During writing, you may encounter phrases that are frequently mixed up, known as commonly confused words. Among these pairs are “anyway” and “anyways,” which appear similar but hold subtle distinctions in usage. It’s vital to discern these differences as they impact the contexts in which they are applied. In academic writing, ensuring clear and precise communication is paramount to maintaining content quality.
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Definition of “anyway vs. anyways”
“Anyway” is an adverb used to indicate a disregard for any obstacles or alternative considerations. It is used to introduce a statement that is meant to be true despite other circumstances.
“Anyways” is a colloquial variant of “anyway.” It is often considered informal and is used similarly to “anyway,” but it may not be as widely accepted in formal writing or standard English usage.
Anyway
… is an adverb that suggests a disregard for factors that stand in the way of an argument or purpose.
Anyways
…is an adverb used as a more informal and conversational variant of “anyway.” It is often considered nonstandard.
The key to differentiating between “anyway” and “anyways” lies in their formality and acceptability in standard English. “Anyway” is the preferred and standard form used in formal writing and English usage. On the other hand, “anyways” is a colloquial variant primarily used in informal speech or writing. Therefore, for formal contexts, it’s advisable to use “anyway,” while “anyways” may be acceptable in more casual settings.
Using the word “anyway”
Understanding the appropriate usage of “anyway” is essential for clear and effective communication. This section explores the proper contexts and conventions for employing “anyway” in writing and speech. By grasping its nuances and applications, writers can enhance the coherence and precision of their language.
“Anyway” as an adverb
“Anyway” is an adverb, providing additional information about the action or statement it modifies. It indicates a disregard for obstacles or alternative considerations, emphasizing the speaker’s persistence or determination to convey a particular point despite other circumstances. As an adverb, “anyway” can introduce a new point or function as a transition word between ideas, often adding emphasis or clarification to the preceding statement. It is versatile in its usage and can occur at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.
Examples
- She didn’t want to go to the party anyway.
- Anyway, let’s move on to the next topic.
- He said he would call me later, but I’m not sure if he will anyway.
Tip for using “anyway” correctly
Utilizing synonyms can improve clarity and diversify language expression. Let’s examine three alternatives to the word “anyway.” Selecting an appropriate synonym fosters effective communication and mitigates repetition and redundancy.
| Synonyms | Examples |
| Nonetheless | She wasn’t interested in the movie. Anyway, she agreed to watch it with her friends. |
| She wasn’t interested in the movie. Nonetheless, she agreed to watch it with her friends. | |
| Nevertheless | The weather was unfavorable; anyway, they decided to go for a hike. |
| The weather was unfavorable; nevertheless, they decided to go for a hike. | |
| Regardless | He knew it was risky, but he decided to proceed anyway despite the potential consequences. |
| He knew it was risky, but he decided to proceed regardless of the potential consequences. |
Note: Periods are used to separate two independent clauses into two separate sentences. Each sentence can stand alone as a complete thought. Semicolons can be used to link two closely related, independent clauses. They are often used when the second clause begins with a conjunctive adverb (e.g., anyway, nonetheless, nevertheless).
Using the word “anyways”
This section delves into the usage of “anyways” in writing and speech. While “anyways” is a colloquial variant of “anyway,” its application may differ from the standard form. Understanding when and how to use “anyways” appropriately contributes to effective communication, particularly in informal contexts.
“Anyways” as an adverb
“Anyways” functions as an adverb, serving a similar purpose to “anyway” but with a more colloquial tone. It indicates disregard for obstacles or alternative considerations, emphasizing persistence or determination to convey a point despite other circumstances. As an adverb, “anyways” can introduce a new point or transition between ideas, often adding emphasis or clarification to the preceding statement. It is commonly used in informal speech or writing and may not be as widely accepted in formal contexts as “anyway.”
Examples
- I told him not to worry, but anyways, he kept stressing about it.
- We were planning to go to the beach, but anyways, it started raining.
- Anyways, I’ll see you later at the party.
These examples highlight the informality of the spoken words. If you want to be on the safe side, use “anyway” and simply get rid of the “s.”
Tip for using “anyways” correctly
Using synonyms can improve clarity and diversify language expression. The following will present three alternatives to the word “anyways,” accompanied by examples demonstrating their usage in a sentence.
| Synonyms | Examples |
| However | He forgot to bring his umbrella; anyways, he didn’t mind getting wet. |
| He forgot to bring his umbrella; however, he didn’t mind getting wet. | |
| In any case | Anyways, as I was saying, the plan didn’t work out, unfortunately. |
| In any case, as I was saying, the plan didn’t work out, unfortunately. | |
| Still | The weather is bad, but we’ll go for a walk in the forest anyways. |
| The weather is bad, but we’ll still go for a walk in the forest. |
Test yourself!
Practice sheet
To enhance your capacity for distinguishing between “anyway” and “anyways,” please proceed with the practice sentences provided in the second tab.
- She wasn’t interested in the movie; _____, she agreed to watch it with her friends.
- _____, I’ll catch you later at the bar.
- The report highlighted key findings; _____, let’s discuss potential solutions.
- I know it’s a difficult decision; _____, let’s weigh the pros and cons.
- The presentation was informative; _____, let’s move on to the next topic.
- She said she’d call, but _____, I’m not holding my breath.
- _____, let’s just forget about it and move on.
- I don’t really like that place, but _____, we can go if you want.
- I told him not to worry, but _____, he freaked out.
- The project didn’t go as planned; _____, let’s focus on improving for the future.
- She wasn’t interested in the movie; anyway, she agreed to watch it with her friends.
- Anyways, I’ll catch you later at the bar.
- The report highlighted key findings; anyway, let’s discuss potential solutions.
- I know it’s a difficult decision; anyway, let’s weigh the pros and cons.
- The presentation was informative; anyway, let’s move on to the next topic.
- She said she’d call, but anyways, I’m not holding my breath.
- Anyways, let’s just forget about it and move on.
- I don’t really like that place, but anyways, we can go if you want.
- I told him not to worry, but anyways, he freaked out.
- The project didn’t go as planned; anyway, let’s focus on improving for the future.
FAQs
Yes, although it is considered informal, so it’s best to avoid it in formal writing.
It’s likely due to regional or colloquial speech patterns.
Yes, in informal contexts it is completely acceptable to say “anyways.” However, it is not suitable for all contexts, for instance when writing an academic essay.
These two words share a meaning, but “anyways” is considered more informal and colloquial, whereas “anyway” is formal and correct in every context.
