Eastward vs. Eastwards: Which Is Correct?
Eastward vs. Eastwards: Choosing the Right Form
"Eastward" and "eastwards" both mean "toward the east," and both are grammatically correct. The choice between them depends on your dialect, your audience, and whether you're using the word as an adjective or an adverb.
The Core Difference
- Eastward is standard in American English and serves as both an adjective and an adverb.
- Eastwards is common in British English and functions only as an adverb.
Neither form is incorrect in any variety of English. The distinction is one of convention, not grammar.
Using Eastward as an Adjective
When placed before a noun, "eastward" acts as an adjective. In this position, "eastwards" is not appropriate.
- The eastward expansion of the railroad transformed the American West.
- An eastward wind carried smoke from the wildfires across state lines.
- The army began its eastward march at dawn.
You wouldn't write "an eastwards expansion" because the "-s" form doesn't work as an adjective.
Using Eastward or Eastwards as an Adverb
As adverbs, both forms work equally well. The choice is a matter of regional style.
- The caravan traveled eastward across the desert. (American)
- The caravan travelled eastwards across the desert. (British)
- The storm system is moving eastward at about 20 miles per hour.
- We continued eastwards until we reached the river.
The Pattern Across Directional Words
This isn't unique to "eastward." The same American/British split applies to all directional adverbs:
- Northward / northwards
- Southward / southwards
- Westward / westwards
- Upward / upwards
- Downward / downwards
- Forward / forwards
- Backward / backwards
American English consistently drops the trailing "-s." British English consistently keeps it. Once you know the pattern, you can apply it to every word in this group without hesitation.
Examples in Real Contexts
- The river flows eastward before emptying into the sea.
- Settlers pushed eastwards from the frontier towns.
- Satellites in geostationary orbit appear to drift eastward over time.
- The eastward journey took three days by train.
- We watched the sun climbing as we drove eastwards.
Style Guide Recommendations
Most American style guides (AP, Chicago Manual of Style, APA) prefer the forms without "-s." British guides (Oxford, Cambridge) accept both but lean toward the "-s" forms. If you're writing for a specific publication, check its style sheet.
In informal writing like emails, blog posts, or social media, either form is fine. Just don't switch between them in the same piece.
Quick Summary
"Eastward" and "eastwards" both mean "toward the east." Use "eastward" for American audiences and as an adjective. Use "eastwards" for British audiences. As adverbs, they're interchangeable. Stay consistent within a single document.
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