is used to describe the act of going back in time.

Therefore, it is important to consider the context in which the words are used to determine which adverb is appropriate. Using the wrong adverb can lead to confusion or incorrect interpretation of the intended meaning.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the general rule is to use “backward” as an adverb and “backwards” as an adjective, there are some exceptions to this rule. Here are some cases where the rules might not apply:

1. British English

In British English, “backwards” is the preferred spelling for both adverb and adjective forms. Therefore, if you are writing for a British audience, it is best to use “backwards” in all cases.

2. Idiomatic Expressions

There are some idiomatic expressions where “backwards” is used as an adverb. For example, “take two steps backwards” or “step backwards.” In these cases, using “backward” would sound awkward and incorrect.

3. Technical Terminology

In technical terminology, such as in mathematics or computer science, “backward” is used as an adjective to describe a process that is the reverse of the usual order. For example, “backward compatibility” or “backward induction.” In these cases, using “backwards” would be incorrect and confusing.

4. Poetry And Literature

Finally, in some poetry and literature, the use of “backwards” may be preferred for stylistic reasons. For example, a poet may choose to use “backwards” to create a certain rhythm or to fit the meter of a poem.

It is important to note that while these exceptions exist, they are not common and should be used sparingly. In most cases, following the general rule of using “backward” as an adverb and “backwards” as an adjective is the best practice.

Practice Exercises

Improving your understanding and use of backward and backwards requires practice. Here are a few exercises to help you:

Exercise 1

Fill in the blanks with either backward or backwards:

1. The car drove __________ down the street.
2. She fell __________ off the diving board.
3. He walked ___________ to avoid tripping.
4. The clock is running ___________.

Answer Key:

1. The car drove backward down the street.
2. She fell backwards off the diving board.
3. He walked backward to avoid tripping.
4. The clock is running backwards.

Exercise 2

Choose the correct form of the word to complete the sentence:

1. He walked ___________ to the door.
2. The book fell ___________ off the shelf.
3. She looked ___________ at her mistake.
4. The movie played ___________ for an hour.

Answer Key:

1. He walked backward to the door.
2. The book fell backwards off the shelf.
3. She looked backwards at her mistake.
4. The movie played backward for an hour.

By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of backward and backwards in sentences. Remember, backward is an adjective and adverb, while backwards is an adverb in British English and rarely used in American English.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the difference between backward and backwards is an important aspect of mastering the English language. Here are the key takeaways from this article:

• Backward and backwards are both adverbs that mean the opposite of forward.
• Backward is the preferred spelling in American English while backwards is more commonly used in British English.
• Using backward and backwards interchangeably can lead to confusion and errors in communication.
• It is important to pay attention to the spelling and usage of words to ensure clear and effective communication.

As with any aspect of language, there is always more to learn. It is important to continue expanding your knowledge of grammar and language use to improve your communication skills. By doing so, you can become a more confident and effective communicator in both written and spoken forms of English.