Southwards vs. Southward — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 16, 2024
Southwards, often used as an adverb, implies movement in a southern direction, while southward can function as both adverb and adjective.
Difference Between Southwards and Southward
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Southwards primarily functions as an adverb, describing a movement directed towards the south. On the other hand, southward serves both as an adverb and an adjective, making it versatile in grammatical usage.
As an adverb, southwards specifies direction similar to southward, but it lacks the adjective function that southward offers, which can describe things related to or located in the south.
For example, in the sentence, "They traveled southward," southward acts as an adverb, whereas in "the southward winds," it functions as an adjective.
This dual role of southward allows for broader application in various linguistic contexts, whereas southwards is more limited to directional use.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adverb
Adverb, Adjective
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Usage in Sentence
Only indicates direction
Indicates direction or describes something (as an adjective)
Example as Adverb
They moved southwards.
They moved southward.
Example as Adjective
Not applicable
The southward route.
Frequency of Usage
Less commonly used
More commonly used
Compare with Definitions
Southwards
Implies proceeding toward the southern part of a region or area.
The river flows southwards through the valley.
Southward
Pertaining to or situated on the southern side.
The southward slopes are covered with dense forests.
Southwards
Indicates a direction moving towards the south.
Every autumn, the geese head southwards.
Southward
Used both to describe direction and characteristics related to the south.
The gaze turned southward; (adjective) southward expansion plans.
Southwards
Used to describe the alignment of movement in a southern trajectory.
They set their compass southwards.
Southward
Describes movement in a southern direction.
The storm is moving southward at ten miles per hour.
Southwards
Utilized to specify the orientation of an object or person towards the south.
The front of the building faces southwards.
Southward
Characteristic of or influenced by the south.
There is a noticeable southward drift in the policy.
Southwards
Inclined or facing towards the southern direction.
The wind shifted southwards overnight.
Southward
Points towards or leads to the south.
They continued their journey southward.
Southwards
Toward, to, or in the south.
Southward
Toward, to, or in the south.
Southwards
A southward direction, point, or region.
Southward
A southward direction, point, or region.
Southwards
In a southerly direction; towards the south.
Southward
The direction or area lying to the south of a place.
Southwards
Toward the south
Southward
Situated or directed towards the south; moving or facing towards the south.
Southward
Towards the south; in a southerly direction.
Southward
Toward the south, or toward a point nearer the south than the east or west point; as, to go southward.
Southward
Toward the south.
Southward
The southern regions or countries; the south.
Southward
Moving toward the south;
A southbound train
Southward
Toward the south
Common Curiosities
How can southward be utilized in a sentence as an adjective?
As an adjective, southward can describe attributes related to the south, such as in "southward expansion."
Is there a difference in regional usage between southwards and southward?
Yes, southwards is more commonly used in British English, whereas southward is frequently used in American English.
What are the implications of using southwards in writing?
Using southwards typically gives a text a more formal or literary tone, especially in contexts emphasizing direction.
How does the choice between southwards and southward affect the style of a document?
Choosing between southwards and southward can affect the formality and clarity of a document, with southward often providing a more versatile and clear option due to its dual role.
Can southward be used as an adjective?
Yes, southward can function as an adjective.
Are southwards and southward interchangeable when used as adverbs?
Yes, when used as adverbs, southwards and southward are generally interchangeable, both indicating direction towards the south.
What is the primary function of the word southwards?
The primary function of southwards is to serve as an adverb indicating movement towards the south.
Does the use of southward as an adjective imply any direction?
No, when used as an adjective, southward does not imply direction but rather describes something related to the south.
Can southward modify nouns directly when used as an adjective?
Yes, when used as an adjective, southward can directly modify nouns, as in "southward journey."
Is southwards commonly used in modern English?
Southwards is less commonly used compared to southward.
What part of speech is southwards?
Southwards is an adverb.
What is an example of a common mistake when using southward or southwards?
A common mistake is using southwards as an adjective, which is incorrect since it only serves as an adverb.
Which is more versatile between southwards and southward?
Southward is more versatile as it can be used both as an adverb and an adjective.
Can southward and southwards be used in metaphorical senses?
Southward can be used metaphorically, especially as an adjective, to imply a downward trend or decline, whereas southwards is typically used only in literal directional contexts.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
