Inward vs Inwards: Similarities, Differences, and Proper Use

Have you ever found yourself wondering whether to use the word “inward” or “inwards” in your writing? While both words are used to indicate movement towards the interior of something, there is a subtle difference between the two.

The proper word to use depends on the context of the sentence, but in general, both “inward” and “inwards” are acceptable. “Inward” is an adverb that means “toward the inside” or “toward the center.” “Inwards,” on the other hand, is an adverb that means “toward the inside” or “toward the center” but is more commonly used in British English.

In this article, we will explore the differences between “inward” and “inwards” and provide examples of how to use each word correctly.

Define Inward

Inward is an adverb that describes the direction of movement towards the inside or interior of something. It is often used to describe a physical movement, such as when a person moves towards the center of a room or a car drives towards the center of a roundabout. Inward can also be used to describe a mental or emotional movement, such as when a person reflects on their thoughts or feelings and turns their attention towards their inner self.

Inward can also be used as an adjective to describe something that is directed towards the interior or center of something else. For example, an inward curve or an inward-facing window.

Define Inwards

Inwards is also an adverb that describes the direction of movement towards the inside or interior of something. However, inwards is more commonly used in British English, while inward is more commonly used in American English.

Like inward, inwards can also be used as an adjective to describe something that is directed towards the interior or center of something else. For example, an inwards-facing camera or an inwards-opening door.

Differences between Inward and Inwards

Inward	Inwards
More commonly used in American English	More commonly used in British English
Can be used as an adverb and an adjective	Can be used as an adverb and an adjective

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right word in a sentence is crucial to convey the intended meaning. The words inward and inwards are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings and usage. In this section, we will discuss how to use these words properly in a sentence.

How To Use Inward In A Sentence

The word inward is an adjective and an adverb that means towards the inside or the center. It is often used to describe a movement or direction towards something or someone. Here are some examples:

• She took an inward breath before jumping into the water.
• The arrow pointed inward towards the target.
• He turned his gaze inward to reflect on his thoughts.

Inward can also be used to describe a feeling or emotion that is not expressed outwardly. Here are some examples:

• She had an inward feeling of satisfaction after completing the project.
• He kept his disappointment inward and did not show it to his team.

How To Use Inwards In A Sentence

The word inwards is an adverb that means towards the inside or the center. It is often used to describe a movement or direction towards something or someone. Inwards is more commonly used in British English than American English. Here are some examples:

• The door opened inwards, revealing a dark room.
• She leaned inwards to hear what he was saying.
• The plant grew inwards towards the sunlight.

Inwards can also be used to describe a change or movement towards a specific direction or goal. Here are some examples:

• The company is moving inwards to focus on its core business.
• He is looking inwards to find his true passion.

Overall, it is important to use these words correctly to avoid confusion and misinterpretation in your writing. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use inward and inwards in your sentences.

More Examples Of Inward & Inwards Used In Sentences

Inward and inwards are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they have slightly different meanings. Inward refers to something that is directed or moving towards the inside, while inwards refers to something that is already inside.

Examples Of Using Inward In A Sentence

• The company needs to focus on its inward growth strategy.
• She turned her gaze inward to reflect on her life.
• The arrow was pointing inward towards the target.
• He felt an inward sense of relief when he heard the good news.
• The team went through an inward transformation after their coach’s pep talk.
• She took an inward journey to discover her true self.
• The company’s profits were directed inward towards research and development.
• He felt an inward pull towards the mountains.
• The company’s focus was inward on improving customer satisfaction.
• She felt an inward sense of pride when she received the award.

Examples Of Using Inwards In A Sentence

• The cat crept inwards towards the warmth of the fire.
• The flowers were facing inwards towards the center of the garden.
• He turned his attention inwards to focus on his breathing.
• The doors opened inwards towards the hallway.
• The tree’s branches curved inwards towards the trunk.
• The spiral staircase led inwards towards the top of the tower.
• The building’s windows faced inwards towards the courtyard.
• The dancer’s movements flowed inwards towards her center.
• The spiral galaxy’s arms curled inwards towards the nucleus.
• The athlete’s training focused on building strength inwards towards the core.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “inward” and “inwards,” people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these words have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Inward” As An Adverb

One of the most common mistakes is using “inward” as an adverb, such as saying “I turned inward” instead of “I turned inwards.” “Inward” is an adjective that describes something that is directed or proceeding towards the inside, while “inwards” is the adverb form that describes the direction of movement towards the inside.

Using “Inward” To Describe A Physical Movement

Another common mistake is using “inward” to describe physical movement, such as “I moved inward” instead of “I moved inwards.” “Inward” is not the correct word to describe physical movement towards the inside; “inwards” should be used instead.

Using “Inward” To Describe A Mental Or Emotional State

Using “inward” to describe a mental or emotional state is also a mistake. For example, saying “I felt inwardly happy” instead of “I felt inwardly happy” is incorrect. “Inward” is not the correct word to describe mental or emotional states; “inwardly” should be used instead.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

• Always double-check whether you need an adjective or an adverb before using “inward” or “inwards.”
• Remember that “inward” describes something that is directed or proceeding towards the inside, while “inwards” is the adverb form that describes the direction of movement towards the inside.
• If you’re not sure which word to use, try rephrasing the sentence or using a different word altogether.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between “inward” and “inwards,” context is key. The two words may seem interchangeable, but they actually have slightly different meanings depending on the situation 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 “inward” and “inwards” might change:

Context	Example	Preferred Word
Direction	“The arrow pointed inward.”	inward
Location	“He turned inwards to face the wall.”	inwards
Emotion	“She looked inward to find inner peace.”	inward
Grammar	“The sentence structure was inwards.”	inward

As you can see from the examples above, the choice between “inward” and “inwards” can depend on the specific context in which they are used. In general, “inward” is used to describe a direction or emotion, while “inwards” is used to describe a location or grammar.

Exceptions To The Rules

1. Adverbial Phrases

There are certain adverbial phrases where using “inward” or “inwards” might not follow the standard rules. For instance, when referring to movement towards the inside of something, “inward” is usually the correct choice. However, when the movement is more figurative, “inwards” might be used instead.

Example:

• He turned his gaze inward to reflect on his actions. (referring to introspection)
• The company is expanding inwards, focusing on its core market. (referring to a figurative movement towards a specific area)

2. Regional Differences

Another exception is when considering regional differences in language usage. In some English-speaking countries, such as the UK, “inwards” is more commonly used than “inward.”

Example:

• She directed her attention inwards to focus on her breathing. (common usage in the US)
• The organization is looking inwards to identify areas for improvement. (common usage in the UK)

3. Idiomatic Expressions

Finally, there are certain idiomatic expressions where using “inward” or “inwards” might not follow the standard rules. These expressions are often deeply ingrained in the language and have a specific meaning that cannot be changed by using the other word.

Example:

• He kept his feelings inward, not revealing his true emotions. (idiomatic expression meaning to keep something private)
• The team is looking inwards to find solutions to their problems. (idiomatic expression meaning to focus on internal resources)

Practice Exercises

Now that we have a better understanding of the difference between “inward” and “inwards,” it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Below are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences. Each exercise comes with an answer key or explanation to help you check your work.

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Complete the following sentences with either “inward” or “inwards.”

1. She turned _________ and took a deep breath before speaking.
2. He felt a sudden __________ rush of emotion when he saw her.
3. The path led ___________ towards the mountain.
4. After the accident, he became more ____________-looking and withdrawn.
5. The boat sailed ____________ towards the shore.

Answer Key:

1. inward
2. inward
3. inwards
4. inward
5. inwards

Exercise 2: Choose The Correct Word

Choose the correct word to complete the following sentences.

1. He turned _________ and walked away.
2. The wind blew ___________ towards the house.
3. She felt an __________ pull towards the ocean.
4. The car swerved ___________ to avoid hitting the deer.
5. The river flowed ___________ towards the sea.

Answer Key:

1. inwards
2. inwards
3. inward
4. inwards
5. inwards

By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of “inward” and “inwards” in your writing and speech. Remember to pay attention to the context of the sentence and whether you are referring to a direction or a state of being.

Conclusion

After exploring the nuances of inward vs inwards, it is clear that both words have their place in the English language. However, it is important to use them correctly in order to convey the intended meaning and avoid confusion.

Key takeaways from this article include:

• Inward is an adverb that describes a movement or direction towards the inside or interior of something.
• Inwards is also an adverb that means the same thing as inward, but it is less commonly used in American English.
• Both words can also be used as adjectives, but their meanings change slightly in this context.
• It is important to pay attention to context and usage when choosing between inward and inwards.

As with any aspect of grammar and language use, there is always more to learn. By continuing to explore the intricacies of the English language, readers can improve their writing and communication skills.