Quick answer: “Anyway” is the standard, grammatically correct adverb in formal writing. “Anyways” is an informal, colloquial variant that’s widely used in casual speech and texting but should be avoided in professional contexts, academic writing, and formal documents.
These two words trip up writers constantly because they sound nearly identical and mean the same thing. The confusion stems from the fact that “anyways” has crept into everyday conversation, making it feel normal even though it’s technically nonstandard. If you’re drafting a cover letter, academic paper, or business email, you need to know which version protects your credibility.
| Term | Meaning / When to use | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Anyway | Standard adverb meaning “in any case” or “regardless”; use in all formal writing, professional communication, and academic work | “The meeting ran late, but we anyway finished the presentation on time.” |
| Anyways | Informal, colloquial variant of “anyway”; acceptable only in casual conversation, texting, or creative dialogue that mimics speech | “Anyways, I told him not to worry about it.” |
| Any way | Two-word phrase meaning “any method” or “any manner”; used when “way” functions as a noun | “Is there any way you can help me finish this report?” |
When to use “anyway”
“Anyway” is the grammatically correct, standard form of this transitional adverb. You should reach for “anyway” whenever you’re writing something that will be read by a boss, professor, client, or anyone who expects polished, professional English. According to Grammarly, “anyway” is the preferred form in edited writing and formal contexts, while “anyways” remains marked as informal or dialectal.
Use “anyway” when you want to:
- Signal a return to the main topic after a digression
- Indicate that something happens regardless of other circumstances
- Dismiss or minimize a previous point
- Transition between ideas in a conversation or narrative
Here are concrete examples showing “anyway” used correctly:
- “I know the budget is tight, but we need to proceed with the marketing campaign anyway.”
- “She forgot her notes, but she delivered the presentation anyway.”
- “It might rain this afternoon; anyway, let’s stick to our outdoor schedule.”
I’ve corrected this exact issue countless times in client manuscripts. Just last week, I edited a cover letter where the applicant wrote, “Anyways, I believe my skills align with your needs.” That single word choice made the entire letter feel sloppy and unprofessional. We changed it to “anyway,” and suddenly the tone matched the seriousness of a job application.
Another real example: a college student submitted an essay that began a paragraph with, “Anyways, the evidence suggests otherwise.” Her professor circled it and wrote “informal” in the margin. That’s the kind of feedback you want to avoid. In academic writing, “anyway” is non-negotiable.
When you’re composing a LinkedIn message to a recruiter, drafting a client proposal, or writing a wedding toast, “anyway” is your only safe choice. It signals that you understand the conventions of formal English and that you respect your reader enough to use proper grammar.
When to use “anyways”
“Anyways” is the informal, colloquial cousin of “anyway.” It’s not technically “wrong” in the sense that people will misunderstand you—everyone knows what it means—but it is nonstandard English. Major style guides and dictionaries mark it as informal, dialectal, or colloquial. The Dictionary.com article on this comparison explains that “anyways” emerged as a colloquial variant and remains common in casual speech, particularly in North American English.
You can use “anyways” when:
- Texting friends or family
- Writing casual social media posts
- Crafting dialogue for fiction that reflects how people actually speak
- Engaging in informal online forums or group chats
Examples of appropriate “anyways” usage:
- “Anyways, did you see what she posted on Instagram last night?”
- “I know, I know—anyways, let’s grab dinner at 7.”
- “Anyways, that’s enough about my day. What’s new with you?”
Here’s where I see writers get into trouble: they use “anyways” in contexts where it doesn’t belong because it feels natural in their head. I recently reviewed a freelance writer’s pitch email to a magazine editor. It opened with, “Anyways, I’d love to write for your publication.” That email went straight to the trash. The writer lost a potential opportunity because they didn’t recognize that “anyways” screams “I’m not taking this seriously.”
Another example: a job candidate sent a thank-you email after an interview that included, “Anyways, thanks again for your time.” The hiring manager told me this made the candidate seem immature and unaware of professional norms. That’s the hidden cost of using “anyways” in formal situations—it doesn’t just look casual; it can make you appear careless or unprofessional.
That said, “anyways” has its place. If you’re writing a novel and your character is a teenager texting her best friend, “anyways” is perfect. It captures authentic voice. If you’re posting on a casual Facebook group about your weekend mishaps, “anyways” fits the tone. The key is matching your word choice to your audience and purpose.
How to remember the difference
Here’s a simple memory trick that I teach all my editing clients: the “S” stands for “sloppy” or “speech.”
If you see that extra “S” at the end of “anyways,” remind yourself that it’s only appropriate for sloppy, casual writing or natural speech. Formal writing doesn’t need that extra letter—it’s clean, precise, and ends with just “anyway.”
Another way to think about it: “anyway” follows the same pattern as other standard adverbs like “someway,” “noway” (actually “no way” as two words), and “always.” Notice that “always” doesn’t become “alwayses” in formal writing. The same principle applies.
Here’s an editor-level insight that most grammar guides won’t tell you: read your sentence out loud in a formal tone, like you’re presenting to a board of directors. If “anyways” sounds out of place (and it will), you’ve got your answer. Your ear often catches what your eye misses.
You can also use this substitution test: if you can replace the word with “regardless” or “in any case,” you need the formal “anyway.” These synonyms sound awkward with the informal variant, which clues you in to the right choice.
Common mistakes and exceptions
The most frequent mistake I encounter is writers using “anyways” in professional emails, cover letters, and academic papers because they’ve heard it so often in casual conversation that it feels normal. This is especially common among younger writers who grew up hearing “anyways” from friends, family, and media. The word has become so normalized in speech that the distinction blurs.
Another common error involves confusing “anyway” (one word) with “any way” (two words). These are completely different grammatical constructions:
- “Anyway” is an adverb meaning “regardless” or “in any case”
- “Any way” is a noun phrase meaning “any method” or “any manner”
Consider these contrasting examples:
- “Anyway, we should leave by noon.” (adverb = regardless)
- “Is there any way we can leave earlier?” (noun phrase = any method)
If you can insert an adjective between “any” and “way” (like “any possible way” or “any better way”), you need the two-word version. If you’re using it as a transitional word, you need the one-word “anyway.”
Regional and dialect considerations:
In some dialects of English, particularly certain North American regional varieties, “anyways” is so common in everyday speech that it doesn’t carry the same informal stigma. However, this doesn’t change the fact that standardized written English—the kind expected in schools, workplaces, and publications—still treats “anyways” as nonstandard.
There’s also a generational divide. Older style guides tend to be stricter about marking “anyways” as incorrect, while some modern usage guides acknowledge its prevalence in informal contexts without endorsing it for formal writing. The key is knowing your audience: a linguistics professor might appreciate the descriptive reality of “anyways” in spoken English, but a corporate hiring manager will likely view it as a red flag.
The “any way” trap:
I see this mistake constantly in student essays and business writing. Someone writes, “Is there anyway you can help?” when they should write, “Is there any way you can help?” The one-word version is an adverb; the two-word version is a noun phrase. If you’re asking about a method or possibility, you need the space between the words.
Test it this way: can you say “Is there every way you can help?” If that makes sense (even if it’s awkward), you need the two-word “any way.” You would never say “everyway” as one word, which clues you in that “anyway” is different.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “anyways” grammatically correct?
“Anyways” is not considered grammatically correct in formal, standard English. It’s marked as informal, colloquial, or dialectal by major dictionaries and style guides. While it’s widely used in casual speech and informal writing, it should be avoided in professional, academic, and published contexts.
Can I use “anyways” in a text message or social media post?
Yes, “anyways” is perfectly acceptable in text messages, casual social media posts, and informal digital communication where you’re writing to friends or peers. In these contexts, the informal tone matches the medium, and your audience won’t judge you for using colloquial language.
What’s the difference between “anyway” and “any way”?
“Anyway” (one word) is an adverb meaning “regardless” or “in any case,” used to transition between ideas or indicate something happens despite circumstances. “Any way” (two words) is a noun phrase meaning “any method” or “any manner,” used when discussing possibilities or approaches. If you can insert an adjective between the words (“any possible way”), you need the two-word version.
Do British and American English differ on this?
Both British and American English treat “anyway” as the standard formal form and “anyways” as informal or colloquial. However, “anyways” tends to be more common in North American casual speech than in British English. Regardless of region, formal writing standards remain the same: use “anyway.”
Kevin Sanchez holds a Master’s degree in English Linguistics from the University of California, where he cultivated a deep appreciation for the intricacies of language. With over 10 years of experience in the field, Kevin specializes in the nuances of English spelling, particularly the evolution of spelling conventions over time. His fascination with how English words have transformed through cultural and technological influences led him to become a prominent voice at SpellRightDaily. Kevin produces content focused on historical spelling variations and their contemporary implications, offering readers insightful comparisons of British and American English. Beyond this, Kevin has a keen interest in educating readers about the rules that govern standard spelling and the exceptions that often lead to confusion. His articles frequently feature tips for mastering complex spelling patterns and understanding the etymology of perplexing words. Kevin’s dedication to clarity and accessibility makes his contributions invaluable to both casual readers and English language professionals.