Anyway or Anyways: Which One Should You Actually Use?

Anyway or Anyways often creates confusion because one extra S changes the tone, style, and feeling in writing today.

I once edited a blog draft where the writer used anyways in formal writing, and it instantly sounded too casual. In casual chats, conversations, and social posts, the word felt perfectly fine, but in serious journalism or newspaper writing, the tone appeared less professional. The biggest reason for this confusion is that anyway, anyways, and any way all carry different meanings, levels of correctness, and shades of context. In modern English, anyway is viewed as the safer adverb in standard English, while anyways is often treated as a colloquial expression, slang expression, or part of informal English. Still, many people use it naturally in spoken English, casual speech, conversational English, and everyday communication, especially during online reading or a relaxed conversation. For both English learners and experienced writers, understanding the difference, distinction, and proper word choice can improve communication immediately.

The history behind the word makes the topic even more interesting. There is a strong historical precedent for adverbial construction and suffix usage in Old English and Middle English. Words such as towards, once, always, and unawares prove that plural adverbs and adverbial endings survived through many centuries of language evolution. Even so, editors following current English grammar still prefer anyway in serious publications like the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, and The Atlantic. Reports linked to the New York City Council or a local city council also avoid anyways unless they intentionally want a casual tone, informal tone, or relaxed article tone. I have also seen entertainment sites like Bleacher Report use it in a playful writing style while discussing Home Improvement, a bad Hurley episode, or quotes like Whatever. In those situations, the wording feels closer to a natural speech pattern and less connected to strict proper English.

Table of Contents

What Does “Anyway” Mean?

The word “anyway” usually means:

Regardless
In any case
Moving back to the point
Despite what happened

People use it as a transition word all the time. It helps conversations flow naturally instead of sounding robotic.

For example:

“I didn’t enjoy the restaurant anyway.”
“Anyway, let’s continue.”
“He forgot to call but I went anyway.”

Notice how the meaning changes slightly depending on placement. Sometimes it means “despite everything.” Other times it acts like a conversational bridge.

That flexibility explains why the word appears so often in spoken and written English.

Why “Anyway” Sounds More Professional

Most grammar guides, editors, and style manuals prefer “anyway.” It’s considered the standard version in modern English.

You’ll see it in:

Academic papers
Business emails
Journalism
Corporate writing
Books
Professional blogs

For example:

“Anyway, the company decided to move forward with the proposal.”

That sentence sounds clean and neutral. Nothing feels off.

Now compare it with this:

“Anyways, the company decided to move forward with the proposal.”

The second sentence feels more casual. It almost sounds conversational or regional. That doesn’t make it wrong. However, it changes the tone instantly.

What Does “Anyways” Mean?

Here’s the interesting part: “anyways” means almost the same thing as “anyway.”

The extra “s” doesn’t dramatically change the definition. Instead, it changes the feel of the sentence.

People usually use “anyways” in:

Casual conversations
Text messages
Storytelling
Informal social media posts
Relaxed dialogue

Examples:

“Anyways, I ended up buying the jacket.”
“Anyways, that’s what happened.”
“Anyways, let’s grab coffee.”

It sounds more relaxed and less polished. Think of it like sneakers versus dress shoes. Both work. One simply fits formal situations better.

Is “Anyways” a Real Word?

Yes. Absolutely.

Many people assume “anyways” is grammatically incorrect. That’s not entirely true. Major dictionaries recognize it as a legitimate word, although most label it informal.

For example:

Merriam-Webster lists it as an adverb used in informal speech.
Cambridge Dictionary also recognizes the word while marking it informal.

That distinction matters.

A word can be real yet still unsuitable for formal writing. English works that way constantly.

Consider these examples:

Word	Real Word?	Formal?
Gonna	Yes	No
Wanna	Yes	No
Anyways	Yes	Usually No
Anyway	Yes	Yes

So if someone says “anyways isn’t a word,” they’re technically incorrect.

Anyway vs Anyways: The Core Difference

At first glance, the difference looks tiny. One extra letter shouldn’t matter much. Yet tone changes everything.

Here’s the simplest way to understand it:

Feature	Anyway	Anyways
Grammar Status	Standard English	Informal English
Tone	Neutral	Casual
Best For	Formal + informal writing	Casual speech
Common in Business Writing	Yes	Rarely
Common in Texting	Yes	Very common
Preferred by Editors	Strongly preferred	Usually avoided

In other words, this debate is less about grammar and more about register.

You wouldn’t wear pajamas to a job interview. Likewise, you probably shouldn’t write “anyways” in a college application essay.

Why Native Speakers Still Say “Anyways”

Language rarely follows perfect logic. People speak based on rhythm, habit, and cultural influence.

“Anyways” survives because it sounds natural in conversation.

The extra “s” creates a softer ending. For some speakers, it simply rolls off the tongue more comfortably.

You can see similar patterns in other English words:

Towards
Afterwards
Besides

English often adds endings that don’t change meaning much but affect rhythm and tone.

That’s why “anyways” continues appearing in:

TV dialogue
Podcasts
YouTube videos
Casual speech
Regional dialects

Language evolves through usage, not strict rules alone.

When to Use “Anyway”

If you’re unsure which form to choose, default to “anyway.” It works almost everywhere.

Use it in professional situations like:

Emails
Essays
Reports
Presentations
Client communication
Articles
Resumes

Examples of Correct Professional Usage

Situation	Example
Business Email	“Anyway, I attached the revised document.”
Essay	“The experiment failed anyway due to poor conditions.”
Workplace Meeting	“Anyway, let’s return to the agenda.”
Academic Writing	“The findings remained consistent anyway.”

Notice something important here. “Anyway” never sounds awkward. That’s its biggest advantage.

It blends into formal writing naturally.

When to Use “Anyways”

Now let’s be fair to the underdog.

“Anyways” isn’t evil. It simply belongs in more relaxed settings.

You can comfortably use it in:

Friendly conversations
Text messages
Casual storytelling
Fiction dialogue
Social captions
Informal chats

Examples of Natural Casual Usage

“Anyways, I finally finished the show.”
“Anyways, what are you doing tonight?”
“Anyways, that’s my opinion.”

The word often creates warmth and personality. Some writers even use it intentionally to sound more human.

That said, moderation matters.

Overusing casual fillers can weaken your writing. Too many “anyways” transitions make sentences feel repetitive and sloppy.

Why Grammar Experts Prefer “Anyway”

Traditional grammar authorities tend to favor concise standard forms.

Historically, “anyway” became the accepted version in formal English. Editors stuck with it because consistency matters in publishing.

Many style guides recommend avoiding “anyways” because it may appear:

Too conversational
Regional
Unpolished
Informal

That doesn’t mean the word lacks value. It simply serves a different purpose.

Think of it this way:

“Anyway” = business casual
“Anyways” = hoodie and sneakers

Both belong somewhere.

Anyway vs Anyways in American English

American English tends to tolerate informal speech patterns more openly than other dialects.

As a result, “anyways” appears fairly often in:

Podcasts
Social media
Spoken conversation
Entertainment content

Still, professional American writing overwhelmingly prefers “anyway.”

For example, newspapers almost always use the standard form.

You’ll rarely see major publications writing:

“Anyways, the senator announced new policies.”

Instead, they’ll choose:

“Anyway, the senator announced new policies.”

The second sounds cleaner and more authoritative.

Anyway vs Anyways in British English

British English generally leans more conservative regarding formal language standards.

In the UK, “anyways” often sounds noticeably informal or regional.

British publications strongly favor “anyway.”

That doesn’t mean nobody says “anyways” in Britain. People certainly do. However, it appears less accepted in polished writing.

The Hidden Role of Tone

Tone changes how readers perceive you.

That’s why word choice matters more than people realize.

Imagine receiving this email:

“Anyways, I attached the financial report.”

The sentence sounds slightly casual. Maybe even rushed.

Now compare it with:

“Anyway, I attached the financial report.”

The second version feels more professional instantly.

Tiny language choices create subtle emotional impressions.

That’s the real heart of the Anyway or Anyways debate.

Read This Also:Prey vs. Pray: The Real Difference, Meaning, Examples?

“Anyway” as a Conversation Tool

One reason “anyway” became so popular is its flexibility. It performs several jobs at once.

It Can Restart a Conversation

Example:

“Anyway, where were we?”

It Can Dismiss a Point

Example:

“I didn’t want to go anyway.”

It Can Transition Smoothly

Example:

“Anyway, let’s move forward.”

Very few small words handle that many conversational roles so smoothly.

Common Mistakes People Make

Even native speakers misuse these words occasionally.

Here are the biggest mistakes.

Using “Anyways” in Formal Writing

This is the most common issue.

You shouldn’t usually write:

“Anyways” in resumes
“Anyways” in academic essays
“Anyways” in client emails

Formal readers may interpret it as careless.

Better option:

“Anyway, I look forward to hearing from you.”

Confusing “Anyway” With “Any Way”

These expressions sound alike but mean completely different things.

“Anyway”

Means:

Regardless
Moving on
In any case

Example:

“Anyway, let’s continue.”

“Any Way”

Means:

Any possible method

Example:

“Is there any way to fix this?”

That space changes everything.

Quick Comparison Table

Phrase	Meaning	Example
Anyway	Regardless / transition	“Anyway, let’s begin.”
Anyways	Informal version of anyway	“Anyways, let’s go.”
Any way	Any possible method	“Any way to solve it?”

Why “Anyways” Sometimes Sounds More Human

Here’s where things get interesting.

In ultra-polished writing, everything can start sounding robotic. Some modern writers intentionally use conversational language to sound approachable.

That includes words like:

Anyways
Yep
Kinda
Honestly
So

Used carefully, these words create warmth.

For example, fiction writers often choose “anyways” for realistic dialogue because actual humans don’t speak like grammar textbooks.

A teenager in a novel would likely say:

“Anyways, I’m leaving.”

Not:

“Anyway, I shall depart now.”

Dialogue needs personality.

What Search Trends Reveal

Online searches for “Anyway or Anyways” continue rising because people genuinely feel uncertain about the distinction.

Most users want answers to questions like:

Is “anyways” grammatically correct?
Which one should I use?
Why do people say “anyways”?
Is “anyways” slang?

That confusion exists because spoken English evolves faster than formal writing standards.

The internet accelerates that process even more.

Social media rewards casual communication. Formal grammar relaxes naturally in digital spaces.

Real-Life Examples of “Anyway” and “Anyways”

Seeing the words in context helps enormously.

Workplace Example

Correct:

“Anyway, I updated the spreadsheet.”

Less Professional:

“Anyways, I updated the spreadsheet.”

Text Message Example

Natural:

“Anyways, what time are you coming?”

This sounds completely normal in casual texting.

Academic Example

Preferred:

“The theory remained valid anyway.”

Academic writing almost always chooses the standard form.

Fiction Dialogue Example

“Anyways, I didn’t trust him.”

This feels realistic because actual speech isn’t perfectly polished.

Alternatives to “Anyway”

Repeating “anyway” constantly can weaken your writing rhythm.

Here are stronger alternatives depending on context.

Alternative	Best Use
However	Formal contrast
Regardless	Strong emphasis
In any case	Neutral transition
Still	Conversational writing
Moving on	Casual transition
Nevertheless	Formal tone

Example Replacements

Instead of:

“Anyway, let’s continue.”

You could say:

“Moving on, let’s continue.”
“In any case, let’s continue.”
“Nevertheless, let’s continue.”

Variety improves readability.

Does “Anyways” Sound Uneducated?

Not necessarily.

That stereotype exists because formal education traditionally favors “anyway.” However, casual speech patterns don’t determine intelligence.

Many educated native speakers say “anyways” naturally in conversation.

Context matters more than rigid judgment.

Someone can write flawless academic papers yet still casually say:

“Anyways, let’s eat.”

Speech patterns often reflect personality, region, or social environment rather than intelligence.

The Psychology Behind Informal Words

Informal language creates closeness.

Words like “anyways” reduce social distance between people. That’s why conversational creators online often avoid overly formal wording.

YouTubers, podcasters, and influencers frequently use relaxed transitions because audiences prefer authenticity over stiffness.

Formal grammar sounds authoritative.

Casual grammar sounds relatable.

Strong communicators know when to use each.

How Professional Writers Handle This Debate

Experienced writers adapt to audience expectations.

Professional Editors Usually:

Prefer “anyway”
Remove “anyways”
Maintain consistent tone

Creative Writers Often:

Keep “anyways” in dialogue
Use informal speech intentionally
Prioritize authenticity

Content Writers:

Balance professionalism with warmth
Usually default to “anyway”
Occasionally use conversational style strategically

Good writing isn’t about blindly following rules. It’s about choosing the right tone for the situation.

The Safest Rule to Follow

If you remember only one thing from this guide, remember this:

Use “anyway” by default. Use “anyways” only when casual tone matters.

That single rule solves almost every situation.

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Situation	Best Choice
Business email	Anyway
Resume	Anyway
Academic essay	Anyway
Text message	Anyway or Anyways
Fiction dialogue	Usually Anyways
Social media caption	Either
Client communication	Anyway
Casual storytelling	Anyways works

FAQs

Is anyways grammatically incorrect?

Not exactly. Anyways is considered part of informal English and works well in casual speech, friendly texts, and relaxed conversations. However, in formal writing and professional communication, anyway is usually the preferred and safer choice because it follows standard English rules more closely.

What is the difference between anyway and any way?

Anyway is an adverb that means “regardless” or “in any case.” On the other hand, any way refers to a method, option, or manner of doing something. Understanding this small wording difference improves sentence structure and prevents common grammar mistakes.

Why do people still use anyways?

Many people use anyways because it sounds natural in spoken English and creates a relaxed or colloquial tone. It is common in conversational English, social media posts, podcasts, and informal discussions where a casual communication style feels more natural.

Do newspapers and major publications use anyways?

Large publications like the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Chicago Tribune generally avoid anyways in serious articles. Still, some writers may use it intentionally to create a more personal, playful, or informal article tone.

Which word should English learners use?

For most situations, English learners should choose anyway because it fits both formal and informal contexts. Once learners understand the context, phrase usage, and audience expectations, they can decide when anyways sounds appropriate in relaxed settings.

Conclusion

The debate around Anyway or Anyways shows how one small letter can completely change the tone and feeling of a sentence. While anyway remains the standard option in formal English, anyways survives in everyday communication, casual writing, and natural conversation. The difference is not only about grammar but also about audience, style, and context.

Understanding these subtle changes helps improve English grammar, word choice, communication style, and overall confidence in writing. Whether you are working on academic content, business emails, social posts, or friendly chats, knowing when to use anyway, anyways, or any way makes your writing clearer, smoother, and more professional.