Are you confused about when to use “forward” versus “onward”? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences in their meanings that can make a big difference in your writing. In this article, we’ll explore the nuances of these two words and help you determine which one is the right choice for your writing.
Let’s define our terms. “Forward” is an adverb that means “toward a position that is ahead or in front; in the direction that one is facing or traveling.” “Onward,” on the other hand, is also an adverb, but it means “in a continuing forward direction; ahead in time or order.”
So, which one is the proper word to use? The answer is: it depends. Both “forward” and “onward” can be used in a variety of contexts, but there are some situations where one is a better choice than the other.
In general, “forward” is used more often to refer to physical movement or progress in a specific direction. For example, you might say “I’m moving forward with my plan” or “The car moved forward slowly.” “Onward,” on the other hand, is often used to refer to more abstract concepts like time or progress in a broader sense. For example, you might say “We must look onward to the future” or “The project is moving onward and upward.”
However, there are many situations where either word could be used without any real difference in meaning. For example, “I will continue forward with my project” and “I will continue onward with my project” are both grammatically correct and convey the same basic idea.
Now that we’ve established the difference between “forward” and “onward,” let’s take a closer look at some specific situations where one word might be a better choice than the other.
Define Forward
Forward is an adverb that refers to the direction of movement towards a destination or goal. It can also mean progressing towards a better or more advanced state. In sports, it can denote the position of a player who is closer to the opponent’s goal.
Forward can also function as a noun, referring to a player in certain sports, such as basketball and soccer. In finance, it is a contract between two parties to buy or sell an asset at a future date at a predetermined price.
Furthermore, forward can be used as an adjective to describe something that is situated or directed towards the front or ahead in position or time.
Define Onward
Onward is an adverb that means moving forward in a continuous manner, without stopping or changing direction. It can also refer to the continuation of a journey or process, or the progress or development of something over time.
Onward can also be used as an adjective to describe something that is continuing or moving forward, such as an onward flight or an onward journey.
In addition, onward can be used as a preposition to indicate movement or progress towards a particular destination or goal. For example, “We continued onward towards the summit.”
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the right words in a sentence is crucial to convey the intended message. In this section, we will discuss how to use the words “forward” and “onward” correctly.
How To Use “Forward” In A Sentence
The word “forward” is an adverb and an adjective that means moving in the direction ahead or towards the front. Here are some examples of how to use “forward” in a sentence:
- He took a step forward to get a better view of the stage.
- The company is moving forward with its expansion plans.
- She is looking forward to her vacation in Hawaii.
It is essential to note that “forward” can also be used as a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a direction or a position in front of something. As a verb, it means to send something or someone ahead or to advance.
How To Use “Onward” In A Sentence
The word “onward” is an adverb that means in a continuing forward direction or towards a more advanced position. Here are some examples of how to use “onward” in a sentence:
- The soldiers marched onward towards the enemy’s camp.
- The project is moving onward to the next phase.
- She decided to push onward despite the challenges she faced.
It is important to note that “onward” is not commonly used as an adjective, noun, or verb. Therefore, it is vital to use it correctly as an adverb in a sentence.
More Examples Of Forward & Onward Used In Sentences
In this section, we will provide more examples of how to use the words forward and onward in a sentence. These examples will help you gain a better understanding of how to use these words in different contexts.
Examples Of Using Forward In A Sentence
- The team is moving forward with the project despite the setbacks.
- We need to look forward and plan for the future.
- She took a step forward towards the stage.
- The company is moving forward with its expansion plans.
- He leaned forward to get a better look at the painting.
- The athlete is always looking forward to the next challenge.
- The car moved forward slowly in the heavy traffic.
- We need to move forward and leave the past behind.
- He is always thinking forward and planning for the future.
- The project is moving forward on schedule.
Examples Of Using Onward In A Sentence
- The train continued onward towards its destination.
- We need to move onward and focus on the future.
- The company is expanding onward into new markets.
- The army marched onward towards the enemy’s stronghold.
- He continued onward despite the difficult terrain.
- The river flows onward towards the sea.
- We need to push onward and overcome the obstacles in our way.
- The project is moving onward and upward towards success.
- She continued onward with her studies despite the challenges.
- The team is moving onward with the project and making great progress.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using words like forward and onward, it’s easy to assume that they can be used interchangeably. However, this is a common mistake that many people make, and it can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid:
Using “Forward” When “Onward” Is More Appropriate
One of the most common mistakes people make is using “forward” when “onward” is actually the more appropriate word. While both words can be used to indicate movement in a particular direction, “onward” is typically used to indicate progress or advancement, while “forward” simply indicates movement in a particular direction. For example:
- Incorrect: We need to move forward with our plans.
- Correct: We need to move onward with our plans.
In this example, “onward” is more appropriate because it indicates progress or advancement, rather than just movement in a particular direction.
Using “Onward” When “Forward” Is More Appropriate
Another common mistake people make is using “onward” when “forward” is actually the more appropriate word. While both words can be used to indicate movement in a particular direction, “forward” is typically used to indicate a specific goal or objective, while “onward” simply indicates movement in a particular direction. For example:
- Incorrect: We need to move onward to achieve our goals.
- Correct: We need to move forward to achieve our goals.
In this example, “forward” is more appropriate because it indicates a specific goal or objective, rather than just movement in a particular direction.
Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes
To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to understand the subtle differences between “forward” and “onward.” Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Think about the specific context in which you are using the word.
- Consider whether you are indicating progress or a specific goal.
- Use “onward” when indicating progress or advancement.
- Use “forward” when indicating a specific goal or objective.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can avoid common mistakes and use these words more effectively in your writing and communication.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words forward and onward, context plays a crucial role in determining which one to use. Both words represent movement in a particular direction, but their usage can vary depending on the context in which they are used.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between forward and onward might change:
1. Physical Movement
When referring to physical movement, both forward and onward can be used interchangeably. However, there are some subtle differences in their usage. Forward is often used when referring to movement in a straight line or towards a specific point. On the other hand, onward is used when referring to movement in a more general direction, without a specific endpoint in mind. For example:
- He moved forward towards the finish line.
- She continued onward down the path.
2. Time
When referring to time, the choice between forward and onward can depend on the specific context. Forward is often used when referring to future events or progress. Onward is used when referring to the continuation of a current situation or event. For example:
- We need to move forward with our plans for the future.
- The project will continue onward until completion.
3. Figurative Language
When using figurative language, the choice between forward and onward can depend on the specific metaphor being used. For example, the phrase “moving forward” is often used to represent progress or growth. On the other hand, the phrase “onward and upward” is often used to represent positivity and optimism. For example:
- We need to focus on moving forward and making progress.
- Despite the setbacks, we must remember to keep moving onward and upward.
Overall, the choice between forward and onward can depend on a variety of factors, including the specific context and the intended meaning. By understanding the subtle differences in their usage, you can choose the right word to convey your message effectively.
Exceptions To The Rules
While forward and onward are generally used interchangeably, there are some exceptions to the rules regarding their usage. Here are some cases where the rules might not apply:
1. Legal Terminology
Legal terminology often uses specific words that may not be interchangeable with common usage. In legal documents, “forward” and “onward” may have distinct meanings that differ from their general usage. For example, in a legal contract, “forward” might refer to a specific action that must be taken, while “onward” might refer to a general direction without any specific action required.
2. Regional Differences
Regional differences can also affect the use of “forward” and “onward.” In some parts of the world, “forward” is used more commonly than “onward,” while in other regions, the opposite is true. For example, in British English, “onward” is often used in place of “forward” in certain contexts, such as in transportation or travel.
3. Contextual Usage
The context in which “forward” or “onward” is used can also affect their interchangeability. In some cases, one word may be more appropriate than the other depending on the context. For example, “forward” may be more appropriate when referring to physical movement, while “onward” may be more appropriate when referring to progress or development.
4. Idiomatic Expressions
Finally, there are some idiomatic expressions that use “forward” or “onward” in specific ways that may not be interchangeable. For example, “to look forward to” is a common expression that means to anticipate something with pleasure, while “to carry onward” means to continue moving forward despite obstacles or challenges.
Overall, while “forward” and “onward” are often used interchangeably, it is important to consider the context and any exceptions to the rules when using these words.
Practice Exercises
Now that we have a better understanding of the differences between forward and onward, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences:
Exercise 1:
Fill in the blank with either forward or onward:
- After the accident, the driver was unable to move the car __________.
- The company is always looking __________ to new opportunities.
- She took a step __________ and stumbled on a rock.
- The team is determined to move __________ despite setbacks.
- The project is moving __________, with the next milestone set for next month.
Answers:
- forward
- onward
- forward
- onward
- forward
Exercise 2:
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence:
- He is always looking _________ to new challenges.
- a) forward
- b) onward
- a) forward
- b) onward
- a) forward
- b) onward
- a) forward
- b) onward
- a) forward
- b) onward
Answers:
- a) onward
- a) forward
- a) forward
- b) onward
- a) forward
By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of forward and onward in sentences. Remember that forward typically refers to physical movement while onward refers to progress or continuation. By using these words correctly, you can enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.
Conclusion
Throughout this article, we have explored the key differences between the terms “forward” and “onward” and how they are used in the English language.
Key Takeaways
- Forward and onward are both adverbs that indicate movement in a particular direction.
- The term “forward” is typically used to describe physical movement or progress, while “onward” is used to describe both physical and figurative movement.
- When used as adjectives, “forward” can mean “at the front” or “bold,” while “onward” can mean “continuing” or “progressing.”
- It is important to understand the context in which these terms are used to ensure clear communication.
As you continue to learn about grammar and language use, it is important to pay attention to the specific words and phrases used in different contexts. By doing so, you can improve your communication skills and avoid misunderstandings.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.