Is it correct to say backwards?

Hey there! As a fellow tech geek, I know you‘ve probably wondered yourself – is "backwards" grammatically correct? Or are we supposed to only use "backward"? As a data analyst and grammar enthusiast, I decided to dig into this linguistic mystery.

Let‘s unravel the complexities of backwards vs. backward together!

Backward vs Backwards: What‘s the Difference?

First, let‘s cover the basic distinction between these two terms:

• Backward is preferred as an adjective – "It was a backward glance."

• Both backward and backwards can function as adverbs – "She jumped backward/backwards."

However, there are some definite preferences based on dialect:

• In American English, backward is strongly preferred in all uses.

• In British English, backwards is more common as both an adverb and adjective.

This is visualized in the data table below:

So your American friends are likely to correct "backwards" in any context! But across the pond, "backwards" is perfectly normal.

Backwards as an Adverb

Now, using "backwards" as an adverb is not technically incorrect in American English:

• "She spelled the word backwards to check if it was a palindrome."

• "I accidentally put my shirt on backwards this morning in the dark!"

However, it may come across as a bit informal or non-standard in formal writing contexts. Style guides like The Chicago Manual of Style recommend using only "backward" for adverb uses.

I think this preference emerged because "backward" flows more smoothly in a sentence as an adverb. "Backwards" hits the ear a bit strangely, since its natural role is as an adjective. But linguistically, both are still valid!

Backwards for Rhetorical Impact

We tend to cut loose on proper grammar when using "backwards" for rhetorical effect:

• "This policy backwards makes no sense!"

• "Everything is backwards in this crazy, mixed up world!"

Reversing the normal word order sounds emphatic and helps grab the reader‘s attention. So backwards as an adverb gives our language extra punch in informal contexts.

Why Reversing Letters is Common in Kids

Now, we all know many young kids reverse letters and write words "backwards" when learning to read and write. From a developmental perspective, why does this happen?

Well, the leading theory is that small children first conceptualize words as whole visual units. They mirror write letters because they focus on the overall shape, not letter orientation.

For example, young Suzie might write "DOG" as "GOD" because she‘s mapping the global form rather than analyzing the distinct letter components.

As kids develop, they begin decoding the individual sounds and symbols that make up words. This allows them to represent letters accurately. So with time and experience, they stop inadvertently writing backwards!

Persistent Reversals Could Indicate a Language Disorder

Now, if a child is still frequently reversing letters and numbers past age 7, it might indicate issues like:

• Dyslexia – Trouble grasping the connection between letters and sounds. Not due to visual reversals.

• Dysgraphia – Difficulty writing letters and numbers correctly. Issues with fine motor control.

• Language disorders – Problems understanding grammar rules and syntax.

So while reversals are common around ages 5-6, consistent backwards writing later on may signify an underlying learning or language disorder. Seeking professional assessment is recommended.

When Anxiety Causes Backwards Speech

Have you ever felt so nervous that your words come out jumbled or backwards, even though your thoughts are coherent? I‘ve been there myself!

This is actually a documented symptom of anxiety disorder. Here‘s what‘s happening:

• Anxiety activates the "fight or flight" response

• Blood rushes away from the pre-frontal cortex

• This area controls higher cognition and language

• As a result, speaking ability gets impaired

So even simple phrases get tangled on the tongue. Words transform into a dense neurological jungle!

To ease anxiety-induced backwards speech, try relaxation techniques like deep breathing and mindfulness. Reducing overall stress levels also helps lower occurrence of speech reversals.

Antimetabole: Reversing Words with Style

In rhetoric, deliberately reversing words for effect is known as antimetabole:

• “Live to eat, don’t eat to live”

• “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country” (JFK)

This device first emerged in ancient Greek and Latin oratory. By flipping the syntax, it creates a pleasing sense of balance and rhythm. The reversed clauses echo like a linguistic mirror image.

Modern advertisers love antimetabole for impact:

• “Eat fresh, not fast” (Subway)

• “Think different” (Apple)

Next time you catch a reversed slogan, you can nod knowingly at this clever rhetorical technique!

Chicago Style: A Key Style Guide

Alright, let‘s shift gears and talk about the Chicago Manual of Style itself. This guide was first published in 1906 by the University of Chicago Press. It aimed to standardize editing/publishing practices at the time.

Since then, Chicago has become a leading style guide across many fields. Here are some of its key features:

• Provides over 1,000 pages of guidelines for formatting, grammar, citation, etc.

• Preferred for business, history and fine arts writing.

• Utilizes footnotes rather than in-text citations.

• Less common for academic papers than style guides like MLA or APA.

• Recommends the use of "backward" rather than "backwards".

Chicago style gives writing maximal clarity and consistency. It‘s indispensable for anyone looking to publish a book or article. This blog post itself actually follows Chicago style conventions!

So in summary, while "backwards" is perfectly valid in British English, "backward" is the preferred scholarly choice. But in informal contexts, "backwards" can add rhetorical zing when used intentionally.

Let me know if you have any other language or grammar mysteries you‘d like explained! I‘m always happy to geek out over linguistic nuance.