Have you ever stopped while writing an email and wondered whether “looking forward” or “looking forwards” sounds more natural? It is a surprisingly common question in English, even among native speakers.
The good news is that both forms are correct. The tricky part is knowing when each one sounds appropriate. Usage often depends on grammar, regional preferences, and whether you are writing formally or casually.
This guide explains the real difference between these two words, how they are used in American and British English, and which option works best in professional communication.
What Does “Forward” Mean?
The word “forward” usually relates to movement, progress, or direction toward the front. It can function in several ways in English grammar.
It may act as:
- An adverb
- An adjective
- A verb
- Occasionally a noun
Examples
- Please move forward.
- We need a forward-thinking strategy.
- I will forward the email tomorrow.
In modern English, especially in the United States, this version is far more common.
What Does “Forwards” Mean?
“Forwards” carries nearly the same meaning. The main difference is style and regional preference rather than meaning.
Examples
- She stepped forwards carefully.
- The crowd moved forwards after the announcement.
The version ending in “s” appears more often in British English, especially in everyday conversation.
Is There an Actual Difference?
The difference is small, but it does exist.
In most situations, both words mean the same thing. The choice usually depends on:
- Regional English style
- Tone of writing
- Sentence rhythm
- Formality level
General Rule
- American English strongly prefers “forward.”
- British English accepts both forms.
Because of this, many learners wonder which option sounds more natural internationally. In most professional situations, the shorter form is the safer choice.
Grammar Rules You Should Know
Understanding how the words function grammatically makes the distinction much easier.
As an Adverb
Both versions can describe movement or progress.
Examples with “Forward”
- He leaned forward.
- The project moved forward quickly.
- Please step forward.
Examples with “Forwards”
- She walked forwards slowly.
- The vehicle rolled forwards.
The second style is more common in British speech.
As an Adjective or Verb
Only “forward” normally works as an adjective or verb.
Correct Usage
- forward planning
- forward thinking
- forward the message
Incorrect Usage
- forwards planning
- forwards the email
This is one of the most important grammar distinctions between the two forms.
Looking Forward to: The Standard Expression
One of the most searched phrases is whether people should write “looking forward” or “looking forwards.”
The standard expression is:
- looking forward to
Examples
- I look forward to hearing from you.
- We are looking forward to the event.
Some British speakers occasionally use “looking forwards to,” but it is much less common in formal communication.
For emails, business writing, and professional messages, “looking forward to” is the best option.
Moving Forward in Professional Writing
Another phrase that appears frequently in workplaces is “moving forward.”
Examples
- Moving forward, we will improve communication.
- The company is moving forward with the project.
Although “moving forwards” exists, the shorter version dominates in modern business English.
Going Forward in Everyday English
The phrase “going forward” is widely used in meetings, reports, and discussions about future plans.
Examples
- Going forward, we need clearer goals.
- How should we proceed going forward?
The alternative form appears occasionally in British English but is much less common in formal settings.
Describing Physical Movement
When discussing literal movement, British speakers are sometimes more likely to use the longer form.
Examples
- The children ran forwards excitedly.
- He leaned forwards in his chair.
Meanwhile, American English still typically prefers:
- ran forward
- leaned forward
Both are understandable, but style preference differs by region.
British English vs American English
Regional usage explains most of the confusion.
British English
British speakers often use the “s” form in casual speech involving direction or movement.
Examples include:
- Step forwards, please.
- She moved forwards slowly.
However, British professional writing still often uses:
- moving forward
- forward planning
- looking forward to
American English
American English almost always favors the shorter version.
You will commonly see:
- move forward
- going forward
- look forward to
The longer variation can sound old-fashioned or unusual to American readers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some frequent errors people make.
Using the Wrong Verb Form
Incorrect:
- Please forwards the document.
Correct:
- Please forward the document.
Overusing the Longer Form
Using the “s” version repeatedly can sound unnatural in international or professional writing.
Mixing Writing Styles
If your audience is global, consistency matters. Choose one style and stick with it throughout the piece.
Which Form Sounds More Natural Today?
In modern communication, the shorter form is generally more common.
You will regularly see it in:
- Emails
- Business documents
- Academic writing
- News articles
- Corporate communication
The longer variation still appears in British conversation and creative writing, but it is less dominant overall.
Simple Usage Guide
Use “Forward” When:
- Writing professionally
- Using American English
- Using the word as a verb
- Writing academic content
- Communicating internationally
Use “Forwards” When:
- Writing conversational British English
- Describing physical movement
- Creating an informal tone
Everyday Sentence Examples
Examples with “Forward”
- I look forward to your reply.
- The meeting moved forward quickly.
- She stepped forward to volunteer.
- We are moving forward with the proposal.
Examples with “Forwards”
- The crowd pushed forwards suddenly.
- He leaned forwards during the conversation.
- The children raced forwards across the field.
Why This Confusion Happens
English contains several similar word pairs where one version includes “s” and the other does not.
Examples include:
- toward / towards
- afterward / afterwards
- backward / backwards
Typically, American English prefers the shorter form, while British English allows both. That same pattern explains the uncertainty here.
FAQs
Which version is more common?
“Forward” is more widely used, especially in formal and international English.
Is “looking forwards to” wrong?
No, but “looking forward to” is considered more standard and professional.
Which form should I use in emails?
Use “forward” for the clearest and most professional tone.
Do British people use the longer version?
Yes. It appears more often in casual British speech, especially when describing movement.
Can “forward” be used as a verb?
Yes. Example: “Please forward the email to me.”
Is the longer form incorrect?
No. It is simply less common in certain styles of English.
Conclusion
Choosing between these two forms mostly comes down to style and regional preference. Both are correct, but “forward” is more common in professional, academic, and American English writing. The longer version appears more frequently in conversational British English, especially when discussing physical direction.
If you want the safest option for global communication, stick with “forward.” It sounds cleaner, more modern, and more natural in most formal situations.