Anyway or Anyways are words that English learners and native speakers compare in modern American English, especially in casual conversation.
Anyway is the standard form, widely accepted in spoken English and written English. Anyways is usually informal and appears in certain dialects, particularly American speech. People may use anyways to convey a relaxed tone, and anyway can help dismiss a previous point.
For English learners, the safest choice depends on the context and level of formality required. Use anyway in formal writing, professional communication, school assignments, and emails. In everyday speech and casual conversation, anyways may sound natural to some readers and listeners, though others may view it as slangy or nonstandard. This difference can cause confusion about usage, grammar, spelling, language, and communication.
The best guide is to consider the purpose before choosing either form. Anyway remains the safer standard choice for most situations, and anyways can reflect the tone of natural American English. The basic meaning usually stays the same, but the choice affects how your writing or speech is perceived.
Quick Answer: Anyway or Anyways?
“Anyway” is the standard and preferred form. “Anyways” is a recognized informal variant, especially in US English.
If you’re writing an essay, professional email, report, article, or other formal text, choose anyway.
If you’re having a casual conversation or deliberately writing in a relaxed, conversational voice, anyways can work.
Here’s the simplest way to remember the difference:
| Form | Meaning | Typical Use | Example |
| anyway | Regardless; in any case | Standard and widely accepted | I was tired, but I went anyway. |
| anyways | Informal form of anyway | Casual speech and writing | Anyways, what happened next? |
| any way | Any method or manner | Literal meaning | Is there any way to fix it? |
Merriam-Webster defines it anyway with meanings including “in any case” and “without regard to other considerations.” Cambridge likewise identifies anyway as an adverb and explains several of its conversational functions.
The key takeaway is simple: use “anyway” by default.
Is “Anyways” a Real Word?
Yes. “Anyways” is a real English word.
That point sometimes gets lost because many teachers, editors, and style guides recommend it anyway instead. Their preference doesn’t erase anyways from the language.
Merriam-Webster currently lists anyways as an adverb and gives its modern US informal meaning as anyhow or anyway. It also records older and dialectal meanings.
Cambridge Dictionary takes a similarly clear position. It defines anyways as “informal for anyway.”
So saying “anyways isn’t a word” isn’t an accurate description of modern dictionary usage.
A better explanation would be:
“Anyways” is a recognized word, but “anyway” is the standard form and the better choice for formal writing.
That distinction matters.
Language has different levels of formality. A word can be legitimate while still sounding too casual for a particular setting. Think about the difference between kids and children. Both are perfectly understandable, but one can sound more informal depending on context.
The same principle applies here.
What Dictionaries Actually Say
The evidence is especially useful because it cuts through the “right versus wrong” argument.
- Merriam-Webster: anyways is an informal US synonym for anyway.
- Cambridge Dictionary: anyways is an informal form of anyway.
- Merriam-Webster: anyway functions as an adverb with meanings such as “in any case” and “without regard to other considerations.”
- Cambridge Grammar: anyway also works as a discourse marker in conversation.
There’s another interesting fact. Merriam-Webster records the first known use of anyways in the 13th century. That means the word isn’t some recent internet invention.
What Does “Anyway” Mean?
Anyway is an adverb, and it can perform several jobs in English.
Its basic meaning often relates to regardless of circumstances. In other contexts, it helps organize a conversation or move from one idea to another.
Anyway Meaning “Regardless”
This is one of the most common uses.
You use anyway when something happens despite another fact, condition, or obstacle.
For example:
- It was raining, but we went anyway.
- She knew the trip would be expensive, but she booked it anyway.
- I wasn’t feeling well, but I went to work anyway.
- He warned me about the risks, but I tried it anyway.
In each sentence, anyway communicates the idea of “despite that” or “regardless.”
The structure is often straightforward:
Something happened + anyway.
The road was difficult, but they continued anyway.
The difficult road didn’t change the decision.
Anyway Meaning “In Any Case”
Anyway can also mean “in any case,” “regardless,” or “all things considered.”
For example:
We don’t have much time anyway.
This suggests that the lack of time is true regardless of whatever else has been discussed.
Merriam-Webster includes “in any case” and “without regard to other considerations” among the meanings of anyway.
Anyway as a Conversation Marker
Here’s where anyway becomes particularly interesting.
In conversation, anyway isn’t always about the literal idea of “regardless.” It can help organize what someone is saying.
Cambridge describes this use as a discourse marker. Speakers can use anyway to return to an earlier topic, move to another part of a story, or bring a conversation toward an ending.
For example:
Anyway, where were we?
The speaker uses anyway to return to the previous subject.
Or:
Anyway, let’s get back to the project.
Here, anyway signals a transition.
It acts almost like a conversational road sign. It tells the listener, “We’re moving on from here.”
Anyway to Return to an Earlier Topic
Imagine two friends discussing a vacation:
“We were talking about the hotel when my brother called. Anyway, the hotel was actually pretty good.”
The conversation briefly went off course. Anyway brings it back.
This use appears constantly in natural speech because conversations rarely travel in a perfectly straight line.
Anyway to Change the Subject
You can also use it to introduce a new subject:
Anyway, have you seen the new restaurant downtown?
The word creates a soft transition rather than an abrupt jump.
Without it, the change might feel sharper:
Have you seen the new restaurant downtown?
Both sentences work. The first simply sounds more conversational.
Anyway to End a Conversation
Anyway can even help signal that a conversation is winding down.
For example:
Anyway, thanks for calling. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.
The word tells the listener that the speaker is wrapping things up.
Cambridge specifically identifies this closing function in spoken English.
What Does “Anyways” Mean?
In its common modern use, anyways generally means the same thing as anyway.
The main difference is tone and register, not basic meaning.
Compare:
Anyway, let’s get started.
and
Anyways, let’s get started.
The basic message remains the same. The second sentence simply sounds more relaxed and conversational.
Cambridge explicitly defines anyways as an informal form of anyway.
Merriam-Webster similarly labels its modern synonym use US, informal.
Examples of “Anyways”
Here are some natural informal examples:
- Anyways, what were you saying?
- I didn’t want to go anyways.
- Anyways, I’ll call you tomorrow.
- It wasn’t going to work anyways.
- Anyways, that’s a story for another day.
You’ll often see this form in:
- Text messages
- Social media posts
- Casual emails
- Online conversations
- Informal dialogue
- Personal blogs
- Everyday speech
It can also appear intentionally in fiction when a writer wants dialogue to sound authentic.
Anyway vs. Anyways in Formal Writing
This is where the practical distinction matters most.
Suppose you’re writing a university essay. You have two choices:
The results were unexpected, but the experiment was useful anyway.
The results were unexpected, but the experiment was useful anyways.
The first version is the better choice for formal writing.
Why?
Because anyway is the established standard form, while anyways carries an informal tone.
That doesn’t make the second sentence incomprehensible. It simply makes the writing sound more conversational.
Which Form Should You Use?
| Writing Situation | Recommended Form | Reason |
| Academic essay | Anyway | Standard and formal |
| Research paper | Anyway | More appropriate register |
| Business report | Anyway | Professional tone |
| Job application | Anyway | Safer formal choice |
| Professional email | Anyway | Neutral and polished |
| News article | Anyway | Standard written form |
| Personal text | Either | Informal context allows variation |
| Social media | Either | Depends on desired tone |
| Casual conversation | Either | Natural speech varies |
| Fictional dialogue | Either | Character voice matters |
When in doubt, choose anyway.
It rarely creates a problem.
Any Way vs. Anyway vs. Anyways
Now we reach the distinction that causes some of the most useful grammar questions.
Any way, anyway, and anyways aren’t three interchangeable spellings.
The first one has a different grammatical structure.
“Any Way” Means “Any Method”
When any way appears as two words, way remains a noun.
It refers to a method, manner, or means.
For example:
Is there any way to fix this computer?
Here, you’re asking whether any method exists for fixing the computer.
Another example:
I’ll help in any way I can.
This means:
I’ll help by whatever method is possible or appropriate.
You can also say:
- Is there any way to contact him?
- Can we solve this in any way?
- She helped in any way she could.
- There must be some way to make this work.
Scribbr also distinguishes any way as a combination of the determiner any and the noun way, while anyway functions as an adverb.
“Anyway” Is One Word
When you mean “regardless” or “in any case,” use anyway.
I didn’t want to go, but I went anyway.
You aren’t talking about a method.
You’re saying that you went despite the circumstances.
“Anyways” Is the Informal Variant
When anyways means anyway, it’s written as one word:
Anyways, let’s continue.
Don’t write:
Any ways, let’s continue.
That would suggest a completely different grammatical structure.
A Simple Meaning Test
If you’re unsure, ask yourself what you mean.
Do you mean “any method”?
→ Use any way.
Do you mean “regardless” or “in any case”?
→ Use anyway.
Do you want the informal version of “anyway”?
→ anyways can work.
This tiny test solves most problems.
Anyway or Anyways: Sentence Examples
Seeing the forms side by side makes the distinction much easier.
Examples With “Anyway”
I was exhausted, but I finished the project anyway.
Here, anyway means “despite being exhausted.”
Anyway, let’s talk about something else.
Here, anyway works as a discourse marker.
She probably won’t agree anyway.
Here, the word means something like “regardless.”
We don’t need another car anyway.
Here, anyway adds another consideration.
Examples With “Anyways”
Anyways, I’ll see you tomorrow.
Informal transition.
I didn’t really like it anyways.
Informal equivalent of anyway.
Anyways, that’s not the point.
Casual conversational style.
Who cares anyways?
Informal emphasis at the end of a sentence.
Examples With “Any Way”
Is there any way to solve this problem?
Here, any way means “any method.”
I’ll support you in any way I can.
Here, way is a noun referring to a manner or method.
Can you think of any way to make this easier?
Again, the sentence asks about a possible method.
Common Mistakes With Anyway and Anyways
Mistake: Saying “Anyways” Is Never a Word
This claim doesn’t match modern dictionary evidence.
Merriam-Webster explicitly lists anyways, and Cambridge identifies it as an informal form of anyway.
The more accurate statement is:
“Anyways” is recognized English, but it isn’t the best choice for formal writing.
That’s much more precise.
Mistake: Using “Anyways” Everywhere
Even though dictionaries recognize the word, context still matters.
Compare these:
Anyways, thank you for considering my application.
Anyway, thank you for considering my application.
The second version sounds more polished in a job application.
This isn’t about grammar alone. It’s about register.
Register refers to the level of formality appropriate for a particular situation.
Mistake: Confusing “Any Way” With “Anyway”
Consider these sentences:
Is there any way to solve it?
We couldn’t solve it anyway.
They look similar, but they do different jobs.
The first asks about a method.
The second means regardless.
That difference is grammatical, not merely stylistic.
When Should You Use “Anyway”?
If you need one reliable rule, make it this:
Use “anyway” unless you have a specific reason to choose the informal “anyways.”
That rule works in almost every situation.
Use “Anyway” When:
- You’re writing an academic paper.
- You’re preparing a professional report.
- You’re writing a formal email.
- You’re creating business content.
- You’re writing an application.
- You’re unsure which form sounds appropriate.
- You want a neutral tone.
“Anyways” Can Work When:
- You’re texting a friend.
- You’re writing casual social media content.
- You’re reproducing natural speech.
- You’re writing informal dialogue.
- You intentionally want a relaxed tone.
In other words, “anyway” is the all-purpose option.
Why Does “Anyways” Sound More Casual?
The extra -s gives anyways a distinctly conversational feel for many speakers.
That doesn’t mean English speakers consciously add the s to make the word informal every time they say it. Language doesn’t work quite that neatly.
Instead, speakers learn patterns through repeated exposure. A form becomes associated with certain communities, situations, and styles.
That’s why a word can feel perfectly natural in a text message yet slightly out of place in a formal report.
Language is full of these register differences.
For example:
- children vs. kids
- purchase vs. buy
- assist vs. help
- residence vs. home
The more formal alternative isn’t necessarily “more correct.” It’s simply better suited to certain contexts.
The same idea applies to anyway and anyways.
Regional and Dialect Differences
Usage isn’t identical among all English speakers.
Merriam-Webster specifically labels the modern synonym use of anyways as US informal. It also records older and dialectal meanings.
Cambridge similarly marks the word as informal and identifies it as a form of anyway.
That matters because English isn’t a single frozen system.
People speak differently depending on:
- Region
- Age
- Social group
- Conversation setting
- Personal style
- Media exposure
- Formality
As a result, one speaker may use anyways constantly while another may rarely use it.
Neither person’s everyday speech needs to follow the exact same pattern.
Why Does “Anyway” Have No “S”?
A common question is: If words such as “always” end in -s, why doesn’t “anyway” also need one?
The answer is that English spelling doesn’t follow a rule saying that an adverb needs -s at the end.
Anyway is simply the established standard form of the word.
Meanwhile, anyways developed as a variant with its own history. Merriam-Webster’s records show that anyways has existed for centuries, with its first known use dating to the 13th century.
So you shouldn’t try to “correct” anyway by adding an s.
The standard spelling is:
anyway
Not:
anyways, when formal standard usage is intended.
And certainly not:
any ways, unless you’re talking about multiple ways.
Anyway as a Discourse Marker
One of the most useful things to understand about anyway is that it doesn’t always contribute a traditional dictionary-style meaning to a sentence.
Sometimes it helps organize the conversation.
Linguists call words that perform these organizational functions discourse markers.
Cambridge explains that anyway can help speakers organize what they’re saying. It can signal a return to an earlier topic, a transition to another part of a story, or the end of a conversation.
Consider this:
Anyway, where were we?
The word isn’t describing an action.
Instead, it’s managing the conversation.
That’s why anyway appears so frequently in natural speech.
Cambridge’s discussion of discourse markers also notes that these expressions help listeners understand how parts of spoken or written communication relate to one another.
Three Important Conversation Functions
Returning to a topic
Anyway, let’s get back to the meeting.
Changing direction
Anyway, have you heard the news?
Wrapping things up
Anyway, thanks for your help.
These uses make anyway more than a simple synonym for regardless.
It’s also a useful piece of conversational machinery.
Punctuation With “Anyway”
Punctuation depends partly on how anyway functions in the sentence.
When it appears at the beginning as a discourse marker, a comma commonly follows it:
Anyway, let’s continue.
Anyway, what happened next?
Cambridge specifically notes that when anyway functions as a discourse marker in front position, it is followed by a comma in writing.
When it appears at the end to mean “regardless,” you don’t normally separate it with a comma:
I went anyway.
She decided to stay anyway.
This distinction helps your punctuation match the word’s role.
Case Study: Choosing the Right Form
Imagine you’re writing three different pieces of content.
A University Essay
The experiment produced unexpected results. However, the findings were still useful anyway.
Here, anyway fits the formal setting.
A Text Message
Anyways, are you still coming tonight?
Here, anyways sounds natural and casual.
A Question About a Method
Is there any way to finish the project by Friday?
Here, any way is required because you’re asking about a possible method.
Notice what happened.
The same three forms can appear in perfectly natural English. The key isn’t memorizing an arbitrary spelling rule. It’s understanding meaning and context.
Is “Anyways” Grammatically Correct?
Yes—with an important qualification.
Anyways is grammatically acceptable as an informal word in modern English, but “anyway” remains the standard form for formal writing.
That conclusion aligns with the current dictionary evidence.
Merriam-Webster labels anyways as informal in its modern synonym sense. Cambridge describes it directly as informal for anyway.
So the better question isn’t:
“Is anyways correct?”
It’s:
“Is anyways appropriate for this context?”
That question produces a much more useful answer.
Anyway vs. Anyways: Quick Decision Guide
| If you mean… | Choose… |
| Regardless | anyway |
| In any case | anyway |
| As a conversational transition | anyway |
| Any method | any way |
| Informal version of anyway | anyways |
| Formal writing | anyway |
| Casual conversation | anyway or anyways |
A simple memory trick can make the choice almost automatic:
Any way = any method.
Anyway = regardless.
Anyways = informal anyway.
See also: Prey or Pray: Which Is Correct?
FAQs:
Is “anyways” a correct word?
Yes. Major dictionaries recognize anyways as an informal form of anyway. Merriam-Webster and Cambridge both document the word.
Is “anyway” or “anyways” better?
Anyway is generally better because it works across both formal and informal contexts. Anyways has a more casual tone.
Is “anyways” grammatically wrong?
Not categorically. It is recognized English, but its common modern use is informal. Therefore, anyway is usually preferable in formal writing.
Can you use “anyways” in an essay?
You can encounter it in writing, but anyway is the better choice for an academic essay. Unless you’re intentionally reproducing informal speech, there’s little reason to choose anyways.
Is “anyways” informal?
Yes. Cambridge explicitly defines anyways as an informal form of anyway.
What’s the difference between “any way” and “anyway”?
Any way means any method or manner.
Is there any way to solve this?
Anyway means regardless or in any case.
I was tired, but I went anyway.
Can “anyways” mean “regardless”?
Yes. In its modern informal use, anyways can function as a synonym of anyway. Merriam-Webster explicitly records this meaning.
Why do people say “anyways”?
People use it as an informal variant of anyway. Its use can reflect conversational style, regional patterns, or personal preference.
Should you use “anyway” or “anyways” in a professional email?
Choose anyway. It has a neutral tone and avoids the informal flavor associated with anyways.
Is “anyways” older than modern slang?
Yes. Despite its casual modern reputation, anyways has a very long history. Merriam-Webster gives its first known use as the 13th century.
Conclusion:
Anyway is the best choice for standard and formal English, while anyways is mainly associated with casual speech and certain dialects. Although both forms can appear in everyday communication, anyway gives you the safest option for professional writing, schoolwork, emails, and other formal situations. Knowing this small difference can help you choose the right word with confidence.
