Anyway or Anyways: Meaning, Usage, and Common Mistakes Explained

Have you ever written a message and paused, asking yourself, “Should I write anyway or anyways here?” You’re not alone.

Many writers, students, and professionals get confused because both words sound similar and are often used interchangeably. Using the wrong form can make your writing seem informal or grammatically off.

People search anyway or anyways to clarify which version is correct and to write confidently in emails, essays, and casual conversations.

In this guide, I’ll explain the difference between anyway and anyways, provide examples, synonyms, and common mistakes.

I promise to make it simple, so by the end, you’ll confidently know which form to use in any context, whether formal or informal writing.

---

Quick Answer

• Anyway is the standard, formal adverb meaning “regardless” or “in any case.”
• Anyways is informal, mostly used in spoken English, and is often considered nonstandard.

Examples

• I’ll finish the project anyway, even if it’s challenging.
• He said he was tired, but he went anyways (informal).

✅ Quick memory tip: Anyway = formal, widely accepted, Anyways = informal, casual, spoken English.

---

The Origin of Anyway and Anyways

Anyway has been used since Middle English to indicate “in any case” or “regardless.” Over time, speakers began adding an “s” to create anyways, especially in informal conversation and certain dialects.

While it is common in spoken English, traditional grammar guides still consider anyways nonstandard in formal writing. Understanding this origin helps you choose the correct form depending on the context.

---

British vs American Usage

Both anyway and anyways are recognized in British and American English. However, anyway is standard in both, while anyways is often seen in informal American English, especially in spoken contexts.

Avoid using anyways in formal writing for clarity and professionalism.

Comparison Table

Feature	Anyway	Anyways
Part of Speech	Adverb	Adverb (informal, nonstandard)
Meaning	Regardless, in any case	Same meaning, casual/informal
Example	I’ll do it anyway	I’ll do it anyways (informal)

---

Which One Should You Use?

• Students: Use anyway in essays and assignments; avoid anyways.
• Professionals: Use anyway in emails, reports, and official communication.
• Writers & Bloggers: Use anyways sparingly for informal or conversational tone; prefer anyway for standard writing.

---

Common Mistakes With Anyway or Anyways

❌ Using anyways in academic papers or formal writing.
❌ Confusing anyway with by the way.
❌ Overusing anyways in writing, which can seem unprofessional.

✔ Tip: Choose anyway for formal contexts and anyways only for casual speech or informal writing.

---

Anyway or Anyways in Everyday Writing

Emails / Messages

• Please complete the task anyway, even if there are delays.
• He said he would come, but he showed up anyways (informal).

Academic / Professional

• Anyway, the research findings support the hypothesis.
• Avoid using anyways in theses or reports.

Social Media / Casual

• I was tired, but I joined the party anyways.
• Anyway, let’s share some updates from today.

---

Anyway vs Anyways – Google Trends & Usage Data

Search trends show that many writers and students frequently question anyway or anyways. Most confusion arises in informal vs formal writing contexts.

The general recommendation across ESL and grammar resources is to use anyway in professional writing and anyways for casual speech. Awareness of context ensures clarity and correctness.

---

Anyway or Anyways in Real-Life Examples

Anyway or Anyways Meaning

• Anyway = in any case, regardless.
• Anyways = informal, same meaning, casual usage.

Anyway or Anyways Synonym

• Synonyms for anyway: regardless, in any case, all the same, nonetheless.
• Synonyms for anyways: same as above, but limited to informal contexts.

Anyway or Anyways in a Sentence

• I was tired, but I finished the report anyway.
• He forgot his homework, but he submitted it anyways (spoken).

Anyway Meaning

• Anyway: used to indicate a transition, disregard, or continuation.
• Example: Anyway, let’s move on to the next topic.

Anyway or Anyhow

• Anyhow is a synonym for anyway.
• Example: He was late, anyhow, we started the meeting without him.

Is Anyways Grammatically Correct?

• Anyways is informal and acceptable in spoken English, but avoid in formal writing or academic papers.

Anyway or By the Way

• By the way introduces a new topic.
• Anyway summarizes or transitions from the previous discussion.
• Example: Anyway, let’s finish the report.
• Example: By the way, did you see the email from HR?

Anyway Synonym

• Regardless, in any case, nevertheless, anyhow, nonetheless.

---

FAQs

1. Is anyway or anyways correct?

Anyway is correct in all formal writing; anyways is informal.

2. Can I use anyways in emails?

Only in casual or friendly emails; avoid in professional contexts.

3. How do I remember the difference?

Anyway = formal, Anyways = informal/spoken.

4. Is this rule the same in UK and US English?

Yes, anyway is standard in both; anyways is mostly American informal.

5. Can I use anyway as a transition word?

Yes, it often introduces a new point or summarizes the discussion.

6. Are there synonyms for anyway?

Yes: regardless, in any case, nonetheless, anyhow.

7. Is by the way the same as anyway?

No, by the way introduces a new topic, while anyway continues or transitions a discussion.

---

Conclusion

Understanding anyway or anyways improves clarity and professionalism. Anyway is the standard form used in formal writing, while anyways is informal and best reserved for spoken English or casual contexts.

Apply these rules consistently in emails, essays, and social media to avoid mistakes and sound confident.

Using anyway properly shows attention to detail and strengthens your communication. Over time, distinguishing between formal and informal usage will become second nature.

By following this guide, you’ll confidently navigate anyway or anyways in all your writing.

---