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-ward(s)

Words like backward(s), forward(s), northward(s), outward(s) etc. can be used as adjectives or adverbs.

Adjectives

When they are used as adjectives, they do not have –s.

  • African countries are backward in some ways.
  • He was last seen driving in a northward direction.
Adverbs

When these words are adverbs, they can be used with or without –s.

  • Why are you moving backward(s) and forward(s) ?
  • If we keep going upward(s) , we will get to the top.

In figurative expressions such as look forward to, bring forward, put forward, the form without –s is always used.

  • She put forward a very interesting suggestion.
  • I look forward to hearing from you.

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