What is forward? Pronunciation and usage in English

forward means . Learn how to pronounce and use forward through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of forward

forwardadverb

/ˈfɔːwəd/
Definition & pronunciation of forward

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "forward" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /fɔːrˈwɜːrd/ (British English)
  • /fɔːrˈwɜrd/ (American English)

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  1. "for" (first syllable):

    • "for" sounds like "fur" – like the animal. The "o" is a short, slightly rounded vowel sound.

  2. "ward" (second syllable):

    • "ward" is the tricky part. It's pronounced with a broad "a" sound, like the "a" in "father" or "car." Think of it as a stretched-out "ah" sound. Some people find it easier to mimic the sound of a horn being blown (a "wah-wah" sound).
    • The "r" is slightly rolled (especially in British English) but not as pronounced as in Spanish.

Putting it together:

You’re essentially saying "fur-ward."

Tips for getting it right:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some minimal pairs (words that differ by only one sound) to help you distinguish it?

Usage and examples with the word forward in English

Let's break down how to use the word "forward" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with many different meanings and uses! Here's a categorized breakdown:

1. Direction & Movement:

  • Moving ahead: This is the most common meaning. “Move forward.” “Please forward me the document.” “The car moved forward.”
  • In a direction: "Walk forward." "Look forward." "Turn forward."
  • Heading towards something: “He’s moving forward in his career.” (progressing) “Let’s move forward with the plan.”

2. Sending/Passing on:

  • Sending an email/message: “Please forward this email to Sarah.” (passing it on to someone else) This is very common.
  • Forwarding a letter: “I forwarded your letter to the manager.”

3. Time & Future:

  • Looking ahead/Expecting: "I'm looking forward to the weekend." (excited about something in the future) “I look forward to hearing from you.” (waiting for a response)
  • Future date: “The event is scheduled for July 15th.” (referring to the date)

4. Progress & Advancement:

  • Making progress: “We’re making good forward progress on the project.”
  • Stepping forward: (figuratively) "She stepped forward to answer the question." (taking initiative)

5. Specific Phrases & Idioms:

  • "Forward march!" (Military command – advance!)
  • "Keep it forward!" (Slang – meaning stay positive, keep things good) – often used among young people.
  • "Lighten up, forward!" (A phrase suggesting letting go of negativity and moving on.)
  • "Forward thinking" (Innovative, progressive, considering the future)

6. As an Adjective (less common):

  • Forward-thinking: (Describing someone with a good sense of the future and progress) “He's a really forward-thinking architect.”

Here's a table summarizing the different uses:

Category Meaning Example
Direction Moving ahead "Please forward the report to me."
Sending Passing on a message/email "Please forward this email."
Future/Expectation Looking ahead, anticipating "I’m looking forward to the movie."
Progress Making progress, advancing “Let’s move forward with our plans.”
Adjective Innovative, progressive “A forward-thinking solution.”

Tips for Using "Forward" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "forward" will almost always be clear from the surrounding words and situation.
  • Consider the Verb: Often, "forward" is part of a verb phrase (e.g., "move forward," "look forward").
  • Beware of Confusion: It can sometimes be confused with “further” (another word meaning “more advanced”), but “forward” generally implies movement or progress.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to use “forward” in? (e.g., an email, a conversation, a writing assignment?)
  • Could you give me an example sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word forward

Idioms of the word forward

backward(s) and forward(s)
from one place or position to another and back again many times
  • She rocked backwards and forwards on her chair.
  • The film skips backwards and forwards through time.
going/moving forward
(formal or business)in the future, starting from now
  • We have a very solid financial position going forward.
  • The strategy going forward is still undecided.
  • Moving forward, we need to have a real plan.
put your best foot forward
to make a great effort to do something, especially if it is difficult or you are feeling tired
    put the clocks forward/back
    to change the time shown by clocks, usually by one hour, when the time changes officially, for example at the beginning and end of summer
    • Remember to put your clocks back tonight.

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