Anyway or Anyways can seem confusing because both forms appear interchangeably in casual conversation, but they have distinct nuances. Anyway is the standard form, widely accepted in spoken English and written English, and often works as a transition to dismiss a previous point.
Any way has a different meaning, while anyways is more informal, especially in some dialects of American English, where it can give speech a relaxed tone. When choosing between the two forms, consider the context and level of formality required.The S added to the end of anyway creates an interesting morphological process. The assumption that the word simply gained an S isn’t the full reason behind its development.
In morphology, suffixation, inflection, derivation, pluralization, analogy, and broader morphological change can explain how forms develop. However, anyway is an adverb, so treating anyways as a true plural isn’t quite right. This simple distinction helps reduce confusion: use anyway for standard and formal writing, even though anyways may sound natural in the same informal settings.
Anyway vs. Anyways: The Short Answer
If you’re looking for the quick answer, here it is:
“Anyway” is the standard and preferred form in modern English.
“Anyways” is a recognized word, but it is considered informal and conversational.
Most grammar experts, editors, teachers, and style guides recommend using anyway in professional, academic, and formal writing.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Anyway | Anyways |
| Standard English | Yes | Yes, but informal |
| Formal writing | Recommended | Not recommended |
| Academic writing | Recommended | Avoid |
| Business communication | Recommended | Avoid |
| Casual conversation | Common | Common |
| Text messages | Common | Common |
| Fiction dialogue | Common | Common |
The Simple Rule
If you’re unsure which one to choose, use anyway.
You will almost never be criticized for using “anyway.”
The same cannot always be said for “anyways.”
What Does “Anyway” Mean?
The word anyway serves several purposes in English.
Most commonly, it acts as an adverb or discourse marker that helps speakers transition between ideas, return to a topic, or express the idea of “regardless.”
Definition of Anyway
Anyway generally means:
- Regardless
- In any case
- Despite circumstances
- Returning to the main topic
- Moving the conversation forward
The exact meaning depends on context.
Anyway Meaning: “Regardless”
In many sentences, anyway means “despite what happened.”
Examples:
- I was tired, but I went anyway.
- The forecast predicted rain, but they played the game anyway.
- Nobody expected success, yet the company expanded anyway.
In these examples, the action happened despite obstacles.
Anyway as a Conversation Transition
People frequently use anyway when they want to shift topics.
Examples:
- Anyway, let’s discuss the budget.
- Anyway, where were we?
- Anyway, moving on to the next point.
This usage is especially common in spoken English.
Think of it as a verbal bridge connecting one idea to another.
Anyway as a Way to Refocus
Conversations often drift.
When that happens, speakers use anyway to bring everyone back.
Example:
“We spent twenty minutes talking about vacation plans. Anyway, let’s get back to the project.”
The word signals that the discussion is returning to its original subject.
What Does “Anyways” Mean?
Surprisingly, anyways means almost exactly the same thing as anyway.
The difference isn’t meaning.
The difference is tone.
Definition of Anyways
Anyways functions as an informal variation of “anyway.”
Examples:
- Anyways, what happened next?
- Anyways, let’s go.
- Anyways, I thought it was funny.
The intended meaning remains unchanged.
What changes is the level of formality.
Is “Anyways” a Real Word?
One of the biggest myths in English grammar is that anyways isn’t a real word.
That’s not true.
Major dictionaries recognize “anyways” as a legitimate English word.
However, most dictionaries also label it as:
- Informal
- Conversational
- Dialectal
- Nonstandard in formal contexts
This distinction matters.
A word can be real while still being inappropriate for certain situations.
Consider these examples:
| Word | Real Word? | Suitable for Formal Writing? |
| Anyway | Yes | Yes |
| Anyways | Yes | Usually No |
| Gonna | Yes | Usually No |
| Wanna | Yes | Usually No |
Just because a word exists doesn’t mean it belongs everywhere.
The History of Anyway and Anyways
Language evolves in fascinating ways.
Understanding the history of these words helps explain why both forms still exist today.
Which Came First?
The word anyway emerged centuries ago from combinations of words meaning “in any manner” or “by any means.”
Over time, English speakers condensed these phrases into the single word we use today.
How “Anyways” Developed
The extra “s” in “anyways” appeared later.
Linguists believe speakers added the “s” through natural language development.
English contains many adverbs ending in “s.”
Examples include:
- Towards
- Afterwards
- Besides
- Always
Because these patterns already existed, some speakers naturally adopted “anyways.”
Language often grows this way.
People rarely follow grammar textbooks when speaking. Instead, they follow patterns that feel familiar.
Anyway vs. Anyways: The Key Differences
Although the meanings overlap, important differences separate these two forms.
Formality
This is the biggest distinction.
Anyway works in virtually every setting.
Anyways works primarily in casual situations.
Use Anyway In:
- Academic papers
- Research reports
- Business emails
- Professional presentations
- Website content
- News articles
- Cover letters
- Corporate communications
Use Anyways In:
- Casual texting
- Friendly conversations
- Personal messages
- Fiction dialogue
- Informal storytelling
When professionalism matters, anyway wins.
Reader Perception
Words create impressions.
Readers often associate certain language choices with credibility and professionalism.
Consider these examples:
Professional:
Anyway, the report indicates a significant increase in customer retention.
Informal:
Anyways, the report indicates a significant increase in customer retention.
The information is identical.
Yet many readers perceive the second sentence as less polished.
This perception explains why editors usually replace “anyways” with “anyway.”
Editorial Preferences
Professional editors generally prefer consistency.
Most publishing standards favor anyway because it is the accepted standard form.
As a result:
- Newspapers prefer anyway.
- Universities prefer anyway.
- Businesses prefer anyway.
- Academic journals prefer anyway.
This widespread preference strengthens its position as the default choice.
Common Mistakes People Make
Even native speakers frequently misuse these words.
Let’s examine the most common errors.
Using “Anyways” in Formal Writing
This mistake appears in:
- Student essays
- Business proposals
- Cover letters
- Corporate reports
Example:
❌ Anyways, the study supports the hypothesis.
Correct version:
✅ Anyway, the study supports the hypothesis.
Although readers understand both sentences, the second appears more professional.
Believing “Anyways” Is Always Wrong
This misconception is equally common.
Some people insist that “anyways” is incorrect in every situation.
That’s not accurate.
Consider this dialogue:
“Anyways, I’ll call you tomorrow.”
This sounds completely natural in casual conversation.
The issue isn’t correctness.
The issue is context.
Overusing Anyway
Another problem involves repetition.
Some writers begin every paragraph with anyway.
For example:
- Anyway, let’s discuss marketing.
- Anyway, let’s discuss sales.
- Anyway, let’s discuss operations.
Repeated too often, the word becomes distracting.
Strong writing relies on variety.
Examples of Anyway in Sentences
Understanding grammar becomes easier through examples.
Everyday Conversation
- I wasn’t hungry, but I ate anyway.
- The movie started late, but we stayed anyway.
- Anyway, tell me what happened.
- Anyway, let’s continue.
Workplace Communication
- The deadline was challenging. Anyway, the team completed the project.
- Several issues emerged during testing. Anyway, the launch proceeded successfully.
Academic Writing
- Previous studies produced mixed results. Anyway, additional research remains necessary.
Although acceptable, many academic writers choose more formal transitions.
Examples include:
- Nevertheless
- However
- Therefore
- Consequently
Examples of Anyways in Sentences
Informal Conversation
- Anyways, how was your weekend?
- Anyways, let’s head home.
- Anyways, that’s what happened.
Fiction Dialogue
Writers often use anyways to create authentic speech.
Example:
“Anyways,” Jake said, “I wasn’t planning to stay long.”
This sounds natural because real people often speak this way.
Dialogue follows different rules than academic writing.
Anyway vs. Anyways in Real-Life Situations
The easiest way to understand usage is through practical examples.
Scenario: College Essay
Sentence:
Anyways, Shakespeare explores themes of ambition.
Best choice:
Anyway, Shakespeare explores themes of ambition.
Scenario: Business Email
Sentence:
Anyways, I’ll send the report tomorrow.
Best choice:
Anyway, I’ll send the report tomorrow.
Scenario: Text Message
Sentence:
Anyways, see you later!
Perfectly acceptable.
Text messages allow greater flexibility.
Scenario: Fiction Novel
Sentence:
“Anyways, let’s get moving,” she said.
Also acceptable.
Dialogue should sound like actual speech.
Better Alternatives to Anyway and Anyways
Sometimes neither word is the strongest choice.
Using alternatives can improve flow and prevent repetition.
Formal Alternatives
| Alternative | Meaning | Formality |
| Nevertheless | Despite that | High |
| Nonetheless | Even so | High |
| Regardless | Without concern | High |
| In any case | Whatever happens | Medium-High |
| Even so | Despite circumstances | Medium-High |
Examples:
- Nevertheless, the project succeeded.
- Regardless, production continued.
- In any case, the decision remains unchanged.
Conversational Alternatives
| Alternative | Best Use |
| So | Topic transitions |
| Moving on | Changing subjects |
| As I was saying | Returning to a topic |
| In any event | Summarizing |
| Speaking of which | Introducing a related topic |
Examples:
- So, what’s next?
- Moving on, let’s discuss pricing.
- As I was saying, the plan worked.
These alternatives often sound fresher than repeating anyway.
Why People Use “Anyways”
If anyway is preferred, why do millions of people still say anyways?
The answer lies in natural language behavior.
Familiar Sound Patterns
English contains many words ending in “s.”
Examples include:
- Afterwards
- Besides
- Towards
- Always
Because speakers hear these patterns regularly, “anyways” feels natural.
Language frequently evolves through analogy.
People unconsciously apply familiar structures to new words.
Regional Speech Habits
Certain regions use “anyways” more frequently than others.
Local speech patterns influence word choice.
What sounds unusual in one area may sound perfectly normal elsewhere.
This variation exists throughout English.
Casual Communication
People often choose words that sound relaxed and conversational.
Anyways has a slightly more informal tone.
That informality appeals to many speakers.
Especially in text messages and everyday conversations.
What Dictionaries and Style Guides Say
Most major dictionaries recognize both forms.
However, they don’t treat them equally.
General Consensus
Dictionary entries typically describe:
- Anyway as standard English.
- Anyways as informal English.
Style guides go even further.
Many editorial standards recommend avoiding anyways in formal writing.
What This Means for Writers
The safest approach is simple:
- Use anyway for professional writing.
- Use anyways only when informality is intentional.
This guideline works almost every time.
Case Study: How Context Changes Acceptability
Consider two versions of the same sentence.
Business Report
Anyways, profits increased by 18% this quarter.
Readers may perceive this as careless.
Casual Conversation
Anyways, profits increased by 18% this quarter.
Perfectly normal among friends discussing business news.
The sentence itself didn’t change.
The audience changed.
That audience determines whether the word feels appropriate.
Quick Rules to Remember
If you’re still unsure, keep these rules handy.
Choose “Anyway” When:
- Writing essays
- Sending emails
- Creating website content
- Publishing articles
- Communicating professionally
- Taking exams
- Writing reports
Choose “Anyways” When:
- Texting friends
- Having casual conversations
- Writing realistic dialogue
- Sharing personal stories
- Posting informal comments online
When in Doubt
Choose anyway.
It works almost everywhere.
Conclusion
The difference between anyway and anyways mainly comes down to usage and formality. Anyway is the standard and widely accepted form for both spoken and written English.
Anyways can appear in casual, colloquial speech, but it’s generally better to avoid it in formal writing. When in doubt, choose anyway.
FAQs
Is “anyway” or “anyways” correct?
Anyway is the standard form and is the safer choice in formal and professional English. Anyways is commonly used in informal speech.
Is “anyways” grammatically correct?
Anyways exists in English and is widely understood, but many style guides and speakers consider it nonstandard or informal. Anyway is preferred in standard writing.
What is the difference between “anyway” and “anyways”?
Anyway is the standard adverb meaning “regardless” or “in any case.” Anyways has essentially the same meaning but carries a more casual or colloquial tone.
Should I use “anyways” in formal writing?
It’s best to use anyway in formal writing, including academic papers, business writing, and professional documents.
Can “anyways” be used in conversation?
Yes. Anyways is common in casual conversations and can sound natural in informal speech, although anyway remains the standard form.
