Understanding prepositions is crucial for mastering English grammar. Prepositions like “toward” indicate direction, purpose, or attitude and play a vital role in constructing clear and meaningful sentences.
This article delves into the various uses of “toward,” providing numerous examples and practical exercises to solidify your understanding. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this comprehensive guide will enhance your ability to use “toward” accurately and confidently in both writing and speech.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of “Toward”
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of “Toward” Usage
- Examples of “Toward” in Sentences
- Usage Rules for “Toward”
- Common Mistakes with “Toward”
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Introduction
Prepositions are the glue that holds sentences together, providing essential context and relationships between different elements. Among these, “toward” stands out as a versatile preposition with various applications.
It’s essential to understand how to use “toward” correctly to convey your intended meaning accurately. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of “toward,” including its definition, structural usage, and numerous examples across different contexts.
By mastering the usage of “toward,” you’ll enhance your overall English proficiency and communication skills.
Definition of “Toward”
The preposition “toward” indicates movement in a specific direction, either physical or metaphorical. It suggests a trajectory or intention of approaching something or someone.
It can also express an attitude, feeling, or contribution. “Toward” is often used interchangeably with “towards,” with the latter being more common in British English, though both are widely understood and accepted.
Classification: Preposition of direction, attitude, or contribution.
Function: “Toward” connects a noun or pronoun to another word in the sentence, showing the relationship between them. It indicates the direction in which something is moving, or the direction of an action or feeling.
Contexts: “Toward” can be used in various contexts, including:
- Describing physical movement: The cat walked toward the bowl.
- Indicating a figurative direction: His efforts are geared toward achieving success.
- Expressing an attitude or feeling: They felt sympathy toward the refugees.
- Showing contribution or progress: The donations went toward building a new school.
Structural Breakdown
The basic structure involving “toward” is relatively simple:
[Subject] + [Verb] + toward + [Noun/Pronoun/Gerund]
Examples:
- She ran toward the finish line.
- He showed kindness toward his neighbor.
- They are working toward improving their skills.
“Toward” typically precedes a noun, pronoun, or gerund (a verb acting as a noun). The prepositional phrase (“toward” + object) functions as an adverbial modifier, providing information about direction, attitude, or purpose.
The position of the prepositional phrase within the sentence can sometimes vary for emphasis or stylistic reasons. However, it usually follows the verb it modifies.
Types and Categories of “Toward” Usage
The preposition “toward” can be categorized based on its specific function within a sentence. Understanding these categories helps clarify its usage and meaning.
Directional Movement
This is the most common usage, indicating physical movement in a specific direction. It describes how something or someone is moving in relation to a place or object.
Figurative Direction or Inclination
This category extends beyond physical movement to describe abstract concepts such as goals, ambitions, or tendencies. It indicates a direction in which efforts or thoughts are oriented.
Attitude or Feeling
“Toward” can express feelings, attitudes, or opinions someone has about something or someone else. It suggests a particular stance or disposition.
Contribution or Progress
This usage indicates how resources, efforts, or actions are being applied to achieve a specific outcome or make progress in a particular area.
Examples of “Toward” in Sentences
The following sections provide numerous examples of “toward” used in different contexts. Each section includes a table with multiple sentences illustrating the specific usage category.
Directional Movement
This table presents sentences where “toward” indicates physical movement in a specific direction. Observe how the preposition connects the subject’s action to a particular location or object.
| # | Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1 | The children ran toward the playground after school. |
| 2 | The dog bounded toward its owner, wagging its tail. |
| 3 | The hikers struggled toward the summit of the mountain. |
| 4 | The ship sailed toward the distant horizon. |
| 5 | The birds flew toward the warmer climate for the winter. |
| 6 | The river flowed toward the sea, carrying sediment with it. |
| 7 | The train sped toward the next station on the line. |
| 8 | The refugees walked toward the border, seeking safety. |
| 9 | The car swerved toward the ditch, narrowly avoiding an accident. |
| 10 | The crowd surged toward the stage as the band started to play. |
| 11 | The astronaut floated toward the Earth, gazing in awe. |
| 12 | The climber edged toward the ledge, searching for a foothold. |
| 13 | The ball rolled toward the goalpost, missing by inches. |
| 14 | The moth fluttered toward the lightbulb, drawn by its glow. |
| 15 | The cat crept toward the mouse, ready to pounce. |
| 16 | The smoke drifted toward the town, causing alarm. |
| 17 | The plane descended toward the runway, preparing to land. |
| 18 | The protestors marched toward the capital, demanding change. |
| 19 | The zombie shuffled toward the survivor, groaning menacingly. |
| 20 | The hiker stumbled toward the cabin, exhausted and cold. |
| 21 | The robot advanced toward the target, its sensors scanning. |
| 22 | The spacecraft hurtled toward Mars, on its long journey. |
| 23 | The asteroid hurtled toward Earth, causing great concern. |
| 24 | The avalanche slid toward the village, threatening lives. |
| 25 | The lava flowed toward the town, destroying everything in its path. |
Figurative Direction or Inclination
This table illustrates how “toward” can indicate a non-physical direction, such as a goal, ambition, or tendency. These sentences demonstrate the use of “toward” in abstract contexts.
| # | Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1 | Her efforts are directed toward improving the community. |
| 2 | The company’s strategy is geared toward increasing profits. |
| 3 | He has a natural inclination toward helping others. |
| 4 | The government is implementing policies toward reducing poverty. |
| 5 | The project is aimed toward developing sustainable solutions. |
| 6 | The research is focused toward finding a cure for the disease. |
| 7 | Their conversation drifted toward more serious topics. |
| 8 | The trend is moving toward greater environmental awareness. |
| 9 | The negotiations are progressing toward a peaceful resolution. |
| 10 | The student is working diligently toward achieving her academic goals. |
| 11 | The artist’s style is evolving toward greater abstraction. |
| 12 | The relationship is developing toward a deeper commitment. |
| 13 | The technology is advancing toward greater automation. |
| 14 | The culture is shifting toward greater inclusivity. |
| 15 | The country is striving toward economic stability. |
| 16 | The team is collaborating toward a common objective. |
| 17 | The program is designed toward fostering creativity. |
| 18 | The discussion is oriented toward generating new ideas. |
| 19 | The lesson is structured toward promoting critical thinking. |
| 20 | The company is innovating toward creating better products. |
| 21 | Her ambitions lean toward a career in medicine. |
| 22 | His interests tend toward historical studies. |
| 23 | The project leans toward a more sustainable approach. |
| 24 | The research is biased toward a particular outcome. |
| 25 | The evidence points toward his guilt. |
Attitude or Feeling
This table demonstrates how “toward” can express attitudes, feelings, or opinions that someone holds about something or someone. Notice how it indicates a particular stance or disposition.
| # | Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1 | She felt a great deal of empathy toward the victims of the disaster. |
| 2 | He expressed his gratitude toward his mentors for their guidance. |
| 3 | They showed kindness toward the new student in class. |
| 4 | The community demonstrated support toward the local businesses. |
| 5 | The judge displayed leniency toward the first-time offender. |
| 6 | The public showed respect toward the veterans on Remembrance Day. |
| 7 | The manager exhibited fairness toward all employees. |
| 8 | The teacher showed patience toward the struggling students. |
| 9 | The doctor displayed compassion toward the patients. |
| 10 | The neighbor offered assistance toward the elderly resident. |
| 11 | I harbor no ill feelings toward my former colleague. |
| 12 | His attitude toward authority is often rebellious. |
| 13 | Her feelings toward him have changed over time. |
| 14 | Their perception toward the issue is quite different. |
| 15 | His bias toward certain candidates was evident. |
| 16 | She held a grudge toward her childhood enemy. |
| 17 | The company maintained a neutral stance toward the controversy. |
| 18 | The politician adopted a conciliatory approach toward his opponents. |
| 19 | Their reaction toward the news was one of disbelief. |
| 20 | His disposition toward strangers is generally cautious. |
| 21 | She expressed animosity toward those who had wronged her. |
| 22 | He showed contempt toward the corrupt officials. |
| 23 | They harbored resentment toward their unfair treatment. |
| 24 | She felt a surge of protectiveness toward her younger sibling. |
| 25 | He held a deep admiration toward his role model. |
Contribution or Progress
This table shows how “toward” can indicate how resources, efforts, or actions are being applied to achieve a specific outcome or make progress in a particular area.
| # | Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1 | All donations will go toward building a new community center. |
| 2 | The funds are being allocated toward improving healthcare services. |
| 3 | Their efforts are contributing toward finding a solution to the problem. |
| 4 | The research is geared toward developing new technologies. |
| 5 | The project is aimed toward promoting sustainable development. |
| 6 | The training program is designed toward enhancing employee skills. |
| 7 | The policy changes are intended toward reducing carbon emissions. |
| 8 | The campaign is focused toward raising awareness about the issue. |
| 9 | The initiatives are directed toward fostering innovation. |
| 10 | The resources are channeled toward supporting education initiatives. |
| 11 | Every little bit helps toward reaching our goal. |
| 12 | His work is a significant step toward a cure. |
| 13 | The conference is a platform toward collaborative solutions. |
| 14 | This investment is crucial toward long-term growth. |
| 15 | The proceeds will go toward helping those in need. |
| 16 | The development is a major stride toward modernisation. |
| 17 | The scholarship is geared toward encouraging academic excellence. |
| 18 | The competition is aimed toward discovering new talent. |
| 19 | The partnership is vital toward achieving success. |
| 20 | Their combined efforts contributed toward the overall progress. |
| 21 | Each contribution brings us closer toward our objective. |
| 22 | The funds are earmarked toward infrastructure development. |
| 23 | The project is instrumental toward community empowerment. |
| 24 | His dedication is a testament toward the cause. |
| 25 | This measure is a vital component toward security enhancement. |
Usage Rules for “Toward”
Using “toward” correctly involves understanding its role in expressing direction, attitude, or contribution. Here are some key rules to follow:
- Direction: Use “toward” to indicate the direction of movement, either physical or figurative.
- Object: “Toward” is a preposition, so it must be followed by a noun, pronoun, or gerund (a verb acting as a noun).
- Clarity: Ensure the sentence clearly indicates what is moving or directed toward something else.
- Interchangeability: “Toward” and “towards” are largely interchangeable, but “towards” is more common in British English. Choose one and maintain consistency in your writing.
Exceptions and Special Cases:
While “toward” primarily indicates direction, it can sometimes imply purpose or intention, especially when used in a figurative sense. It’s crucial to consider the context to understand the precise meaning.
Common Mistakes with “Toward”
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using “toward”:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| She ran to toward the park. | She ran toward the park. | Avoid using “to” and “toward” together redundantly. |
| He felt kindly toward. | He felt kindly toward her. | “Toward” requires an object (noun or pronoun). |
| They are going toward improve their skills. | They are going toward improving their skills. | Use the gerund form of the verb (improving). |
| I have a good attitude to toward him. | I have a good attitude toward him. | Do not use “to” before “toward” when expressing an attitude. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of “toward” with these exercises. Fill in the blanks with the correct usage of “toward”.
| # | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The children walked ______ the candy store. | toward |
| 2 | She felt a lot of sympathy ______ the homeless. | toward |
| 3 | All the proceeds will go ______ helping the needy. | toward |
| 4 | His efforts are directed ______ finding a solution. | toward |
| 5 | The dog ran excitedly ______ its owner. | toward |
| 6 | The project is geared ______ sustainable development. | toward |
| 7 | He showed kindness ______ everyone he met. | toward |
| 8 | The river flows ______ the ocean. | toward |
| 9 | The company is moving ______ a more eco-friendly approach. | toward |
| 10 | She has a strong inclination ______ art and music. | toward |
Exercise 2: Rewrite the following sentences using “toward”.
| # | Original Sentence | Rewritten Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | She is walking in the direction of the school. | She is walking toward the school. |
| 2 | He has a positive attitude to his work. | He has a positive attitude toward his work. |
| 3 | The money will be used to build a new hospital. | The money will go toward building a new hospital. |
| 4 | Their goal is to achieve world peace. | Their efforts are geared toward achieving world peace. |
| 5 | The cat crept stealthily in the direction of the mouse. | The cat crept stealthily toward the mouse. |
| 6 | The funds were allocated for improving education. | The funds were allocated toward improving education. |
| 7 | He felt a sense of responsibility for his community. | He felt a sense of responsibility toward his community. |
| 8 | The company is striving to achieve sustainability. | The company is striving toward sustainability. |
| 9 | They marched in the direction of the city hall. | They marched toward the city hall. |
| 10 | Her feelings for him began to change. | Her feelings toward him began to change. |
Exercise 3: Correct the following sentences.
| # | Incorrect Sentence | Corrected Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | He ran to toward the house. | He ran toward the house. |
| 2 | She felt kindly toward. | She felt kindly toward them. |
| 3 | They are going toward improve their skills. | They are going toward improving their skills. |
| 4 | I have a good attitude to toward him. | I have a good attitude toward him. |
| 5 | All the donations go to toward the building fund. | All the donations go toward the building fund. |
| 6 | The ship sailed to toward the island. | The ship sailed toward the island. |
| 7 | His efforts are directed to toward finding a solution. | His efforts are directed toward finding a solution. |
| 8 | She felt compassion to toward the refugees. | She felt compassion toward the refugees. |
| 9 | They showed respect to toward the elders. | They showed respect toward the elders. |
| 10 | We are working to toward achieving our goals. | We are working toward achieving our goals. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of “toward” in complex sentence structures and idiomatic expressions is key. While “toward” is generally straightforward, its subtle implications can impact the overall meaning of a sentence.
Analyzing literary texts and advanced writing samples can provide deeper insights into the sophisticated use of “toward.” Furthermore, exploring the historical evolution of the preposition “toward” can offer a richer appreciation of its current usage.
Also, consider the subtle differences in meaning between “toward” and other similar prepositions like “to,” “for,” and “against.” While they may sometimes seem interchangeable, each carries unique connotations. For example:
- “Toward” implies movement or direction.
- “To” often indicates a final destination.
- “For” suggests a purpose or recipient.
- “Against” indicates opposition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about using “toward”:
- Is “toward” the same as “towards”?
Yes, “toward” and “towards” are largely interchangeable. “Towards” is more common in British English, while “toward” is more common in American English. Both are widely understood and accepted.
- Can “toward” be used with abstract nouns?
Yes, “toward” can be used with abstract nouns to indicate a figurative direction or inclination. For example, “Their efforts are geared toward improving the community.”
- What part of speech follows “toward”?
A noun, pronoun, or gerund (a verb acting as a noun) typically follows “toward.” This object completes the prepositional phrase.
- Can I use “toward” at the beginning of a sentence?
While grammatically possible, it’s less common and can sound awkward. It’s usually better to restructure the sentence to place “toward” after the verb.
- What is the difference between “toward” and “to”?
“Toward” implies movement in a direction, while “to” often indicates a final destination. For example, “She walked toward the store” suggests she was moving in that direction, but not necessarily reaching it. “She walked to the store” implies she arrived at the store.
- How can I improve my understanding of “toward”?
Practice using “toward” in different contexts, read widely to observe its usage in various texts, and pay attention to feedback on your writing. Consider writing your own sentences and checking them against online grammar resources.
- Is it ever incorrect to use “toward”?
Yes, it can be incorrect if used redundantly with other prepositions (e.g., “to toward”) or if it lacks a proper object. Always ensure the sentence structure is clear and grammatically correct.
- How does the meaning of “toward” change the tone of a sentence?
Using “toward” can soften the tone of a sentence compared to using “to”. “Toward” suggests movement or intention without necessarily implying arrival or completion. This can make the sentence sound less direct or forceful, conveying a sense of progress or inclination rather than a definitive action.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of prepositions like “toward” is essential for clear and effective communication in English. This article has provided a comprehensive overview of “toward,” covering its definition, structural usage, various categories, and common mistakes to avoid.
By understanding the nuances of “toward” and practicing its application, you can significantly enhance your grammatical accuracy and overall language proficiency. Remember to review the examples and exercises to solidify your understanding and confidently incorporate “toward” into your writing and speech.