Towards

'Towards' is another common term in the English language. Here, we will learn about all there is to it.

'Towards' is mainly a preposition and in the old times, it was also an adjective. In this lesson, we will discuss how to learn and use it.

Functions of 'Towards'

'Towards' as an Preposition

As stated above, 'towards' is mostly a preposition in sentences. Below, we are going to learn all about the different kinds of prepositions it can be:

Use

'Towards' as a Preposition of Movement and Direction

One of the main functions of 'towards' is to be a preposition of movement and direction. Look at the following list:

When we want to show movement in the direction of a specific person/thing, we use 'towards':

The three mysterious girls ambled towards us.

All of my students are headed towards the Masonic Theater today.

When someone is getting closer to gaining something, 'towards' is used:

The committee was formed towards obtaining equal rights for women.

Learning any kind of art will help you towards your entry in the university.

'Towards' as a Preposition of Time

Interestingly, we can use 'towards' as an adverb of time to show time. When we want to indicate that we are approaching a particular point in time and that we are getting closer to it, we use 'towards':

All applicants must've emailed their application forms towards the end of the month.

I suggest you start your projects towards the new semester.

'Towards' as a Preposition of Manner

We can also use 'towards' as a preposition of manner. When we want to show how something/someone was or behaved in relation to another, we use 'towards'. Look:

I still cannot get over how she was so kind and loving towards me.

Most people enjoy seeing someone being careful towards animals.

Position in a Sentence

As you know, prepositions mainly come before nouns and noun phrases to modify them. We can have a prepositional phrase with 'towards' either at the beginning or at the end of a sentence. Let us take a look at the following examples:

Towards the end of the summer, most teenagers fall prey to depression.

As you can see, the prepositional phrase is at the beginning of the sentence.

People normally love it when they see a kid being gentle towards animals.

Warning!

Please note that whenever the prepositional phrase comes at the beginning of the sentence, it must be followed by a comma.

'Towards' as an Adjective

Use

In the old times, 'toward' which is another form of 'towards' was used as an adjective to show that something was going on. Look at the following examples:

What's all this mess? Is there something toward?

Position in a Sentence

Since 'toward' as an adjective always comes after the verb, we can consider it a predicative adjective. However, we do not use it nowadays. Look at the following examples:

One of the children said that there is something weird toward in the town hall.

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