A Directional Poem
There once was a writer
Who wanted to know
If an s on the end
Would be apropos.
She researched and read
Till her mind was a haze.
Checked multiple sources
And found it both ways.
Upwards or upward?
Who could tell her the rule?
Backwards or backward?
Did they teach this in school?
Was it toward or towards?
How the heck could she tell?
Downward or downwards?
English language is hel—um, difficult because of the varying rules depending upon location, etymology and other factors.
Which Directional Word is Correct?
One of the below examples probably stands out to you as correct, but here’s the thing—your neighbor may disagree. Who’s right?
I dribbled the soccer ball backwards like an expert.
I ran towards the sound of sirens.
OR
I dribbled the soccer ball backward like an expert.
I ran toward the sound of sirens.
Directional Words Depend on Your Location
According to Chicago Manual of Style, American English has left the s off directional terms for about 120 years. Our buddies across the pond prefer to include the s. BUT (because it wouldn’t be English without an exception) afterwards and backwards are correct when used as adverbs.
For consistency, most American editors prefer to ditch the s regardless of part of speech. Whew. One less thing to remember.
But wait—how can we remember which side of the Atlantic uses an s on the end of directional words?
Mini-mnemonic
British English includes the s on directional words. The word British includes an s.
American English prefers to drop the s on directional words. There’s no s in American.
(Yes, there’s one in Americans, but don’t get cute. No one says Britishs.)
So . . . the next time you wonder if you should follow the latest social media trend and show everyone how you can write your name backwards, remember: it depends on where you live.
