What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
toward
Example
We walked toward the park to enjoy the sunny weather. [toward: preposition]
Example
She has a positive attitude toward her work. [toward: adjective]
Example
The economy is moving toward recovery after the recession. [toward: adverb]
approaching
Example
The train is approaching the station. [approaching: verb]
Example
The deadline for the project is approaching quickly. [approaching: present participle]
Example
He was nervous about approaching his boss with the bad news. [approaching: gerund]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Toward is more commonly used in American English, while approaching is more commonly used in British English. Both words are versatile and can be used in various contexts, but toward is more formal than approaching.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between toward and approaching?
Toward is generally considered more formal than approaching. However, both words can be used in both formal and informal contexts depending on the situation and tone of the communication.
