Which should you use, backward or backwards? Backward is an adjective meaning towards the direction that is the opposite to the one in which you are facing. Backward can also function as an adverb. Backwards is an adverb.
| Correct: |
He took a backward step.
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| Correct: |
I stepped backward.
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| Correct: |
I stepped backwards.
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Do not use backwards as an adjective.
| Incorrect: |
He walked away without a backwards glance.
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| Correct: |
He walked away without a backward glance.
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