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-ward(s)

Backward(s), forward(s), northward(s), outward(s) and similar words can be used as adjectives or adverbs.

Adjectives​

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

  • This country is very backward in some ways.
  • You’re not allowed to make a forward pass in rugby.
  • He was last seen driving in a northward direction.

Adverbs​

When these words are adverbs, they can generally be used with or without -s. The forms with -s are generally a little more common in British English, and the forms without -s in American English.

  • Why are you moving backward(s) and forward(s)?
  • If we keep going upward(s), we must get to the top.
  • Let’s start driving homeward(s).

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

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

Other words​

Towards and afterwards are the usual forms in British English; in American English, toward and afterward are also common.