Forward vs Forwards: Which One Should You Use?

Have you ever paused during business communication, scheduling, or project management tasks and wondered whether “Forward” or “Forwards” is the correct choice? You’re not alone—many professionals stumble over this small but important detail. If you want to write with confidence, stay consistent across emails, formal writing, and online booking systems, and still Have Fun with language, understanding the difference matters. Strong grammar enhances clarity in everything from meetings to broadcasting, and even small word choices can sharpen your message.

In this article, you’ll learn the real distinction between “Forward” and “Forwards,” why both forms exist, and how US vs. UK style guides treat each one. We’ll walk through practical examples tied to time management, calendar planning, and everyday English usage, so you always know which form suits your context. With clear explanations, expert insights, and smooth readability, this guide helps you write more accurately, communicate more effectively, and maintain polished consistency across every platform you use.

Understanding Forward

The word forward is surprisingly versatile. It can function as an adverb, adjective, noun, or verb, depending on the sentence. Let’s break it down.

Forward as an Adverb

When used as an adverb, forward indicates movement in the direction ahead.

Examples:

• “Step forward and introduce yourself.”
• “Lean forward to hear better.”

Here, the word emphasizes direction or progress, and it’s unchanging—no ‘s’ is added.

Forward as an Adjective

As an adjective, forward often describes a position, attitude, or plan.

Examples:

• “She took a forward step in her career.”
• “His forward-thinking ideas impressed the team.”

Notice how it can describe something literal, like a step, or figurative, like a mindset.

Forward as a Noun

In sports and some other contexts, forward refers to a person in a specific role.

Examples:

• “The forward scored the winning goal.” (soccer or hockey)
• “He plays forward in the basketball team.”

Forward as a Verb

As a verb, forward usually relates to sending something, often documents or messages.

Examples:

• “I will forward your email to the manager.”
• “Please forward all invoices to accounting.”

This is one of the most common uses in business and professional communication.

Common Contexts for Forward

Forward works across multiple situations:

• Business/Emails: “I will forward your request.”
• Physical movement: “Move forward carefully.”
• Figurative: “Looking forward to meeting you.”

In essence, forward is versatile, widely accepted in both American and British English, and usually the safe choice for professional writing.

Also Read This: Cart vs Kart – Which Spelling Should You Use?

Understanding Forwards

Forwards is less versatile and mostly functions as an adverb, emphasizing movement or direction. Unlike forward, it almost never appears as a verb, adjective, or noun.

When Forwards Is Used

Forwards is commonly found in British English, particularly to describe motion.

Examples:

• “He stepped forwards into the room.”
• “The car surged forwards after stopping.”

Notice how it emphasizes movement in space rather than a figurative meaning.

Forwards in Formal and Informal Writing

Forwards is less common in professional emails or formal writing, especially in American English, where it might sound casual or even incorrect.

Tip: Stick to forward in business, academic, or official documents. Use forwards mainly in narrative writing or descriptive contexts, especially if your audience is British.

Grammar Notes

• The ‘s’ at the end of forwards is standard in British usage.
• It is typically adverbial, emphasizing direction, not attitude or intention.
• Do not use forwards as a verb (“I will forwards the email” is wrong).

Forward vs Forwards: Key Differences

Now that we understand both words individually, let’s compare them clearly.

American vs British English

The primary difference between forward and forwards comes down to geography.

Context	American English	British English
Movement	forward	forward / forwards
Business/Emails	forward	forward
Figurative/Abstract	forward	forward

• 
  American English: Almost always uses forward in every context.
• British English: Can use forwards for motion; forward is used for business or abstract meanings.

Formal vs Informal Contexts

• Forward: Suitable for formal writing, professional communication, and abstract ideas.
• Forwards: More casual, often in storytelling, novels, or descriptive text about motion.

Example:

• Formal (American English): “Please forward your completed forms by Friday.”
• Informal (British English): “She stepped forwards to greet her friend.”

Consistency is key. Switching between forward and forwards in the same document can confuse readers and reduce credibility.

Consistency and Clarity Tips

• Stick to one form throughout your text.
• Use forward in emails, essays, or reports.
• Use forwards only in narrative motion if writing for a British audience.
• When in doubt, forward is universally safe.

Practical Examples and Usage Tips

Let’s look at real-world examples and common pitfalls.

Step-by-Step Examples

Email/Business Communication:

• Correct: “I will forward your request to the manager.”
• Incorrect: “I will forwards your request to the manager.”

Movement:

• American English: “He moved forward quickly.”
• British English: “He moved forwards quickly.”

Figurative/Abstract:

• “I am looking forward to your reply.” (American and British)
• “We hope to move forward with the project next month.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using forwards in American professional emails.
2. Adding ‘s’ to forward in verb form (“I will forwards the email” is wrong).
3. Mixing forward and forwards inconsistently in the same text.

Quick Reference Guide

Word	Type	Common Use	Example
Forward	Adv./Adj./N/V	Business, movement, abstract	“I will forward the email.”
Forwards	Adv	Movement, mainly UK	“He stepped forwards.”

Tip: If you need a rule of thumb: forward for professional and abstract, forwards for motion in British writing.

Case Study: Emails in American vs British English

Imagine two teams collaborating internationally.

Scenario: Sending a project update.

American Email:

“Please forward the attached report to all stakeholders by EOD.”

British Email (informal internal memo):

“He moved forwards with the initial draft and will share updates tomorrow.”

Notice the difference: American English prefers forward even for motion within business context, while British English uses forwards for physical or figurative movement in casual writing.

This illustrates how audience and context dictate the correct usage.

Idioms and Expressions

Forward appears in several idioms and expressions. Using forwards here would sound incorrect.

• “Look forward to” – anticipating something positive.
  • Correct: “I look forward to meeting you.”
• “Step forward” – to volunteer or take initiative.
  • Correct: “Who will step forward to lead the team?”
• “Bring forward” – to advance in time or position.
  • Correct: “We decided to bring the meeting forward by one hour.”

Idioms rarely use forwards, reinforcing why forward dominates in formal and idiomatic English.

Conclusion:

Choosing between “Forward” and “Forwards” doesn’t have to feel confusing. Once you understand how each form works in everyday English usage, it becomes much easier to stay consistent in business communication, formal writing, and even routine tasks like scheduling, online booking, or updating your calendar. Small grammar choices can shape how professional, clear, and confident your message sounds.

As long as you remember that “forward” is preferred in US English and “forwards” appears more often in UK English, you’ll communicate with accuracy no matter the context. Use the form that best matches your tone, your audience, and the style guide you follow. Mastering these subtle differences helps you write with precision—and makes your workflow smoother across emails, meetings, and project management tools.

Faqs:

1. Is “forward” or “forwards” correct in formal writing?

Forward is preferred in most forms of formal writing, especially in US English. Many style guides recommend avoiding “forwards” in professional documents for cleaner, more consistent tone.

2. Do “forward” and “forwards” mean the same thing?

Yes, both words express movement or direction ahead. The main difference lies in regional preferences and writing style—not meaning.

3. When should I use “forward” in business communication?

Use forward in emails, reports, project management updates, and anything connected to time management, meetings, or professional messaging. It’s the standard choice in workplace communication.

4. Is “forwards” incorrect?

Not at all. “Forwards” is widely used and accepted in UK English. It simply appears less often in American writing and may feel informal in some contexts.

5. Which form should I use for system commands like “forward email”?

Always use forward for commands in apps, online booking tools, calendars, or automation settings. Short, direct forms are clearer and more user-friendly in digital interfaces.