"However, towards the end the book described how the people lived."
or is it
"However, towards the end, the book described..."
comma or no comma after end? and should it be toward or towards?
Yes, you need the comma after "end" -- otherwise, it's very easy to misread.
http://www.answers.com/topic/toward
Be sure to read the Usage note.
ok. and should it be toward or towards?
If you're in the US, use "toward." The use of "towards" is more commonly used in British English than in American English.
oh, interesting. ok thanks!
The correct sentence would be:
"However, towards the end, the book described..."
When it comes to commas, their placement often depends on the sentence structure and the meaning you want to convey. In this case, using a comma after "end" is recommended because it helps to separate the introductory phrase "towards the end" from the rest of the sentence. This comma serves as a visual pause, making the sentence easier to read and understand.
As for "toward" versus "towards," both are grammatically correct and widely accepted variations. It's a matter of personal preference. "Toward" is more commonly used in American English, while "towards" is more common in British English. So, the choice between them depends on the specific style guide you follow or the regional English variant you prefer.