Quick answer: “Anyway” is the standard, grammatically correct adverb meaning “in any case” or “regardless.” “Anyways” is an informal, nonstandard variant that’s acceptable in casual speech and texting but should be avoided in formal writing, professional emails, and academic work.
These two words trip up writers constantly because they sound nearly identical in conversation, and you’ll hear both in everyday speech. The confusion stems from the fact that “anyways” has existed in English for centuries as a colloquial form, but modern grammar rules draw a clear line between what’s acceptable in formal contexts versus casual ones.
| Term | Meaning / When to use | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Anyway | Standard adverb meaning “in any case,” “regardless,” or “nevertheless.” Use in all formal writing, professional communication, and academic work. | “I knew it would rain, but I went to the beach anyway.” |
| Anyways | Informal, nonstandard variant of “anyway.” Acceptable only in casual conversation, text messages, or very informal writing among friends. | “Anyways, that’s what happened at the party last night.” |
When to use “anyway”
Use “anyway” whenever you need an adverb that means “in spite of that,” “regardless,” or “nevertheless.” This is the grammatically correct form that belongs in every professional document, academic paper, business email, and published work. As a copy editor who’s corrected thousands of manuscripts, I can tell you that “anyway” is the only version that will pass muster with editors, teachers, and hiring managers.
The word serves two primary functions in English. First, it signals that something happens despite obstacles or contrary expectations. Second, it works as a transitional word to return to a main point after a digression. According to Wikipedia’s entry on meaning, the semantic function of words like “anyway” helps speakers and writers establish logical relationships between ideas, which is why precision matters in formal contexts.
Here are real-world examples of correct usage:
- Professional email: “The client requested changes to the design, but we proceeded with the original concept anyway because the deadline was approaching.”
- Cover letter: “Although my background is in marketing rather than sales, I’m confident I can excel in this role anyway due to my transferable skills.”
- Academic writing: “The study had a small sample size; anyway, the results suggest a promising trend that warrants further investigation.”
I see the correct use of “anyway” constantly in polished writing. For instance, a well-edited LinkedIn post might read: “Everyone told me not to switch careers at 35, but I did it anyway—and it was the best decision I’ve ever made.” That’s proper usage that maintains credibility.
When to use “anyways”
Here’s the truth: “anyways” is considered nonstandard English. You’ll hear it in casual conversation, especially in certain regional dialects, and you’ll see it in text messages or social media posts among friends. The Wikipedia article on “anyways” notes that this variant has been used in English since the 13th century, primarily in informal speech, but it’s never been accepted in formal writing.
Use “anyways” only when you’re deliberately aiming for a conversational, relaxed tone with people who won’t judge your grammar. Think text messages to your best friend, casual social media captions, or dialogue in fiction where you’re trying to capture how someone actually speaks. Even then, be aware that some readers will still view it as incorrect.
Examples of appropriate (informal) usage:
- Text message to a friend: “Anyways, are we still on for dinner tomorrow?”
- Casual social media post: “So I totally forgot my umbrella and got soaked. Anyways, weekend vibes!”
- Fiction dialogue: “‘I know you said not to call,’ she shrugged, ‘but I called anyways.'”
In my years editing fiction manuscripts, I’ve seen authors use “anyways” deliberately in character dialogue to signal informality, regional speech patterns, or a younger speaker. That’s a legitimate stylistic choice. But I’ve also seen it creep into narrative prose and author bios, where it immediately undermines credibility. Don’t let that be you.
How to remember the difference
Here’s a memory trick that actually works: the “S” stands for “sloppy.” When you see “anyways” with that extra S, think “sloppy grammar” or “super casual.” If you’re writing anything that needs to look professional, that S has to go.
Another approach: think of other adverbs that don’t take an S. You say “always,” not “alwayss.” You say “sometimes,” not “sometimeses.” The word “anyway” follows the same pattern as these standard adverbs—it doesn’t need pluralization or an extra letter to function.
I tell my editing clients to use this mental checkpoint: would I say “regardlesss” with an extra S? Of course not. “Anyway” and “regardless” are synonyms, and neither takes an S in formal English. If you’re tempted to write “anyways,” swap in “regardless” and see if it sounds right. If “regardlesss” looks wrong (it does), then “anyways” is wrong too.
Here’s a concrete example from a resume I edited last month. The original draft read: “Anyways, I managed to increase sales by 40% despite budget cuts.” I changed it to: “I managed to increase sales by 40% despite budget cuts.” Sometimes the best fix is deleting “anyway/anyways” entirely, but if you need it, always use the version without the S in professional documents.
Common mistakes and exceptions
The most common mistake I see is writers using “anyways” in formal contexts because they’ve heard it in conversation or seen it online. Just because something is common doesn’t make it correct. Your boss, professor, or potential employer will notice if you write “anyways” in a cover letter or report, and it will count against you.
Another frequent error is confusing “anyway” with “any way.” These are different:
- Anyway (one word) = regardless, in any case (adverb)
- Any way (two words) = any method or path (adjective + noun)
Example: “Is there any way to finish this today?” versus “I’m going anyway.”
Regional and dialectical variations also create confusion. In some parts of the United States, particularly the South and Midwest, “anyways” is extremely common in spoken English. Some dialects of British English also use it casually. But here’s the key: dialectal speech patterns don’t automatically transfer to written standards. You might say “y’all” or “ain’t” in conversation depending on where you’re from, but you wouldn’t put those in a legal brief or academic journal.
One exception worth noting: creative writing and dialogue. If you’re writing a novel or screenplay and your character is a teenager texting their friend, “anyways” might be absolutely appropriate. The goal is authenticity to the character’s voice. But that’s a deliberate stylistic choice, not a grammar rule change.
I recently edited a manuscript where the author used “anyways” throughout the narrative prose, not just in dialogue. We had a conversation about how this choice affected the book’s perceived professionalism. The author ultimately decided to reserve “anyways” for character dialogue only, which strengthened the distinction between the narrator’s voice and the characters’ voices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “anyways” a real word? Yes, “anyways” is a real word with historical usage dating back centuries, but it’s classified as nonstandard or informal English. Dictionaries list it with labels like “dialectal” or “informal,” which means it exists but isn’t appropriate for formal writing.
Can I use “anyways” in academic writing? No. Academic writing requires standard English, and “anyways” is considered nonstandard. Always use “anyway” in essays, research papers, dissertations, and scholarly articles. Your professors and academic journals will expect formal grammar.
Why do so many people say “anyways” if it’s wrong? Language evolves through usage, and “anyways” has persisted in informal spoken English for centuries because it feels natural in conversation. However, spoken language and written language follow different standards. What’s acceptable at a coffee shop isn’t acceptable in a business proposal.
Is “anyways” acceptable in British English? No. While “anyways” appears in some British dialects and informal speech, it’s not considered standard British English either. Both American and British style guides recommend “anyway” for formal writing. The difference between US and UK English doesn’t apply here—both varieties treat “anyways” as informal.
Anthony Perez, a PhD in Applied Linguistics from the University of Toronto, has dedicated over 12 years to studying the cognitive aspects of language acquisition, with a special focus on English spelling conventions. His journey into the world of spelling and word comparisons was sparked by his research on how non-native speakers adapt to English orthography. At SpellRightDaily, Anthony shares his insights through content that explores the science behind spelling acquisition and offers strategies for overcoming common traps in English spelling. His articles are particularly aimed at learners who are new to English, although his engaging explanations also attract native speakers interested in refining their spelling skills. Anthony’s research-driven approach provides an evidence-based perspective that enriches the site’s resources, offering readers not just the ‘how’ but the ‘why’ behind effective spelling strategies. His work at SpellRightDaily combines academic rigor with practical application, making complex concepts accessible to a broad audience.