Quick answer: The correct spelling for a book’s introductory note is foreword, not foreward. Forward is a different word that means toward the front or ahead, and it is also what you do with an email. Foreward is a common misspelling of foreword.
Foreward vs Forward Quiz: Test Yourself
Foreward vs forward is one of the most common spelling traps for writers, students and authors. Part of the problem is that the first spelling is not standard: the word you want for a book’s opening note is foreword. Forward is a real and very different word. Here is how to tell all three apart.
| Term | Meaning | Part of speech / Category | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foreword | A short introductory note at the start of a book, usually by someone other than the author | Noun | The famous chef wrote the foreword to the cookbook. |
| Forward | Toward the front or the future; to send something on | Adverb, adjective, verb, noun | Please forward the email to the whole team. |
| Foreward | A common misspelling of foreword | Misspelling (not standard) | Incorrect: Read the foreward first. Correct: Read the foreword first. |
What does foreword mean?
A foreword is a short piece of writing at the start of a book that introduces the book or its author. It is usually written by someone other than the author, such as an expert, a friend or another writer.
The word is built from fore, meaning before, and word, meaning the text of the book. It sits in the front matter, before the main text begins. A foreword often explains why the book matters or vouches for the author, which is why publishers like to ask well-known people to write one.
What does forward mean?
Forward means toward the front, ahead or into the future. It is a flexible word that works as an adverb, an adjective, a verb and a noun.
As an adverb, it describes direction: take two steps forward. As an adjective, it describes something at the front or something bold: the forward section of the plane, or a forward remark. As a verb, it means to send something on to someone else, as in forward the message. As a noun, it is a position in sports such as football and basketball. It also appears in the phrase look forward to, as in I look forward to meeting you.
Is foreward a word?
No. Foreward is not the standard spelling of any common English word, and it is almost always a mistake for foreword. If you mean the introductory note in a book, write foreword.
The error is easy to make because it blends the two real words. People hear the same sound in both and pick up the ward ending from forward. A spell checker may not catch it when the writer types forward in place of foreword, because forward is a valid word. That is why it is worth checking this one by hand.
What is the difference between a foreword and a preface?
A foreword is usually written by someone other than the author, while a preface is written by the author. Both appear before the main text.
A preface often explains how the book came to be, thanks the people who helped, or describes what has changed in a new edition. A foreword gives an outside voice and often adds credibility. An introduction is different again: it usually forms part of the book’s content and sets up the topic. Knowing the three terms helps you describe the front matter of a book accurately.
Foreward vs forward: how can you remember which to use?
Remember that foreword ends in word because it is made of words, while forward points toward a direction. If you are talking about a book, use the version that ends in word.
Common mistakes with foreward vs forward
✓ She wrote a foreword for the novel.
✓ I look forward to meeting you.
✓ Please read the foreword first.
✓ Can you forward the message to Sam?
✓ The team moved forward with the plan.
Memory tricks
- Foreword has word in it. A book is made of words, and the foreword comes before them.
- Forward ends in ward. Think toward, backward and homeward: all words about direction.
- Can you move it or send it? If the sentence is about direction, progress or sending something on, you need forward.
Foreward vs forward FAQ
Is it foreword or forward in a book?
A book’s introductory note is a foreword, spelled with word at the end. Forward is a direction or the act of sending something on.
Is foreward a word?
No. Foreward is a common misspelling. The correct spelling is foreword.
What is the difference between a foreword and a preface?
A foreword is usually written by someone other than the author, while a preface is written by the author.
Can forward mean to send an email?
Yes. To forward an email means to send it on to another person.
Is it forward or forwards?
Both are accepted as adverbs of direction. Forward is more common in American English, and forwards is common in British English.
Foreward vs forward: the bottom line
When it comes to foreward vs forward, remember that foreward is a misspelling, foreword is the introductory note in a book, and forward is the word for direction and sending things on. Check the ending: word for books, ward for movement.
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