What's the Difference Between 'Backward' and 'Backwards'?
In this blog post we look at when to use backward and when to use backwards.
'Backward' or 'Backwards'?
Backward and backwards are two words that are often used interchangeably, however, they have slightly different usages in American and British English.
In both American and British English, backward can be used as an adjective or an adverb, with both words relating to direction.
When used as an adverb, it means "toward the back" or "in an opposite or reverse way."
For example, "He walked backward to see where he had come from."
As an adjective, it is used to describe something that is directed or facing in the opposite direction.
For example, "The backward-facing camera is used to take photos."
In addition, backward can also mean less developed or advanced.
For example, "The backward economy has not made much progress in recent years."
In British English, backwards is more commonly used and it is used as an adverb.
For example, "She walked backwards to see the view from the back."
The word backwards is not typically used as an adjective in either variant of English.
In conclusion, backward and backwards are two words that have different meanings and uses in American and British English. It is important to understand the differences between them to use them correctly in written or spoken language.
Here are some example sentences of the words “backward” and “backwards” used in context:
Example 1:
Backward: The backward-facing camera on the car recorded the accident. (Adjective)
Explanation: In this sentence, backward is used as an adjective to describe the direction of the camera.
Backwards: She walked backwards to see the view from behind. (Adverb)
Explanation: In this sentence, backwards is used as an adverb to describe the direction of her walking.
Example 2:
Backward: The backward society still practices ancient customs. (Adjective)
Explanation: In this sentence, backward is used as an adjective to describe the level of development or advancement of the society.
Backwards: The car's wheels spun backwards and it skidded off the road. (Adverb)
Explanation: In this sentence, backwards is used as an adverb to describe the direction of the spinning wheels.
Example 3:
Backward: The backward-facing seat on the roller coaster provided a unique view. (Adjective)
Explanation: In this sentence, backward is used as an adjective to describe the direction of the seat.
Backwards: He walked backwards away from the danger. (Adverb)
Explanation: In this sentence, backwards is used as an adverb to describe the direction of his walking.
Examples of Backward in a Sentence
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The backward culture of the small town made it difficult for people to adapt to change. (Adjective)
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The company has taken several steps backward in terms of progress. (Adverb)
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The child had a backward development, and he struggled to keep up with his peers. (Adjective)
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She took a backward glance at the memories of her past. (Adverb)
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The country's economy was heavily dependent on backward agriculture. (Adjective)
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The soldiers moved backward as they retreated from the battlefield. (Adverb)
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The society was backward in accepting new ideas and innovations. (Adjective)
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He took a backward step when he realized that he was going the wrong way. (Adverb)
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The school was notorious for its backward teaching methods. (Adjective)
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The skater moved backward and forward with grace on the ice. (Adverb)
Examples of Backwards in a Sentence
Here are ten example sentences using the word "backwards" (notice they are all adverbs describing actions):
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"He walked backwards down the hallway."
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"She fell backwards and hit her head on the ground."
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"He ran backwards to avoid the incoming traffic."
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"She turned her head backwards to see what was behind her."
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"He stumbled backwards and nearly fell."
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"She leaned backwards to avoid being hit by the ball."
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"He looked backwards to see if anyone was following him."
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"She swung her legs backwards over the edge of the cliff."
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"He stepped backwards to get a better view of the painting."
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"She leaned backwards to see over the crowd."
