Eastward vs Easterly: When To Use Each One? What To Consider

Have you ever found yourself confused about the difference between the words “eastward” and “easterly”? These two words may seem similar, but they have distinct meanings and uses in the English language.

Let’s clarify which of the two is the proper word to use in different contexts. “Eastward” is the correct word to use when referring to the direction of movement or travel towards the east. On the other hand, “easterly” is used to describe something that is located or facing towards the east.

For example, if you are driving from California to New York, you would be traveling eastward. However, if you are standing on the east coast of the United States, you would be facing easterly towards the Atlantic Ocean.

It’s important to note that “easterly” can also be used as an adverb to describe the manner in which something is done towards the east. For instance, “the wind is blowing easterly” means that the wind is blowing in the direction of the east.

Now that we’ve established the difference between these two words, let’s dive deeper into their origins and usage in the English language.

Define Eastward

Eastward refers to the direction towards the east, which is the point on the horizon where the sun rises. It is the opposite of westward and is used to describe movement or direction towards the east. Eastward can also be used to describe the location of something in relation to a point of reference, such as “the town is located eastward of the river.”

Define Easterly

Easterly is an adjective that describes something that is coming from the east or is located towards the east. It can refer to the direction of the wind, which is blowing from the east, or the location of a place, which is situated towards the east. For example, “an easterly wind is blowing from the east coast” or “the easterly part of the city is known for its historic architecture.”

Easterly can also be used as a noun to describe a wind that is blowing from the east, as in “the sailors were struggling against a strong easterly.”

It is important to note that while eastward and easterly are related, they are not interchangeable. Eastward describes a direction, while easterly describes a location or origin.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the correct word in a sentence is crucial to ensure that the intended meaning is conveyed accurately. In this section, we will explore the proper usage of the words “eastward” and “easterly.”

How To Use Eastward In A Sentence

The word “eastward” is an adverb that indicates movement or direction towards the east. It can also be used as an adjective to describe something that is located towards the east.

Here are a few examples of how to use “eastward” in a sentence:

• The ship sailed eastward towards the rising sun.
• The storm is moving eastward and will reach our town by tomorrow.
• The town is located on the eastward side of the river.

How To Use Easterly In A Sentence

The word “easterly” is an adjective that describes something that is located or positioned towards the east. It can also be used as a noun to refer to a wind that blows from the east.

Here are a few examples of how to use “easterly” in a sentence:

• The easterly side of the building receives the most sunlight in the morning.
• The plane flew in an easterly direction towards New York.
• The easterly wind brought a chill to the air.

It is important to note that while “eastward” and “easterly” are related in meaning, they are not interchangeable. “Eastward” refers to movement or direction, while “easterly” refers to location or position.

More Examples Of Eastward & Easterly Used In Sentences

When it comes to directional terms, it’s important to understand the subtle differences between words like eastward and easterly. Here are some examples of how each of these terms can be used in a sentence:

Examples Of Using Eastward In A Sentence

• The train is moving eastward towards the coast.
• We need to head eastward in order to reach the next town.
• The storm is moving eastward, so we should be prepared for heavy rain.
• The sun rises eastward every morning.
• The wind is blowing eastward, which is causing the trees to sway.
• He set out on a journey eastward, hoping to find new adventures along the way.
• The map shows that the river flows eastward towards the sea.
• The plane is flying eastward, so we should be landing soon.
• She turned eastward and started walking towards the mountains.
• The road curves eastward just ahead, so be prepared to turn.

Examples Of Using Easterly In A Sentence

• The easterly winds are bringing in a cold front from the north.
• They set sail on an easterly course towards the rising sun.
• The beach faces easterly, so it’s a great place to watch the sunrise.
• The easterly side of the building gets the most sunlight in the morning.
• The easterly edge of the forest is home to many rare species of birds.
• The easterly coastline is known for its rugged beauty and stunning vistas.
• The easterly trade winds helped sailors navigate the ocean for centuries.
• The easterly current carries warm water from the equator towards the poles.
• The easterly slope of the mountain is steeper than the western side.
• The easterly migration of birds is a natural wonder that occurs every year.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to directional terms, it’s easy to get confused between similar words. One of the most common mistakes people make is using “eastward” and “easterly” interchangeably. However, these two words have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably.

Using Eastward And Easterly Interchangeably

Eastward refers to the direction towards the east, while easterly refers to something that is located or moving towards the east. For example, if you are driving from west to east, you are moving eastward. On the other hand, if the wind is blowing from the west towards the east, it is easterly wind.

One common mistake people make is using “eastward” as an adjective to describe something that is located or moving towards the east. For example, saying “the easterly direction” as “the eastward direction”. This is incorrect usage of the word “eastward”.

Another mistake is using “easterly” as an adverb to describe the direction towards the east. For example, saying “the plane is flying easterly” as “the plane is flying eastward”. This is incorrect usage of the word “easterly”.

Tips To Avoid Confusing Eastward And Easterly

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, it’s important to understand the difference between these two words. Here are some tips:

• Remember that “eastward” refers to the direction towards the east, while “easterly” refers to something that is located or moving towards the east.
• Use “eastward” as an adverb to describe the direction towards the east.
• Use “easterly” as an adjective to describe something that is located or moving towards the east.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can avoid confusing “eastward” and “easterly” and use them correctly in your writing and speech.

Context Matters

When it comes to using the terms “eastward” and “easterly,” context plays a significant role in determining which one to use. While both words describe a direction towards the east, they have different connotations and applications depending on the situation.

Examples Of Different Contexts

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

1. Navigation

In navigation, “eastward” is commonly used to describe the direction of travel towards the east. For instance, a ship traveling from the west coast of the United States to Japan would be said to be sailing “eastward” across the Pacific Ocean. On the other hand, “easterly” is often used to describe the wind direction blowing towards the east. For example, a sailor might say that the wind is blowing in an “easterly” direction, which would mean that it is coming from the east.

2. Meteorology

In meteorology, “eastward” is used to describe the movement of weather systems towards the east. For instance, a weather forecaster might say that a storm system is moving “eastward” across the country. In contrast, “easterly” is used to describe the direction from which the wind is blowing. For example, a meteorologist might say that the wind is blowing from the “easterly” direction, which would indicate that it is coming from the east.

3. Grammar

In grammar, “eastward” is often used as an adverb to modify a verb, indicating the direction of movement towards the east. For example, “The train is heading eastward towards New York City.” “Easterly,” on the other hand, is typically used as an adjective to describe something that is located or facing towards the east. For instance, “The easterly side of the building faces the ocean.”

As these examples demonstrate, the choice between “eastward” and “easterly” can depend on the context in which they are used. It is essential to understand the nuances of each word to use them correctly and convey the intended meaning accurately.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using eastward and easterly are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions that can make things a bit more complicated. Here are some situations where the rules might not apply:

1. Nautical Terminology

In nautical terminology, the terms “eastward” and “easterly” are often used interchangeably to describe the direction in which a ship is traveling. However, when referring to wind or currents, “easterly” is the preferred term. For example, a sailor might say “we’re sailing eastward” or “there’s an easterly wind blowing.”

2. Geological Features

When describing geological features, such as mountain ranges or rivers, the terms “eastward” and “easterly” can have slightly different meanings. “Eastward” generally refers to movement or direction, while “easterly” describes the location or orientation of the feature. For example, a river might flow eastward, but its easterly bank is on the opposite side.

3. Regional Variations

Finally, it’s worth noting that there can be regional variations in the use of these terms. In some parts of the world, “eastward” and “easterly” may be used more or less interchangeably, while in other regions one term may be preferred over the other. It’s always a good idea to check local usage and context before using these terms in your writing.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have a clear understanding of the difference between eastward and easterly, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these terms in sentences:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Complete the following sentences by filling in the blank with either eastward or easterly:

1. The __________ wind brought a chill to the air.
2. The ship sailed __________ along the coast.
3. The sun rises __________ every morning.
4. We drove __________ for hours before reaching our destination.
5. The __________ migration of birds is a sight to behold.

Answer Key:

1. The easterly wind brought a chill to the air.
2. The ship sailed eastward along the coast.
3. The sun rises eastward every morning.
4. We drove eastward for hours before reaching our destination.
5. The eastward migration of birds is a sight to behold.

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Choose the correct word (eastward or easterly) to complete the following sentences:

1. The plane flew __________ over the Atlantic Ocean.
2. The __________ wind made it difficult to ride our bikes.
3. We set out on our journey __________.
4. The __________ coast of the United States is known for its beaches.
5. The river flows __________ towards the sea.

Answer Key:

1. The plane flew eastward over the Atlantic Ocean.
2. The easterly wind made it difficult to ride our bikes.
3. We set out on our journey eastward.
4. The eastern coast of the United States is known for its beaches.
5. The river flows eastward towards the sea.

By practicing these exercises, you’ll be able to confidently use eastward and easterly in your writing and speech.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the difference between eastward and easterly is crucial for effective communication.

Key takeaways from this article include:

• Eastward refers to the direction of movement while easterly refers to the location or position of something.
• Eastward is an adverb while easterly is an adjective.
• It is important to use the correct word in the appropriate context to avoid confusion.

As language is constantly evolving, it is essential to continue learning and improving our grammar and language use. By doing so, we can communicate more effectively and avoid misunderstandings.