Backward versus Backwards

What is the Difference Between Backward and Backwards?

When to Use Backward

Backward can be either an adjective or an adverb.

As an adjective, backward means regressive or underdeveloped.

Backward is also a directional adverb. It is the opposite of forward, namely, the direction behind someone.

For example,

Kenny accidentally dropped the basketball, and it rolled backward all the way down the hill.

When to Use Backwards

Backwards is a directional adverb. It has the same definition as backward above, but it primarily appears in British English.


Summary

Is it backward or backwards? Backward is an adjective that means regressive or underdeveloped. It is also a directional adverb in American English. In British English, it becomes backwards as a directional adverb, so keep your audience in mind when choosing one of these words.

To summarize,

Only backward is an adjective.

Backward is the preferred adverb in American English.

Backwards is preferred in British English.

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