Cool MateDownward vs Downwards
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Downward
Top 3,000 (common)B1adjective
Downwards
Top 3,000 (common)B2adverb
| Downward | Downwards | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈdaʊnwəd/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈdaʊnwərd/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈdaʊnwədz/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈdaʊnwərdz/"]/ |
| Meaning | Going or facing towards a lower position. | Moving to a lower place or level. |
| Example | the downward slope of a hill | She was lying face downwards on the grass. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | adjective | adverb |
| Collocations | move downward, look downward, trend downward, shift downward, go downward | look downwards, move downwards, trend downwards |
| Antonyms | upward, ascending | upwards |
| Common mistakes | Using 'downward' as an adjective without a noun (e.g., 'downward movement' should be used)., Confusing with 'downwards' — both are correct, but usage may vary by region., Misplacing the word in a sentence, leading to unclear meaning. | Using 'downward' instead of 'downwards' in British English contexts., Confusing 'downwards' with 'downward' when referring to direction., Not using the word when describing a decrease in something like prices or temperatures. |
| Usage notes | Commonly used in both written and spoken English. Can describe physical movement or figurative situations, such as emotions. Less used in casual conversations. | Commonly used in both written and spoken English. Often refers to physical movement or direction, but can also indicate a decrease in status or quality. Avoid in highly formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Downward vs Downwards
What's the difference between Downward and Downwards?
Downward: Going or facing towards a lower position. Downwards: Moving to a lower place or level.
Which is more advanced: Downward and Downwards?
Downwards is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Downward and Downwards the same CEFR level?
Downward: B1, Downwards: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Downward and Downwards?
Downward: adjective, Downwards: adverb.
Can you show an example of each?
Downward: the downward slope of a hill Downwards: She was lying face downwards on the grass.
Can I use Downward and Downwards interchangeably?
Not always. Downward and Downwards are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.