Upward vs Upwards

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

	Upward	Upwards
Meaning	Moving towards a higher place.	in a direction that goes higher or increases
CEFR level	B1	B2
Part of speech	adjective	adverb
Usage notes	Use 'upward' when describing movement or direction. It's suitable in both formal and informal contexts but avoid it in very casual or slang discussions.	Use 'upwards' when describing movement or increase. It's appropriate in both formal writing and everyday conversation, but avoid it in very casual or slang contexts.

Frequently asked questions: Upward vs Upwards

What's the difference between "Upward" and "Upwards"?

"Upward" means: Moving towards a higher place. "Upwards" means: in a direction that goes higher or increases

When should I use "Upward" and "Upwards"?

They can all be used in everyday English.

Are "Upward" and "Upwards" the same CEFR level?

"Upward" is at B1, "Upwards" is at B2 on the CEFR scale.