# count towards

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/count-towards
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to be included as part of a total or to help you reach a goal.

For teachers: to be considered as a valid contribution toward a required total or a specific achievement; often used in academic or administrative contexts.

## Examples

- This test will count towards your final grade.
- The hours you spent volunteering last summer will count towards your community service requirement.
- While the preliminary rounds do not determine the winner, the points earned count towards the final seasonal ranking.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The course counts to my degree." but "The course counts towards my degree." — the preposition 'towards' (or 'toward') is necessary to show the direction of the contribution.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by a noun representing a goal, total, or requirement.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'count on' (rely on) to show how different particles change the base verb's meaning entirely.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.