If you’re a learner of English, you’ve probably asked yourself “anyway vs. anyways: which is right?” You’re not alone. Many people struggle with this common grammar issue. In this article, we will explore the differences between “anyway” and “anyways” and provide examples of when to use each one correctly.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of when to use “anyway” and “anyways” in your writing. So, let’s dive in!
Anyway vs. Anyways
Anyway vs. Anyways
When it comes to using ‘anyway’ or ‘anyways’, one of the key differences is their level of formality. While ‘anyway’ is generally considered to be a more formal term, ‘anyways’ is often seen as informal or even incorrect.
In formal writing, such as academic papers or professional emails, it is best to use ‘anyway’ instead of ‘anyways’. This is because ‘anyways’ is often regarded as slang or colloquial language, which can make the writing seem less professional.
However, in more casual settings, such as social media or personal emails, ‘anyways’ may be more appropriate. This is because it can convey a sense of informality or friendliness that may be desirable in those contexts.
It is worth noting that while ‘anyways’ is often considered incorrect, it is still used by many Americans. However, if you are not a native speaker, it is best to avoid using ‘anyways’.
Here are a few example sentences to illustrate the differences in formality between ‘anyway’ and ‘anyways’:
- Formal: Anyway, let’s get back to the topic at hand.
- Informal: Anyways, let’s get back to the topic at hand.
- Formal: I don’t think we should pursue this option anyway.
- Informal: I don’t think we should pursue this option anyways.
Historical Usage of Anyway and Anyways
The usage of ‘anyway’ and ‘anyways’ has been a topic of debate among English speakers for a long time. ‘Anyway’ has been in use since the 14th century, while ‘anyways’ has been in use since the 13th century. However, ‘anyways’ is considered to be a non-standard form of ‘anyway.’
In the past, ‘anyways’ was used more frequently than it is today. It was used in literature and in everyday conversation. However, over time, ‘anyways’ has fallen out of favor and is now considered to be incorrect by many English speakers.
‘Anyway’ has always been the more popular and widely accepted form of the two. It has been used in literature, newspapers, and other forms of writing for centuries.
One reason for the decline in usage of ‘anyways’ is the influence of prescriptive grammar. Prescriptive grammar is the idea that there is a correct and incorrect way to use language. Many prescriptive grammarians believe that ‘anyways’ is incorrect and should not be used.
Understanding ‘Anyway’
Definition and Usage
‘Anyway’ is an adverb that means “in any case” or “nevertheless.” It is used to introduce a statement that is unrelated to the previous one or to indicate that the speaker is changing the topic. ‘Anyway’ is also used to indicate that the speaker is continuing with what they were saying despite an interruption.
Examples in Sentences
Here are some examples of how ‘anyway’ can be used in sentences:
- I know it’s raining, but I’m going to the beach anyway.
- I don’t really like her, but I’ll invite her to the party anyway.
- Anyway, let’s get back to the topic at hand.
- I was going to go to the gym, but anyway, I’m too tired.
As you can see from these examples, ‘anyway’ is used to indicate that the speaker is continuing with what they were saying despite an interruption or change of topic. It can also be used to introduce a statement that is unrelated to the previous one.
To summarize, ‘anyway’ is an adverb used to indicate that the speaker is continuing with what they were saying despite an interruption or change of topic. It can also be used to introduce a statement that is unrelated to the previous one.
Now that we have a better understanding of ‘anyway,’ let’s take a look at ‘anyways’ and see how it differs.
Understanding ‘Anyways’
Definition and Usage
‘Anyways’ is a non-standard adverbial form of the word ‘anyway’. It is often used in casual conversation and informal writing. However, it is not considered grammatically correct by most language experts and is generally not accepted in formal writing.
The word ‘anyway’ means ‘in any case’ or ‘nevertheless’. It is used to introduce a statement that is not directly related to the previous statement. ‘Anyways’ is used in the same way, but it is considered a colloquial or slang form of the word.
Examples in Sentences
Here are some examples of ‘anyways’ in sentences:
- I didn’t like the movie. Anyways, let’s talk about something else.
- Anyways, I have to go now. See you later.
- I know you’re busy, but anyways, can you help me with this?
As you can see from these examples, ‘anyways’ is often used to introduce a new topic or to transition to a different subject. It is also used to indicate a change in direction in the conversation.
However, it is important to note that ‘anyways’ is not considered appropriate for formal writing, such as academic papers, business letters, or professional emails.
In summary, while ‘anyways’ is a common colloquialism in casual conversation and informal writing, it is not considered grammatically correct by most language experts and should be avoided in formal writing.
Common Misconceptions
When it comes to the usage of “anyway” and “anyways,” there are a few common misconceptions that can lead to confusion. Let’s take a closer look at some of these misconceptions and clear up any confusion.
Misconception 1: “Anyways” is a proper word
One of the most common misconceptions is that “anyways” is a proper word. However, this is not the case. “Anyways” is actually considered nonstandard and informal, and should not be used in formal writing or speech. Stick to using “anyway” instead.
Misconception 2: “Anyway” and “anyways” can be used interchangeably
While “anyway” and “anyways” may seem interchangeable, there are actually some subtle differences in their usage. “Anyway” is typically used to mean “in any case” or “regardless,” while “anyways” is often used as a colloquialism or in informal speech.
Misconception 3: “Anyways” is more casual than “anyway”
While it’s true that “anyways” is often used in more casual settings, this doesn’t mean that it’s necessarily more casual than “anyway.” In fact, both words can be used in a variety of contexts, from casual conversations to more formal writing.
Misconception 4: “Anyways” is more common than “anyway”
Despite its informality, “anyways” is actually less common than “anyway.” In fact, a quick search of popular writing and speech reveals that “anyway” is used far more often than “anyways.”
Misconception 5: “Anyways” is a regionalism
While it’s true that “anyways” is more commonly used in some regions than others, it’s not necessarily a regionalism. In fact, both “anyway” and “anyways” are used throughout the English-speaking world, and their usage is largely determined by context and personal preference.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the differences between anyway and anyways are subtle but important to understand. Anyway is the more formal and correct version of the adverb, which means “nonetheless” or “regardless.” On the other hand, anyways is a more informal and nonstandard version of anyway, which is often used in everyday speech or dialogue.
While both words are used to convey the same meaning, it is important to note that anyways is not considered fit for print or publication. Therefore, it is best to use anyway in formal writing or professional settings.
To summarize the differences between anyway vs. anyways, here is a table to help you understand:
| Anyway | Anyways |
|---|---|
| Formal and correct | Informal and nonstandard |
| Used in formal writing or professional settings | Used in everyday speech or dialogue |
| Means “nonetheless” or “regardless” | Means the same as anyway |
In general, it is best to stick with the more formal and correct version of the word, which is anyway. However, if you are in a casual setting or speaking with friends, using anyways is acceptable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ‘anyway’ and ‘anyways’?
‘Anyway’ and ‘anyways’ are both adverbs used to mean ‘in spite of everything’ or ‘nevertheless.’ However, ‘anyway’ is the standard form, while ‘anyways’ is a non-standard and informal variation.
Is ‘anyways’ grammatically correct?
‘Anyways’ is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It is a non-standard dialect and informal variation of the word ‘anyway.’
Why is ‘anyways’ not considered a word?
Although ‘anyways’ is commonly used in informal speech, it is not considered a word in standard English because it is a non-standard dialect and informal variation of ‘anyway.’
When should I use ‘anyway’ instead of ‘any way’?
‘Anyway’ is used as an adverb to mean ‘in spite of everything’ or ‘nevertheless.’ On the other hand, ‘any way’ is used to mean ‘any manner or method.’ For example, “Is there any way to fix this?” In short, use ‘anyway’ when you want to express something despite circumstances, and ‘any way’ when you want to talk about different methods.
What is a professional alternative to using ‘anyways’?
A professional alternative to using ‘anyways’ is to use the standard form ‘anyway.’ Other alternatives include ‘nevertheless,’ ‘regardless,’ ‘in any case,’ or ‘despite everything.’
Can ‘anyway’ be used in formal writing?
Yes, ‘anyway’ is a standard form and can be used in formal writing. However, it is important to keep in mind the context and register of the writing. If you are unsure whether to use ‘anyway’ or ‘anyways,’ it is always safer to use ‘anyway’ in formal writing.
In summary, ‘anyway’ is the standard form, while ‘anyways’ is a non-standard and informal variation. ‘Anyways’ is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. Use ‘anyway’ when you want to express something despite circumstances, and ‘any way’ when you want to talk about different methods. When writing formally, use ‘anyway’ instead of ‘anyways’ or other non-standard variations.
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