“Anyway” is the grammatically correct form in standard English. “Anyways” shows up constantly in casual speech, so it’s easy to assume the two words are interchangeable. However, only one of them belongs in formal writing, and the difference matters if you want your emails, essays, or professional messages to read correctly.
This guide breaks down the grammar, the history behind the confusion, and exactly when each word is acceptable.
Quick Answer
“Anyway” is the standard, grammatically correct word in both American and British English. “Anyways” is a nonstandard variant used mainly in casual speech and is generally avoided in formal or professional writing. The extra “-s” doesn’t change the meaning; it’s simply considered incorrect by most style guides and dictionaries.
TL;DR
- “Anyway” is standard English; “anyways” is a colloquial, nonstandard variant.
- Both words mean the same thing: “regardless” or “in any case.”
- “Anyways” is common in casual speech across the US, but style guides still flag it as incorrect in writing.
- Major dictionaries list “anyways” as informal or dialectal, not as a formal alternative.
- Use “anyway” in emails, essays, resumes, and any professional context.
- “Anyways” can work in relaxed dialogue or text messages, but it’s a stylistic choice, not a grammatical rule.
Why “Anyway” Is the Correct Form
“Anyway” is an adverb built from “any” and “way,” and it functions the same way words like “somehow” or “nowhere” do. Consequently, it never takes a plural “-s” in standard grammar, because adverbs formed this way describe manner or degree rather than countable things. For example, “she left anyway” works the same way as “she left somehow” — neither word needs pluralizing.
Dictionaries such as Merriam-Webster and the Oxford English Dictionary list “anyway” as the standard entry. Meanwhile, “anyways” appears in these same dictionaries too, but it’s labeled informal, dialectal, or nonstandard rather than a fully accepted alternative. In other words, “anyways” isn’t a made-up word; it’s simply not the version recommended for careful writing.
Where “Anyways” Comes From
“Anyways” isn’t a modern error invented by texting or social media. It actually has roots in older English, where an adverbial genitive “-s” was sometimes added to words like “always,” “sideways,” and “backwards.” Over time, “always,” “sideways,” and “backwards” kept their “-s” and became standard, while “anyway” lost it in formal usage.
As a result, “anyways” survived mainly as a regional and conversational form rather than a written standard. You’ll still hear it frequently in American English, particularly in casual conversation, storytelling, or when someone is shifting topics. It’s less common in British English, where “anyway” is used almost exclusively, even in speech.
Anyway vs. Anyways: The Core Difference
| Feature | Anyway | Anyways |
|---|---|---|
| Grammatical status | Standard English | Nonstandard / informal |
| Formal writing | Correct choice | Avoid |
| Casual speech | Common | Common, mainly in US English |
| Dictionary label | Standard adverb | Informal or dialectal |
| Meaning | Regardless, in any case | Same meaning as “anyway” |
Both words carry the same meaning. Neither one changes the sentence’s message, which is exactly why the choice comes down to formality rather than clarity.
How to Use “Anyway” Correctly
“Anyway” typically appears in three common roles.
To dismiss or move past a point: “I don’t agree with the plan. Anyway, let’s move on to the next item.”
To mean “regardless of what happens”: “It might rain, but we’re going anyway.”
To return to a topic after a digression: “So, anyway, back to what I was saying about the budget.”
In each case, “anyway” signals a shift, a concession, or a return to the main point. Because it’s an adverb, it can open a sentence, sit mid-sentence, or close one, depending on the rhythm you want.
When “Anyways” Might Be Acceptable
“Anyways” isn’t off-limits everywhere. In casual conversation, text messages, or informal blog posts written in a conversational voice, it can sound natural and even add a bit of personality. Many people also use it unconsciously as a verbal filler when transitioning between thoughts.
Still, this doesn’t make it correct for formal contexts. Job applications, academic papers, business emails, and published articles should stick to “anyway,” since readers and editors in these settings expect standard grammar. If you’re unsure which register you’re writing in, choosing “anyway” is always the safer option.
United States vs. United Kingdom Usage
United States: “Anyways” is heard often in everyday American speech, especially in informal storytelling or casual conversation. It’s still considered incorrect in writing, though many speakers don’t think twice about using it out loud.
United Kingdom: “Anyways” is far less common in British English, both in speech and writing. British speakers overwhelmingly default to “anyway” in nearly every context, making it an even clearer error in UK formal writing.
Regardless of region, style guides on both sides of the Atlantic treat “anyway” as the only standard form for professional or academic writing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Writers sometimes confuse “anyway” with related phrases, which creates extra errors worth flagging.
- “Any way” (two words): This phrase means “any method” or “any manner,” as in “Is there any way to fix this?” It’s different from the adverb “anyway.”
- “Anyways” in essays or reports: Even if it slips into casual drafts, replace it with “anyway” during editing.
- Overusing “anyway” as a filler: Like any transition word, it loses impact if it appears in nearly every paragraph. Use it purposefully, not automatically.
Anyway or Anyways: A Simple Rule to Remember
If you’re ever unsure which word to use, default to “anyway.” It works in every context, from formal reports to casual texts, and it never risks sounding grammatically incorrect. “Anyways” might feel natural in speech, but written English still treats it as the nonstandard cousin of a very common word.
FAQs
Yes, it appears in major dictionaries, but it’s labeled informal or nonstandard rather than a formal alternative to “anyway.”
By standard grammar rules, yes. Adverbs like “anyway” don’t take a plural “-s,” which is why style guides recommend avoiding “anyways” in writing.
Rarely. British English strongly favors “anyway” in both speech and writing, unlike some regional varieties of American English.
Yes, informal messaging is an appropriate setting for “anyways” if it matches your natural speaking style. It’s a stylistic choice, not a factual error, in that context.
“Anyway” is a single adverb meaning “regardless.” “Any way” is two separate words meaning “any method or manner,” as in “any way to solve this.”
Final Takeaway
“Anyway” is the correct, standard choice for any writing that needs to look polished, whether that’s a school assignment, a work email, or a published article. “Anyways” remains common in relaxed conversation, particularly in American English, but it hasn’t earned a place in formal grammar. When in doubt, choose “anyway,” and save “anyways” for casual talk where it already feels right at home.