Anyway vs. Anyways — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 22, 2023
"Anyway" and "anyways" are both adverbs used to change the subject or indicate that the speaker is moving on to another point. "Anyway" is considered more formal and standard, while "anyways" is more colloquial and informal.
Difference Between Anyway and Anyways
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Key Differences
"Anyway" and "anyways" are adverbs that function nearly identically in casual speech. However, their usage differs in formality and what is considered standard English. "Anyway" is generally accepted as standard usage, and you're likely to find it in formal writing, academic settings, and professional communication.
"Anyways," on the other hand, is seen as colloquial and is often considered less formal. Though many people use it in casual conversation, it's less likely to appear in formal writing. Both "anyway" and "anyways" are used to transition between ideas or to dismiss a previous statement, but their appropriateness varies depending on the setting.
It's worth noting that both "anyway" and "anyways" can be used to indicate a change of topic or to suggest that the speaker is returning to a main point. They serve as transitions, guiding the listener or reader from one thought to another. Despite this common function, "anyway" is more universally accepted and understood.
The grammatical strictness around these words is less rigorous in everyday speech. In fact, many native English speakers use "anyway" and "anyways" interchangeably in casual conversation. That said, for formal writing or speech, "anyway" is generally considered the more appropriate choice.
Comparison Chart
Formality
Formal and standard
Colloquial
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Usage in Writing
Common
Less common
Grammatical Acceptance
Standard English
Considered informal
Transitional Function
Yes
Yes
Preference in Academia
Preferred
Usually avoided
Compare with Definitions
Anyway
Indicates a return to a main point.
Anyway, that's why we're here.
Anyways
Used colloquially to change topics.
I don't know about that. Anyways, what's for dinner?
Anyway
Used to dismiss or negate a previous statement.
I'm not sure why she did that. Anyway, it doesn't matter now.
Anyways
Generally not used in formal writing.
Anyways, I wasn't going to go.
Anyway
Used to transition between thoughts.
He didn't agree. Anyway, let's move on.
Anyways
Functions to transition between points.
Anyways, that's not the main issue here.
Anyway
Common in formal writing.
The results were inconclusive. Anyway, further research is needed.
Anyways
Dismisses or negates a previous idea.
It was just a thought. Anyways, forget it.
Anyway
In any way or manner whatever
Get the job done anyway you can.
Anyways
Seen as informal or casual.
Anyways, it's not a big deal.
Anyway
In any case; at least
I don't know if it was lost or stolen.
Anyway, it's gone.
Anyways
In any case.
Anyway
Nevertheless; regardless
It was raining but they played the game anyway.
Anyways
(rare) In any way or respect, at all.
Anyway
(conjunctive) Regardless; anyhow.
He didn't enjoy washing his car, but it was so dirty that he did it anyway.
Anyways
Anyway, anyhow, in any case.
Anyway
Used to indicate that a statement explains or supports a previous statement. See anyhow and at least.
I don't think that's true. I haven't found any evidence, anyway.
Anyway
Used to indicate a change of subject.
Anyway
Used at the end of a question for emphasis, or to direct the conversation to something of more broad importance (compare with more to the point).
Anyway
(obsolete) In any way.
Anyway
Anywise; at all.
Anyway
Used to indicate that a statement explains or supports a previous statement;
Anyhow, he is dead now
I think they're asleep; anyhow, they're quiet
I don't know what happened to it; anyway, it's gone
Anyway, there is another factor to consider
I don't know how it started; in any case, there was a brief scuffle
In any event, the government faced a serious protest
But at any rate he got a knighthood for it
Anyway
In any way whatsoever;
They came anyhow they could
Get it done anyway you can
Anyway
Standard English usage.
Anyway, I'll be there soon.
Common Curiosities
Is "anyway" formal or informal?
"Anyway" is considered more formal and is standard English.
Can "anyway" be used in academic writing?
Yes, "anyway" is generally accepted in academic and formal writing.
Can "anyways" be used in academic writing?
"Anyways" is generally avoided in academic and formal writing.
Do "anyway" and "anyways" have the same meaning?
Yes, they are often used interchangeably in casual conversation to transition between thoughts.
Is "anyways" acceptable in everyday speech?
Yes, "anyways" is commonly used in everyday, informal speech.
Is "anyway" acceptable in everyday speech?
Yes, "anyway" is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.
Is it wrong to use "anyways"?
It's not "wrong," but it's less formal and may not be appropriate in all settings.
Is "anyways" formal or informal?
"Anyways" is considered informal and is less likely to appear in formal writing.
Can "anyways" negate a previous statement?
Yes, "anyways" can also be used to dismiss or negate a previous statement.
Which is more universally accepted?
"Anyway" is more universally accepted and understood.
What's the key difference between "anyway" and "anyways"?
The key difference is in formality: "anyway" is formal and standard, while "anyways" is informal and colloquial.
Can "anyway" negate a previous statement?
Yes, "anyway" can be used to dismiss or negate a previous statement.
Can "anyway" be used to emphasize a point?
Yes, "anyway" can be used to return to or emphasize a main point.
Is "anyway" the preferred term in professional settings?
Yes, "anyway" is generally preferred in professional and formal settings.
Can "anyways" be used to emphasize a point?
Yes, "anyways" can also be used to return to or emphasize a main point, but it's less formal.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
