✅ Anyway
Correct. The standard adverb. Always use this spelling for professional, academic, and formal writing.
❌ Anyways
Incorrect/Informal. A colloquial variant. Acceptable in casual speech but considered an error in writing.
Have you ever been in the middle of typing an email or an essay and paused, wondering if that extra “s” belongs at the end of the word? You are not alone. The battle of anyway vs anyways is one of the most common confusion points in the English language. While you will hear both used frequently in conversation, they are not interchangeable when it comes to standard grammar.
Here is the short version: Anyway is the standard, grammatically correct form. Anyways is a colloquialism—a casual, spoken variation that generally doesn’t belong on paper.
Why “Anyway” is the Correct Choice
Let’s look at the grammar behind the word. Anyway is an adverb. In English, adverbs do not have plural forms. You wouldn’t say “somewheres” or “anyhows,” right? The same logic applies here.
Definition and Usage
Anyway means “in any case,” “nonetheless,” or is used to resume a story after a digression. It fits perfectly in both formal and informal contexts.
Examples:
- “It was raining, but we went to the park anyway.”
- “Anyway, as I was saying before the phone rang…”
When you are writing a business report, a college paper, or even a polite email to a colleague, stick to the version without the “s”. It signals that you have a strong grasp of Standard English.
The Story Behind “Anyways”
If “anyway” is the only correct form, why do we hear “anyways” so often? It comes down to informal speech patterns. Over time, people added the “s” sound to the end of the word, creating a colloquial variant.
Linguistic Note: The “s” in anyways is actually a remnant of the genitive case from Old and Middle English, similar to how we say “always” or “unawares.” However, in modern standard grammar, it is treated as a mistake.
You will often see anyways in:
- Text messages between friends.
- Dialogue in fiction (to show a character speaks casually).
- Regional dialects and slang.
While it isn’t “illegal” to say it in a casual setting, using it in writing can make your work look unpolished or grammatically careless.
Comparison: When to Use Which?
To keep your writing sharp, you need to know exactly when each word is appropriate. Use this guide to avoid slipping up.
| Context | Use “Anyway” | Use “Anyways” |
|---|---|---|
| Business Emails | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Academic Essays | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Texting a Friend | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Acceptable |
| Job Interview | ✅ Yes | ❌ Avoid |
Professional Approach
Use anyway to appear educated, articulate, and professional. It flows smoothly and doesn’t distract the reader.
“I don’t agree with the plan, but I will support it anyway.”
Synonyms to Elevate Your Writing
If you find yourself using “anyway” too often as a transition word, your writing might feel repetitive. Instead of risking the incorrect “anyways,” try swapping in one of these sophisticated alternatives:
- Nevertheless (Formal)
- Nonetheless (Formal)
- Regardless (Neutral)
- In any case (Neutral)
- At any rate (Neutral)
- Even so (Conversational)
Tip: Never use “irregardless.” Just like anyways, irregardless is a non-standard word that is widely considered incorrect. Stick to “regardless.”
Final Verdict
Language evolves, and spoken English is often flexible. However, the rules of written English remain stricter. To ensure your writing is always taken seriously, delete that extra “s”.
Think of anyway as the sharp suit you wear to work, and anyways as the sweatpants you wear on the couch. Both have their place, but you wouldn’t wear sweatpants to a board meeting.
Next Step for Better Grammar
Now that you’ve mastered this pair, would you like me to clarify the difference between “Toward” vs. “Towards”?
