Beyond vs Towards: When To Use Each One? What To Consider

Beyond and towards are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings that can make all the difference in your writing. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two words and when to use them.

Beyond and towards are both prepositions that indicate movement in a certain direction. Beyond means “on the other side of” or “further than” something, while towards means “in the direction of” or “with the goal of reaching” something.

For example, if you say “beyond the horizon,” you mean something that is on the other side of the horizon. If you say “towards the horizon,” you mean something that is moving in the direction of the horizon.

It’s important to use the correct word in your writing to convey the intended meaning. Using “beyond” when you mean “towards” can cause confusion and misinterpretation. Similarly, using “towards” when you mean “beyond” can make your writing seem imprecise.

In the following sections, we’ll explore some common usage scenarios for these two words and provide examples to illustrate their proper usage.

Define Beyond

Beyond is a preposition that indicates something that is further away, outside, or surpassing a particular point or limit. It refers to a place, state, or situation that is more advanced, distant, or abstract than something else.

For instance, beyond can be used to describe a physical location that is farther away from a reference point. It can also indicate a level of understanding or knowledge that is deeper or more profound than what is currently known or understood.

Beyond can also be used to express an idea or concept that is more abstract or difficult to grasp than something else. It is often used to describe something that is outside the realm of normal experience or understanding.

Define Towards

Towards is a preposition that indicates movement in the direction of a particular point or goal. It refers to a specific destination or objective that is being pursued.

Towards can be used to describe physical movement, such as walking or running towards a particular location. It can also refer to progress being made towards a specific goal or objective.

Towards can also be used to indicate a particular attitude or approach. For instance, it can describe a person who is working towards a more positive or optimistic outlook on life.

Overall, towards is a preposition that is often associated with movement, progress, and purposeful action towards a specific goal or objective.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing the right words to use in a sentence can make all the difference in how your message is received. In this section, we will explore the proper use of the words beyond and towards in a sentence.

How To Use “Beyond” In A Sentence

The word “beyond” is often used to indicate something that is further away or outside of a certain limit or boundary. Here are some examples:

• The view from the mountaintop was beyond breathtaking.
• His skills in math were beyond what the teacher expected.
• The company’s profits went beyond their initial projections.

It is important to note that “beyond” can also be used to mean “in addition to” or “more than”. Here are some examples:

• She has beyond the necessary qualifications for the job.
• The restaurant offers a menu that goes beyond traditional Italian cuisine.

How To Use “Towards” In A Sentence

The word “towards” is often used to indicate a direction or goal. Here are some examples:

• He was walking towards the park.
• The company is working towards a more sustainable future.
• She has been studying towards her degree for the past four years.

It is important to note that “towards” can also be used to indicate a tendency or inclination. Here are some examples:

• The team is working towards a more collaborative approach.
• He has always had a positive attitude towards his work.

More Examples Of Beyond & Towards Used In Sentences

In order to further understand the proper usage of “beyond” and “towards,” it is important to take a closer look at how these words are used in sentences. Below are some examples of how “beyond” and “towards” can be used in a variety of contexts.

Examples Of Using “Beyond” In A Sentence

• His talents go beyond what is expected of him.
• The view from the top of the mountain is beyond breathtaking.
• She went beyond her duties to help her coworkers.
• The company’s profits have gone beyond expectations this quarter.
• His behavior was beyond unacceptable.
• The restaurant’s food quality is beyond compare.
• Her beauty is beyond description.
• The author’s writing style is beyond captivating.
• His knowledge on the subject goes beyond what is taught in school.
• The technology used in the new product is beyond innovative.

Examples Of Using “Towards” In A Sentence

• The company is working towards a more sustainable future.
• I am taking steps towards achieving my goals.
• The train is headed towards the city center.
• The team is working towards a championship title.
• She is working towards a promotion at work.
• The company is moving towards a more customer-centric approach.
• We are taking steps towards a more inclusive society.
• The project is moving towards completion.
• The country is working towards reducing its carbon footprint.
• The company is taking steps towards improving its employee benefits.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “beyond” and “towards,” many people tend to use them interchangeably. However, it is important to understand that these two words have different meanings and should not be used in place of each other. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Mistake #1: Using “Beyond” When You Mean “Towards”

One common mistake is using “beyond” when you really mean “towards.” For example, saying “I am going beyond the store” when you mean “I am going towards the store.” The word “beyond” implies going past or exceeding something, while “towards” implies going in the direction of something. Using “beyond” in this context would not make sense.

Mistake #2: Using “Towards” When You Mean “Beyond”

Another mistake is using “towards” when you really mean “beyond.” For example, saying “I am looking towards the future” when you mean “I am looking beyond the future.” The word “towards” implies moving in the direction of something, while “beyond” implies looking or moving past something. Using “towards” in this context would not convey the intended meaning.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

Here are some tips to help you avoid these common mistakes:

• Take some time to fully understand the meanings of “beyond” and “towards.”
• Think carefully about the context in which you are using these words.
• If you are unsure which word to use, consult a dictionary or thesaurus.
• Read your writing aloud to ensure that it makes sense and conveys the intended meaning.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “beyond” and “towards,” context plays a crucial role. Depending on the situation, the choice between these two words can significantly impact the meaning of a sentence. Therefore, it is essential to understand the context in which they are used to make an informed decision.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “beyond” and “towards” might change:

Context	Example Sentence	Correct Word Choice
Physical Distance	He walked ____ the horizon.	beyond
Goal or Destination	We are working ____ a more sustainable future.	towards
Time	She looked ____ the future with excitement.	beyond
Obstacle	He overcame the challenges and pushed ____ his limits.	beyond
Direction	The car is headed ____ the city.	towards

In the context of physical distance, “beyond” is the correct word choice. For example, “He walked beyond the horizon.” In this case, “towards” would not make sense as it implies movement in a specific direction towards a goal or destination.

When referring to a goal or destination, “towards” is the correct word choice. For example, “We are working towards a more sustainable future.” In this context, “beyond” would not be appropriate as it suggests going past or exceeding a limit rather than working towards a specific goal.

When talking about time, “beyond” is the correct word choice. For example, “She looked beyond the future with excitement.” Using “towards” in this context would not make sense as it implies movement towards a specific point in time rather than looking beyond it.

When referring to overcoming an obstacle, “beyond” is the correct word choice. For example, “He overcame the challenges and pushed beyond his limits.” In this context, “towards” would not be appropriate as it implies movement towards a goal rather than exceeding one’s limitations.

Finally, when talking about direction, “towards” is the correct word choice. For example, “The car is headed towards the city.” In this context, “beyond” would not be appropriate as it suggests going past or exceeding a specific point rather than moving towards it.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using beyond and towards are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to be aware of. In certain contexts, these words may not follow the typical guidelines.

Exceptions For Beyond

One exception to the rule for using beyond is when it is used as a preposition to indicate the opposite of “short of” or “not quite.” In this case, it is often used with a negative verb to express the idea of something not happening or being insufficient. For example:

• The company fell beyond its sales target for the quarter.
• The team’s performance was beyond disappointing.

Another exception is when beyond is used as an adverb to mean “extremely” or “excessively.” In this case, it is often used to intensify an adjective or verb. For example:

• The view from the top of the mountain was beyond beautiful.
• The music was beyond loud, it was deafening.

Exceptions For Towards

One exception to the rule for using towards is when it is used as an adverb to mean “in the direction of.” In this case, it can be used interchangeably with the word “toward.” For example:

• The car was driving towards the city center.
• She walked towards the door and opened it.

Another exception is when towards is used as a preposition to indicate a relationship or connection between two things. In this case, it is often used to express a sense of progression or development. For example:

• The project is moving towards completion.
• His attitude towards the project has changed.

It’s important to note that while these exceptions exist, they are not as common as the typical uses of beyond and towards. It’s still important to follow the general rules for using these words in most cases.

Practice Exercises

Improving your understanding and use of beyond and towards requires practice. Here are some exercises to help you:

Exercise 1: Choose The Correct Word

Choose the correct word (beyond or towards) to complete each sentence:

1.	The company is looking beyond/towards the current quarter and planning for the future.	Answer: beyond
2.	The team is working hard beyond/towards their regular hours to finish the project on time.	Answer: beyond
3.	I’m excited to work beyond/towards my current role and take on new challenges.	Answer: towards
4.	She has a passion for helping others and is always working beyond/towards her own needs.	Answer: towards

Exercise 2: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank with the correct word (beyond or towards) to complete each sentence:

1. The company’s goals extend beyond/towards just making a profit.
2. She is always working beyond/towards her own needs to help others.
3. We need to look beyond/towards the immediate crisis and plan for the future.
4. His actions show a lack of consideration beyond/towards his own interests.

Answers:

• 1. beyond
• 2. towards
• 3. beyond
• 4. towards

Exercise 3: Writing Sentences

Write a sentence using each of the following words (beyond and towards) correctly:

• beyond
• towards
• beyond
• towards

Answers:

• The company’s vision extends beyond just financial success.
• I’m working hard to move towards my career goals.
• The team is pushing beyond their limits to achieve success.
• She is always working towards improving her skills and knowledge.

Conclusion

After exploring the nuances of “beyond” and “towards,” it is clear that these words have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately in writing. “Beyond” refers to something that is outside or surpasses a certain point, while “towards” indicates movement in a specific direction.

It is important to pay attention to the context in which these words are used, as they can greatly impact the meaning of a sentence. Misusing these words can lead to confusion and miscommunication.

Key Takeaways:

• “Beyond” means outside or surpassing a certain point
• “Towards” indicates movement in a specific direction
• Context is important in determining the appropriate use of these words
• Misusing these words can lead to confusion and miscommunication

As with any aspect of grammar and language use, it is important to continue learning and improving. By expanding your knowledge of these words and their usage, you can become a more effective and confident writer.