Words / A2

BAKW-uh-dz/ˈbækwədz/

Backwards means towards the back (British usually with -s): step backwards, go backwards, know it backwards (very well — extra). Forwards is the opposite. Backward without -s is also used, especially as an adjective. Back words as two words is different. Do not write backwards when you mean forwards, or backwards vs backwoods.

Meaning

Towards the back, or in the reverse direction (British: -s).

Examples

• “Please step backwards so the doors can close.”
• “Please move backwards to make space in the lift.”
• “The film played backwards as a joke on the coach screen.”

Good to know

step backwards (British -s). Opposite: forwards. Mix-up: backward (adjective).

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