Sound-alike words

Foreword vs. Forward

Foreword is a noun for a short introduction at the start of a book, often written by someone other than the author. Forward means ahead or toward the front, or to send something on. Read the foreword, then move forward.

Word	Part of speech	Meaning
foreword	noun	a short introduction at the front of a book, often by someone other than the author
forward	adverb	toward the front, ahead, or into the future
forward	verb	to send an email, letter or package on to another person or address

Foreword

noun: a short introduction at the front of a book, often by someone other than the author

The chef's former teacher wrote the foreword to her cookbook.
The foreword explains why the author spent ten years on the project.

Forward

adverb: toward the front, ahead, or into the future

Please move forward so the people behind you can sit.
We are looking forward to our trip in May.

verb: to send an email, letter or package on to another person or address

Can you forward me the email from the landlord?
The post office will forward our mail for six months.

How to remember the difference

A foreword is the word that comes before (fore) the story: fore plus word. Forward is about direction, like toward and backward.

Good to know

Forward is also an adjective (a forward position) and a noun for a player in sports such as soccer and basketball. A preface is similar to a foreword, but the author writes it.

Spot the mistake

The book's ~~forward~~ foreword was written by the author's old teacher.
Correct: The book's foreword was written by the author's old teacher.
Please ~~foreword~~ forward this message to the whole team.
Correct: Please forward this message to the whole team.

Check yourself

Pick the word that fits each sentence.

1. In the , the editor explains how the old letters were found.

2. Lean slowly and try to touch your toes.