Quick answer
Forward means ahead or onward. A foreword is the introductory piece at the start of a book, usually written by someone other than the author. The spelling is literal: it is the word that comes before.
The core difference
A direction and a piece of a book.
- forward — ahead: step forward, forward planning. Also a football position, and to send on.
- foreword — a book's introductory section: a foreword by the editor.
The spelling is the meaning
Fore means before — as in forecast, forehead, forewarn. A foreword is literally the word placed before the book. Seeing word inside it settles the spelling permanently.
The parts of a book
A foreword is normally written by someone other than the author. A preface is by the author, about the book's creation. An introduction is by the author and part of the work itself. The three are distinct and often confused.
Frequently asked questions
Which spelling is the book introduction?
Foreword — literally the word that comes before.
What is the difference between a foreword and a preface?
A foreword is usually by someone other than the author; a preface is by the author, about how the book came about.
How do I remember the spelling?
It contains the word "word", because that is what it is — words placed before the book.
