# toward

/ˈtɔɹd/ (US) · /tʊwˈɔːd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/toward
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. in a direction

preposition · CEFR A2 · American English

moving in the direction of someone or something.

For teachers: in the direction of; moving or facing a specific point.

- The children ran toward the ice cream truck as soon as they heard the music.
- The storm clouds moved steadily toward the coast, prompting local authorities to issue a high-wind warning for the evening.

Usage: In American English, 'toward' is the standard form, while 'towards' is preferred in British English.

### 2. regarding someone or something

preposition · CEFR B1 · American English

having a specific feeling or attitude about someone or something.

For teachers: in relation to; regarding a specific person, object, or concept.

- She has always felt very friendly toward her new neighbors.
- The public's attitude toward the new tax legislation remains largely skeptical despite the government's efforts to explain the benefits.

### 3. near a time

preposition · CEFR B1 · American English

getting close to a specific time or event.

For teachers: approaching a specific point in time.

- It started to get much colder toward the end of the afternoon.
- Toward the end of the nineteenth century, industrialization began to transform the rural landscape at an unprecedented pace.

### 4. contributing to a goal

preposition · CEFR B2 · American English

giving money or effort to help achieve something.

For teachers: contributing to or for the purpose of attaining a specific aim or result.

- They are saving money toward a down payment on a new house.
- The grant money will go toward funding new research into renewable energy sources over the next three years.

### 5. impending or coming

adjective · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Literary

something that is about to happen soon.

For teachers: approaching or impending; currently at hand or in progress.

- The scouts warned the village that a great change was toward.
- There was a sense of mischief toward in the quiet halls of the manor that night.

Teaching tip: This adjective use is extremely rare in modern English; learners will likely only encounter it in Shakespeare or older literature.

## Examples

- She walked toward the park to meet her friends.
- The company is working toward a more sustainable future by reducing plastic waste in its offices.
- As the sun dipped toward the horizon, the long shadows stretched across the valley, signaling the end of a productive harvest day.

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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.