Confused Words: Backward vs. Backwards

Hello, language enthusiasts! Today’s English lesson focuses on the usage of two often-confused words: “Backward” and “Backwards”. Both words have similar meanings, but their usage can vary.

Backward

“Backward” (IPA: /ˈbakwərd/) describes a direction or movement in the reverse or opposite way.

Here are 5 examples:

1. He moved one step backward. (He moved one step in the opposite direction)
2. The car went backward down the hill. (The car went down the hill in reverse)
3. We cannot go backward in time. (We can’t go in the reverse direction in time)
4. She looked backward to see if someone was following her. (She looked in the opposite direction to check for a follower)
5. The chair tipped backward. (The chair tipped in the opposite direction)

Backwards

“Backwards” (IPA: /ˈbakwərdz/), synonymous with “backward”, can be used interchangeably in most contexts, particularly in British English.

Here are 5 examples:

1. He fell backwards into the pool. (He fell in reverse into the pool)
2. She accidentally read the letter backwards. (She read the letter in reverse by mistake)
3. The clock was running backwards. (The clock was running in reverse)
4. He pushed the box backwards. (He pushed the box in the opposite direction)
5. The boat moved backwards against the current. (The boat moved in reverse against the current)

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Backward” and “Backwards” both refer to a movement or direction opposite to the usual, and are largely interchangeable. Generally, “backward” is more common in American English, while “backwards” is preferred in British English.