Have you ever stopped while writing and wondered whether you should use anyway or anyways? You’re not alone. This is one of the most common grammar questions asked by students, writers, professionals, and English learners. The confusion exists because both words appear in everyday conversations, movies, social media posts, and even books. However, they are not used in the same way, especially in formal English.
The short answer is that anyway is the standard and widely accepted form in both American and British English. Anyways also exists, but it is considered informal and is mainly heard in casual American speech. It is uncommon in British English and should generally be avoided in formal writing.
In this guide, you’ll learn the Anyway or Anyways meaning, grammar rules, pronunciation, examples, UK vs US English differences, common mistakes, synonyms, and practical tips. By the end, you’ll know exactly which word to choose in every situation.
Quick Answer
| Form | Correct? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Anyway | ✔ Correct | Standard English in both US and UK |
| ⚠️ Anyways | ✔ Informal | Mainly used in casual American speech |
| ❌ Anyways in formal writing | Not recommended | Avoid in essays, business writing, reports, and emails |
Best choice: Anyway
What Does Anyway Mean?
The word anyway is an adverb. It has several meanings depending on the sentence.
It can mean:
- In spite of something
- Regardless of what happened
- Returning to the main topic
- At any rate
- Nevertheless
Examples
- Anyway, let’s continue our meeting.
- I didn’t feel well, but I went anyway.
- Anyway, what were we discussing?
- The train was late, but we arrived anyway.
- She wasn’t invited, yet she came anyway.
What Part of Speech Is Anyway?
Anyway is mainly an adverb.
It can:
- Connect ideas
- Change topics
- Show contrast
- Express “despite that”
Grammar Pattern
Subject + Verb + Anyway
Examples:
- I’ll finish the report anyway.
- We decided to go anyway.
- Anyway, let’s begin.
What Does Anyways Mean?
Anyways has the same basic meaning as anyway, but it is considered an informal variation.
Many dictionaries recognize it as a word, but they label it as:
- Informal
- Conversational
- Colloquial
That means it is acceptable in relaxed conversation but not preferred in formal English.
Example:
- Anyways, let’s order dinner.
Better formal version:
- Anyway, let’s order dinner.
Why Do People Confuse Anyway and Anyways?
People confuse these words because:
- Both are heard in American TV shows.
- Native speakers often use anyways casually.
- Both have almost identical meanings.
- Social media has made anyways more common.
- Many learners assume adding -s makes the word more correct.
In reality, anyway remains the standard form taught in schools and recommended by style guides.
Pronunciation Guide
| Word | IPA (American) | IPA (British) | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anyway | /ˈɛniˌweɪ/ | /ˈeniweɪ/ | EN-ee-way |
| Anyways | /ˈɛniˌweɪz/ | /ˈeniweɪz/ | EN-ee-wayz |
The pronunciation differs only by the final z sound.
Anyway vs Anyways Comparison Table
| Feature | Anyway | Anyways |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Regardless; in spite of that | Same meaning |
| Grammar | Standard adverb | Informal adverb |
| Formal Writing | Yes | No |
| Academic Writing | Yes | Avoid |
| Business Emails | Yes | Avoid |
| Everyday Conversation | Yes | Yes (informal) |
| American English | Very common | Fairly common in speech |
| British English | Standard | Rare |
| Dictionary Status | Standard | Informal variation |
Word Origin and Etymology
Anyway
The word anyway comes from Middle English.
It developed from combining:
- Any
- Way
Originally, it meant “in any manner” or “by any means.”
Over time, speakers began using it to mean:
- Regardless
- Nevertheless
- Returning to the topic
Today it is accepted worldwide.
Anyways
Anyways appeared later in spoken English.
It became popular in informal American conversation.
Although many dictionaries list it, they usually describe it as:
- Informal
- Nonstandard in formal contexts
- Colloquial speech
Its extra -s developed naturally in speech rather than through grammar rules.
American English Examples
Here are ten Anyway examples in American English.
- Anyway, let’s finish today’s meeting.
- I’ll go anyway.
- We enjoyed the trip anyway.
- Anyway, that’s my opinion.
- She submitted the application anyway.
- Anyway, thanks for helping.
- I forgot my wallet but paid anyway.
- Anyway, the project is complete.
- They stayed anyway despite the rain.
- Anyway, have a great weekend.
British English Examples
Here are ten examples commonly heard in British English.
- Anyway, shall we begin?
- I’ll come anyway.
- Anyway, that’s enough for today.
- We went anyway despite the weather.
- Anyway, let’s have some tea.
- Anyway, it worked out well.
- Anyway, how was your holiday?
- She carried on anyway.
- Anyway, we’ll see tomorrow.
- Anyway, everything turned out fine.
American vs British English
American English
Americans often say:
- Anyway
- Anyways (casual conversation)
Business writing still prefers anyway.
British English
British speakers almost always choose:
- Anyway
Anyways sounds unusual and is rarely used.
Why Anyways Is Not Preferred in Formal Writing
Although anyways appears in dictionaries, professional writers avoid it because:
- It sounds conversational.
- Academic style guides recommend anyway.
- Business communication favors standard English.
- It looks less polished.
Formal example:
✅ Anyway, I appreciate your support.
Less formal:
⚠ Anyways, I appreciate your support.
Incorrect and Correct Examples
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| Anyways, I have attached the report. | Anyway, I have attached the report. |
| Anyways, thank you for your email. | Anyway, thank you for your email. |
| Anyways, the meeting starts at ten. | Anyway, the meeting starts at ten. |
| Anyways, please review the invoice. | Anyway, please review the invoice. |
| Anyways, I completed the assignment. | Anyway, I completed the assignment. |
Grammar Rule Explained Simply
The important grammar rule is simple.
Anyway is the standard adverb.
It can:
- Connect sentences
- Introduce a new topic
- Show contrast
- Mean “despite that”
There is no grammar rule requiring the -s in anyways.
Instead, the -s is simply an informal speech habit.
Anyway Synonyms
| Synonym | Meaning | US Usage | UK Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regardless | Despite everything | Very common | Very common |
| Nevertheless | Even so | Common | Common |
| At any rate | In any case | Common | Very common |
| In any event | Whatever happens | Common | Common |
| Still | Despite that | Very common | Very common |
| Even so | Nevertheless | Common | Common |
| All the same | Despite this | Less common | Common |
Which Synonyms Are Best?
Formal
- Nevertheless
- Regardless
- At any rate
- In any event
Informal
- Anyway
- Still
- Even so
Anyway in Real-Life Situations
Business Email
Anyway, I’ve attached the updated proposal.
Office Conversation
Anyway, let’s move to the next agenda item.
Banking
The payment was delayed, but it processed anyway.
Invoice
The invoice arrived late, but we paid it anyway.
School
I was nervous, but I gave my presentation anyway.
Rent Payment
The landlord accepted the rent anyway.
Social Media
Anyway, here’s my vacation photo!
Everyday Conversation
Anyway, how was your weekend?
Anyway vs Other Similar Words
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Anyway | Regardless; moving on |
| Any way | In any manner |
| However | But |
| Nevertheless | Despite that |
| Still | Even so |
Example
Correct:
- Is there any way to fix it?
Different meaning:
- I’ll do it anyway.
Seven Common Mistakes
Using Anyways in Business Emails
Incorrect:
Anyways, please review the document.
Correct:
Anyway, please review the document.
Using Anyway as Two Words
Incorrect:
Any way, let’s continue.
Correct:
Anyway, let’s continue.
Confusing Anyway with Any Way
Incorrect:
I’ll help any way.
Correct:
I’ll help anyway.
Using Anyways in Essays
Always choose:
Anyway
Assuming Anyways Is More Correct
The opposite is true.
Anyway is the standard form.
Mixing Formal and Informal Styles
Stay consistent.
Formal writing should use anyway throughout.
Overusing Anyway
Avoid starting every paragraph with anyway.
Use other transitions like:
- However
- Therefore
- Meanwhile
- Nevertheless
Memory Tricks
1. Think School English
Schools teach anyway, not anyways.
2. One Word Wins
The shorter form is usually the standard one.
3. Business Rule
Writing to your boss?
Always choose anyway.
4. British Test
If you’re writing for an international audience, use anyway.
5. Dictionary Trick
Most dictionaries list anyway first because it is the preferred form.
FAQs
Is anyway or anyways correct?
Anyway is the standard and preferred form. Anyways is informal and mainly used in casual American speech.
Is anyways a real word?
Yes. Most major dictionaries include it, but they label it as informal or colloquial.
Which form should students use?
Students should almost always write anyway, especially in school assignments and exams.
Is anyways wrong?
Not completely. It is acceptable in casual conversation but is not recommended in formal writing.
Which form is more common in the UK?
British English strongly prefers anyway.
Which form is more common in America?
Americans mainly use anyway, although anyways is sometimes heard in informal speech.
What is the best synonym for anyway?
Depending on the sentence, good alternatives include regardless, nevertheless, still, and at any rate.
How do you pronounce anyway?
American IPA: /ˈɛniˌweɪ/
British IPA: /ˈeniweɪ/
Is anyway formal?
Yes. It is suitable for both formal and informal communication.
Should I use anyways in professional emails?
No. Use anyway for professional, academic, and business writing.
People Also Ask
Is “anyways” grammatically incorrect?
Not exactly. It is a recognized informal word, but anyway is the standard choice in formal English.
Why do Americans say “anyways”?
Many Americans use anyways as a conversational habit. It developed naturally in spoken language and is common in informal settings.
Do dictionaries accept “anyways”?
Yes. Dictionaries such as Merriam-Webster and Cambridge include it, but they generally label it as informal or colloquial.
Can I use “anyways” in academic writing?
No. Academic writing should use anyway because it follows standard English conventions.
What is the difference between “anyway” and “any way”?
Anyway is an adverb meaning regardless or moving on. Any way is a phrase meaning in any manner or by any method.
Conclusion
The debate over Anyway or Anyways is simpler than it first appears. Anyway is the standard, correct, and widely accepted form in both American and British English. It works well in conversations, business emails, academic papers, reports, and everyday writing. Anyways, while recognized by many dictionaries, is an informal, conversational variant that is heard mainly in casual American speech and is rarely used in British English. If you’re ever unsure which one to choose, anyway is the safest and most professional option.
By understanding the grammar difference, pronunciation, history, synonyms, and common mistakes, you can write with greater confidence and clarity. Remember the simple rule: use anyway whenever you want polished, standard English, and reserve anyways only for relaxed, informal conversations when the tone allows it.
