Anyway or Anyways: Which Is Correct and When Should You Use Each?

If you have ever paused while writing an email, essay, or message and wondered whether to use “anyway” or “anyways,” you are not alone. Both forms appear in modern English, but they do not have exactly the same status or level of formality.

The short answer is simple: “anyway” is the standard form and the safest choice in almost every situation. “Anyways” is also used, especially in informal spoken North American English, but it is less suitable for formal writing. Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries specifically labels anyways as informal North American English, while Cambridge also records it as a spoken form.

This guide explains the difference, shows how each word works in real sentences, and gives you a practical way to decide which one to use in school, work, conversation, emails, and social media.

Quick Answer: Anyway or Anyways?

Anyway is the standard English adverb. It can mean “despite that,” “in any case,” “besides,” or can be used to return to a topic or move a conversation forward.

Anyways has the same basic meaning in informal usage, but it is generally associated with casual speech, particularly North American English.

Examples

• I was tired, but I went anyway.
• Anyway, let’s get back to the main issue.
• Are you coming with us anyways? — informal

Memory tip

When in doubt, use “anyway.”
It works in conversation, professional communication, academic writing, and formal prose.

What Does “Anyway” Mean?

Anyway is an adverb with several related uses. Its meaning depends on where it appears in a sentence.

The most common use is to show that something happens despite another fact or condition:

I was exhausted, but I finished the report anyway.

Here, anyway means roughly “despite being exhausted” or “in spite of that.”

It can also introduce an additional reason:

We don’t need to leave yet, and anyway, the meeting hasn’t started.

In conversation, anyway can work as a discourse marker. That means it helps organize what someone is saying rather than simply modifying one particular verb or adjective.

For example:

Anyway, where were we?

Here, anyway signals a return to the earlier topic.

Why this matters

Understanding these different functions is more useful than memorizing a single translation. Depending on context, anyway can mean:

• despite that
• regardless
• in any case
• besides
• at least
• returning to the topic
• moving to the next point
• bringing a conversation to a close

Key takeaway: Anyway is not just a synonym for “regardless.” It is also an important conversational organizing word.

What Does “Anyways” Mean?

Anyways generally carries the same basic meanings as anyway, but its register is different.

In modern English, anyways is commonly heard in informal conversation, especially in North American English. Dictionaries such as Oxford Learner’s Dictionaries identify it as informal North American English, while Cambridge records it as a spoken form.

For example:

Anyways, what are you doing tonight?

A speaker may use this naturally in casual conversation. It can also appear in text messages, social media posts, and informal online writing.

However, that does not mean anyways is the best choice everywhere.

In a university essay, formal business report, job application, or professional presentation, anyway is usually the better option.

Why the distinction matters

The issue is not simply “correct versus incorrect.” English often has words and forms that are accepted in speech but carry a more informal tone in writing.

That distinction is important because good writing depends not only on grammar but also on register—the level of formality appropriate to the situation.

Key takeaway: Anyways is a real form used by English speakers, but anyway is the neutral, standard choice.

Anyway vs. Anyways: The Main Difference

The most useful rule is therefore:

Use “anyway” when you want a form that works across virtually all varieties and levels of English.

That includes situations where you are unsure about the reader’s expectations.

Is “Anyways” Grammatically Correct?

This question needs a more careful answer than simply saying “yes” or “no.”

Anyways is an established informal usage, but it is not the preferred neutral form. Major learner dictionaries recognize it, especially as an informal spoken form in North American English.

So these two statements can both be true:

• “Anyways” is used naturally by many English speakers.
• “Anyway” is the preferred form in standard formal writing.

This is similar to many other language choices where grammatical possibility and stylistic suitability are not identical.

For example, a phrase might be completely understandable and common in conversation but still sound too casual in an academic paper.

Practical rule

If your teacher, editor, manager, client, or professional audience expects formal English:

Choose “anyway.”

If you are chatting with friends:

“Anyways” may sound perfectly natural, depending on your dialect and speaking style.

When Should You Use “Anyway”?

There are four especially useful situations.

1. To Mean “Despite That”

This is one of the most common uses.

It was raining, but we went for a walk anyway.

She knew the exam would be difficult, but she applied anyway.

I didn’t feel well, but I attended the meeting anyway.

In each example, anyway shows that the action happened despite an obstacle, expectation, or reason not to do it.

Practical tip

If you can replace anyway with “despite that” or “in spite of that,” this use is probably the one you need.

Key takeaway:
Obstacle + action still happens = anyway.

2. To Add a Stronger or Additional Reason

Anyway can also introduce another reason supporting what you just said.

I don’t want to buy the car. It’s too expensive anyway.

We shouldn’t wait for him. He’s running late anyway.

I can’t attend the event, and I have an exam the next morning anyway.

Here, anyway is close to “besides” or “in addition.”

This use is especially common in conversation.

Practical tip

If you could naturally replace anyway with “besides” without changing the basic meaning, this may be the intended use.

Key takeaway:
Additional supporting reason = anyway.

3. To Return to a Topic

This is where anyway becomes a discourse marker.

Anyway, back to the project.

Anyway, as I was saying, the deadline is Friday.

Anyway, where were we?

It tells the listener that you are returning to the main subject after a distraction or interruption.

You will often see a comma after anyway when it appears at the beginning of a sentence:

Anyway, let’s continue.

This use is particularly common in speech and informal writing.

Practical tip

When anyway means “let’s get back to the point,” it normally appears near the beginning of the sentence.

Key takeaway:
Returning to the subject = “Anyway, …”

4. To End or Move a Conversation

Anyway can also signal that a conversation is coming to an end or that the speaker wants to move on.

Anyway, I’d better get going.

Anyway, thanks for your help.

Anyway, let’s talk about that another time.

This is one reason anyway is so common in spoken English. It helps speakers manage the flow of conversation.

Professional note

In a business email, avoid using anyway as a vague conversational filler when a direct transition would be clearer.

Instead of:

Anyway, I just wanted to ask about the report.

Consider:

I also wanted to ask about the report.

The second version is more precise and professional.

Anyway in Formal, Academic, and Professional Writing

Anyway is acceptable in formal writing, but that does not mean it is always the best stylistic choice.

The key question is what function the word is serving.

Academic writing

Use it when it contributes a clear meaning:

The results were limited by the small sample size, but the findings are useful anyway.

But avoid unnecessary conversational uses:

Anyway, let’s look at the results.

A more formal transition might be:

The results can now be examined in greater detail.

Business communication

Natural:

The delivery was delayed, but the client accepted it anyway.

Less polished:

Anyway, I just wanted to check if you saw my email.

Better:

I also wanted to confirm that you received my email.

Everyday communication

Both can work:

Anyway, I’ll see you tomorrow.

Anyways, I’ll see you tomorrow.

The first is the safer neutral choice; the second sounds more casual.

Key takeaway: The problem is rarely anyway itself. The real issue is whether the word adds useful meaning or merely fills space.

Anyway or Anyways: A Simple Decision Guide

Use this quick decision process:

Are you writing something formal?

→ Yes: Use anyway.

Are you writing an academic assignment?

→ Yes: Use anyway, and make sure it serves a clear purpose.

Are you writing a business email or report?

→ Yes: Prefer anyway.

Are you chatting with friends or posting casually online?

→ Either may work, depending on your dialect and the tone you want.

Are you unsure which one your reader expects?

→ Choose anyway.

The one-line rule

“Anyway” is the default; “anyways” is the informal alternative.

Common Mistakes With Anyway and Anyways

Mistake 1: Assuming “Anyways” Is Always Wrong

Incorrect assumption:

“Anyways” is never a real English word.

That is too absolute. Dictionaries document its informal use.

Better understanding:
It is an informal form, particularly associated with North American speech.

Mistake 2: Using “Anyways” in Formal Academic Work

Less suitable:

Anyways, the study shows that the results were significant.

Better:

Anyway, the study shows that the results were significant.

Even better, if the transition is unnecessary:

The study shows that the results were significant.

The third version demonstrates an important editing principle: do not add a transition simply because one sounds conversationally natural.

Using “Anyway” as Filler

Consider:

Anyway, basically, I just wanted to say that the meeting was good.

This sentence contains several unnecessary conversational fillers.

A cleaner version is:

I wanted to say that the meeting was productive.

Why this happens

Words such as anyway, basically, actually, and just can become habitual in speech. They are not automatically wrong, but excessive use can weaken writing.

Mistake 4: Confusing “Anyway” With “Any Way”

These are different.

Anyway

I don’t think it will work anyway.

Here, anyway is one word.

Any way

Is there any way to solve this problem?

Here, any way means “any method” or “any possible manner.”

Compare:

Can you help me in any way?

Can you help me anyway?

The meanings are different, so spelling matters.

“Anyway” vs. “Any Way”: The Difference at a Glance

Memory trick

If you mean “regardless,” use anyway.

If you mean “any possible method,” use any way.

That simple test prevents one of the most common spelling mistakes involving this word.

Anyway, Anyways, and Anyhow

Another related word is anyhow.

In many contexts, anyhow and anyway have the same basic meanings:

I was tired, but I finished the work anyway.

I was tired, but I finished the work anyhow.

Both can mean that something happened despite the circumstances.

Anyhow can also have another meaning: in a careless, disorganized, or messy manner, depending on context.

For example:

He threw the papers onto the desk anyhow.

This additional meaning makes anyhow slightly different from anyway.

For most learners, anyway is the safest general-purpose choice.

Regional and Tone Differences

Language is not identical in every English-speaking community.

The dictionaries cited in this guide distinguish anyways as an informal North American usage. That does not mean every North American speaker uses it, nor does it mean the form is equally natural in every English variety.

This matters when editing international English.

A sentence such as:

Anyways, I’ll call you later.

may sound completely ordinary in one speaker’s conversational style but noticeably casual to another reader.

If your goal is internationally clear, neutral English, anyway is the better choice.

Editorial insight

When writing for a global audience, prefer words that are:

1. widely recognized,
2. neutral in register,
3. unlikely to distract the reader.

Anyway meets all three conditions.

Examples in Real-Life Situations

Education

I hadn’t finished all my notes, but I submitted the assignment anyway.

Best choice: Anyway.

Academic writing

The sample was small, but the findings are useful anyway.

Best choice: Anyway, although a more precise transition may sometimes be preferable.

Workplace email

The meeting was moved to Friday, but I can attend anyway.

Best choice: Anyway.

Casual text message

Anyways, are you still coming?

Possible: Yes, if the intended tone is informal.

Social media

Anyways, that’s a story for another day.

Possible: Yes. The casual tone may be intentional.

News or formal reporting

The investigation continued despite the objections.

Editorial preference: A precise alternative may be better than conversational anyway.

The lesson is important: word choice depends on both meaning and audience.

Expert Editing Tips

Experienced editors usually ask two questions before keeping anyway:

1. Does it add meaning?

If anyway means “despite that,” “besides,” or signals a genuine shift in the conversation, it probably earns its place.

2. Does the tone match the audience?

A casual phrase can make a friendly message sound natural but can make a formal report sound conversational.

A useful editing test

Remove anyway from the sentence.

If the meaning becomes weaker or changes, keep it.

If nothing important changes, consider deleting it.

For example:

The weather was terrible, but we went anyway.

Removing it changes the relationship between the two ideas.

But:

Anyway, I wanted to mention one more thing.

could often become:

I wanted to mention one more thing.

The second version is tighter.

Key takeaway: Good editing is not about avoiding anyway. It is about using it deliberately.

Mini Quiz: Which Form Should You Choose?

Choose anyway, anyways, or any way.

1. I was nervous, but I gave the presentation ______.

Answer: anyway

2. ______, let’s return to the original question.

Answer: anyway

3. Is there ______ we can reduce the cost?

Answer: any way

4. ______, what are you doing this weekend?

Answer: anyway in neutral English; anyways can work in informal North American speech.

5. The road was closed, but we found ______ to reach the village.

Answer: any way

The important distinction is not just spelling. First identify the meaning; then choose the form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is “anyways” a real word?

Yes. Major dictionaries document anyways as an informal usage, particularly in North American English. It is not simply an invented spelling.

Is “anyway” more correct than “anyways”?

For standard, neutral English, yes, “anyway” is the preferred choice. Anyways is an informal alternative.

Can I use “anyways” in an essay?

It is generally better to use anyway in academic writing. Depending on the sentence, you may also be better off removing the word entirely or using a more precise transition.

Can I use “anyways” in a text message?

Yes. Informal text messages allow much more variation in wording, and anyways is commonly used in casual speech and writing.

Is “anyways” American English?

It is especially associated with informal North American English, although usage varies among speakers and regions.

Is “anyway” formal English?

Anyway is standard English, but it is not inherently formal. It can appear naturally in casual conversation as well as formal writing.

What is the difference between anyway and anyhow?

They overlap strongly in meaning, especially when expressing “despite that” or moving a conversation forward. Anyhow also has a separate meaning related to doing something carelessly or without order.

Should I write “Anyway,” with a comma?

When anyway is used at the beginning as a discourse marker, a comma is commonly used:

Anyway, let’s continue.

But punctuation depends on the sentence structure and intended function.

Is “anyway” one word?

Yes, when it has meanings such as “regardless” or “in any case”:

I’ll go anyway.

Any way is two words when it means any method or manner:

Is there any way to solve this?

Is “anyways” wrong grammar?

Calling it simply “wrong” is too broad. It is an established informal usage. However, anyway is the safer standard form, especially in formal and academic writing.

What is the easiest way to remember the difference?

Use anyway by default. Use anyways only when you intentionally want an informal conversational tone.

Key Takeaways

• Anyway is the standard, neutral form.
• Anyways is an informal form, especially associated with North American English.
• Use anyway in academic writing, professional communication, formal documents, and whenever you are unsure.
• Anyway can mean despite that, in any case, besides, or can help return to or move a conversation forward.
• Any way is different: it means any method or manner.
• Anyhow overlaps with anyway but can also mean “in a careless or disorganized way.”
• Do not remove anyway simply because it sounds conversational; first ask whether it adds meaning.
• If a sentence works just as well without it, deleting it may make the writing more direct.

Editorial Note

The distinction between anyway and anyways is best understood as a matter of standard usage, register, and audience, not as a simple “correct/wrong” test. Modern dictionaries recognize anyways, but they mark it as informal or spoken usage. For edited English intended to be broadly acceptable, anyway remains the best default.

References

1. Cambridge Dictionary — “anyway”
   Cambridge English Dictionary. Definitions and grammar guidance covering anyway as an adverb and discourse marker.
2. Cambridge English Grammar Today — “Anyway”
   Cambridge University Press. Guidance on anyway as a discourse marker, including its use for returning to a subject, changing topics, and ending conversations.
3. Cambridge Learner’s Dictionary — “anyway”
   Cambridge University Press. Learner-focused definitions and usage information, including the informal spoken form anyways.
4. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary — “anyway”
   Oxford University Press. Definitions, examples, and usage notes, including the label “informal” for North American anyways.
5. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary — “anyhow”
   Oxford University Press. Definitions and usage information for anyhow and its relationship to anyway.

Strong Conclusion

If you need one answer to the question “Anyway or anyways?”, choose anyway.

It is clear, standard, widely accepted, and appropriate across formal and informal contexts. Anyways has a legitimate place in casual speech and informal writing, but it carries a more marked conversational tone.

So when you’re writing an essay, sending a professional email, preparing a report, or simply unsure what your audience expects, go with “anyway.”

David James

David James is an English language enthusiast, writer, and author at StudyNixx, a website dedicated to helping readers understand confusing English words, spelling differences, and commonly mistaken word forms. He focuses on making English language learning simple, practical, and easy to understand.

David is also the author of two books on English language and word usage, where he explores common spelling mistakes, confusing words, and practical ways to improve written English. Through his writing and educational content, he helps students, writers, and everyday English learners choose the right words with confidence.

At StudyNixx, David covers common word comparisons such as summary vs. summery, shiny vs. shiney, spicy vs. spicey, and breached vs. breeched. His goal is to provide clear, useful, and reliable explanations that make English spelling and word usage easier for everyone.