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forward

High
UKˈfɔː.wədUSˈfɔːr.wərd

Formal and informal

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Definition

Meaning

In the direction that one is facing or moving; towards the front.

Progressive in attitude or thinking; bold or presumptuous; relating to the future; to send onward.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

"Forward" (adv./adj.) and "forwards" (adv. only) are largely interchangeable, though "forward" is more common in US English for both parts of speech. As a verb (to forward an email) and noun (in sports), the form is always "forward".

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

British English more commonly uses "forward" and "forwards" interchangeably for the adverb; US English strongly prefers "forward". The verb form "to forward" (an email) is identical in both.

Connotations

In personal contexts (e.g., "she's very forward"), can imply boldness or overfamiliarity in both varieties.

Frequency

"Forward" is more frequent overall in both varieties; "forwards" has a lower frequency, especially in US English.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
move forwardlook forwardstep forwardforward planningforward slash
medium
push forwardleap forwardforward motionforward passforward thinking
weak
bring forwardcarry forwardforward baseforward marketforward declaration

Grammar

Valency Patterns

forward something to somebodyforward somebody somethingbe forwarded from X to Ymove/step/go forward

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

progressiveboldpresumptuousbrash

Neutral

aheadonwardforthadvancing

Weak

frontleadingfutureearly

Vocabulary

Antonyms

backwardbackwardsreverseretreatshyreserved

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “look forward to”
  • “put/bring forward (a proposal)”
  • “from this day forward”
  • “forward march”
  • “come forward (as a witness)”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

To forward an email/parcel; forward planning; forward contract.

Academic

Forward-looking research; a forward-thinking approach; forward reference (in a text).

Everyday

Move forward in the queue; looking forward to the weekend; he's a bit forward.

Technical

Forward proxy (computing); forward scatter (physics); forward sweep (aviation).

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

  • Could you forward the documents to head office?
  • The post was forwarded from my old address.

American English

  • Please forward my mail to the new apartment.
  • I'll forward you the meeting notes.

adverb

British English

  • He leaned forwards to hear better.
  • The project is moving forward slowly.

American English

  • She took a step forward.
  • We need to think forward to the next quarter.

Examples

By CEFR Level

A2
  • Please step forward when your name is called.
  • Look forward! There's a bus coming!
B1
  • I look forward to meeting you next week.
  • He forwarded the email to all his colleagues.
B2
  • Her forward manner sometimes makes people uncomfortable.
  • The government brought forward the date of the election.
C1
  • The company is praised for its forward-thinking sustainability policies.
  • The contract includes a forward agreement on currency exchange rates.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

FOR + WARD: Imagine a guard (WARD) pushing you FOR the exit, moving you FORWARD.

Conceptual Metaphor

TIME IS SPACE AHEAD: "We look forward to the future." GOOD/NORMAL IS FRONT/AHEAD: "The project is moving forward." BAD/RUDE IS TOO FAR FRONT: "He was too forward with his questions."

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

  • Do not confuse "forward" (вперёд, направленный вперёд) with "straightforward" (простой, прямой).
  • The verb "to forward" (пересылать) is distinct from "to advance" (продвигать, улучшать).
  • "Forward" as an adjective describing a person (наглый, развязный) is a false friend with Russian "форвард" (sports position).

Common Mistakes

  • Using "forward" as a noun to mean "future" (e.g., "in the forward" is incorrect).
  • Confusing "look forward to" (+ noun/gerund) with "look forward for" (incorrect).
  • Misspelling as "foward".
  • Overusing "forwards" in US English writing.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
Could you please this application to the relevant department?
Multiple Choice

In which sentence is 'forward' used as an ADVERB?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Both are correct adverbs meaning 'toward the front.' 'Forward' is used for all meanings in American English and is more common globally. 'Forwards' is an alternative form chiefly used in British English as an adverb.

Yes, primarily in sports (e.g., football, hockey) to denote a player positioned to attack and score.

It is followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form). Correct: 'I look forward to your reply / to meeting you.' Incorrect: 'I look forward to meet you.'

No. While often positive (progressive, advancing), it can be negative when describing a person as overly bold, presumptuous, or intrusive.

Explore

Related Words

addressdeliverdispatchexpresstransmit