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Thread: Backwards Movement, Movement Backwards

  1. #1
    tedtmc is offline Key Member
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    Default Backwards Movement, Movement Backwards

    Are both the phrases below correct?
    Is there any difference?

    1) The movement backwards of an object from its original position
    or
    2) The backwards movement of an object from its original position

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    Default Re: Backwards Movement, Movement Backwards

    I prefer backward to backwards. Backward is the adjective and backwards is the adverb.

    Apart from that I think they are both correct, but my ear has a strong preference for 2.
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    Default Re: Backwards Movement, Movement Backwards

    Backward and backwards are both adverbs according to

    Backwards | Define Backwards at Dictionary.com
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    Default Re: Backwards Movement, Movement Backwards

    movement backwards of ...

    Is 'backwards' used here an adjective or an adverb?

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Backwards Movement, Movement Backwards

    I spoke too hastily. On reflection it's easy to think of adverbial uses of backward. But is backwards ever an adjective? I still think not. At least I prefer not. Backward movement is the most natural and best to me.
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