When you’re chatting with friends or writing a quick message, you might wonder if you should use the word "anyway" or "anyways." It’s easy to get confused, right? After all, both words are thrown around quite often in conversation. But believe it or not, there is a difference between the two.
The correct form is anyway. It is an adverb used to mean “regardless” or “in any case.” Anyways is often considered informal or colloquial, and it’s not typically recommended for formal writing. For example, you might hear someone say, “I don’t know if it will rain, but let’s go anyway.” This shows determination to proceed, no matter the circumstances.
When writing or speaking in professional or academic settings, stick with anyway. It keeps your English clear and correct. Using “anyways” in casual conversation is more acceptable, especially in American English, but replacing it with “anyway” is a habit that can enhance your language precision.
What’s the difference?
Anyway is an adverb, and it’s used to connect ideas more smoothly. It helps shift from one idea to another and is often used to return to the main point. For example, imagine you’re telling a story about your day at the beach, and you start talking about the ice cream you ate, but then you want to get back to the main event. You might say, “Anyway, back to our day at the beach.” Here, ‘anyway’ is helping you transition smoothly from talking about ice cream back to the story about the beach.
Anyways is a variation of "anyway." It’s also an adverb, and it means the same thing. However, it’s considered to be informal or casual. It’s more commonly heard in spoken English or casual writing, like texts or informal blogs. Some people might find it less formal or less correct, but it’s very commonly used.
Let’s see examples
Let’s go through some examples to see how these words fit into sentences.
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Anyway:
- "I didn’t really like the ending of the movie. Anyway, let’s go get some dinner."
- "She wasn’t sure if she left her phone at home. Anyway, she’ll check when she gets back."
- Anyways:
- "I think it’s going to rain today. Anyways, what are your plans for tomorrow?"
- "I’ve been so busy at work. Anyways, what’s new with you?"
As you can see, both words are used to steer the conversation back to a previous topic or towards a new one. But remember, ‘anyway’ is generally more accepted in formal writing.
Frequently asked questions
Is it wrong to use “anyways”?
Not really, especially in casual conversation. However, if you’re writing something formal, like an essay or a business email, it’s safer to stick to "anyway."
Can they be used at the beginning of a sentence?
Yes, definitely! Both "anyway" and "anyways" can be used to start a sentence. They work really well to introduce a summary or a conclusion of what you’ve said before.
Are there other words like this?
Absolutely. English has many words that shift in formality depending on casual or formal contexts. “Gonna” and “going to” are similar examples. In casual speech, many people say “gonna,” but in formal writing, “going to” is preferred.
Why does it even matter?
Well, language is not just about words—it’s about making sure the listener or reader understands and connects with what you want to say. Choosing the right word helps in creating clear, effective communication. Imagine you’re painting a picture. Every brush stroke matters; similarly, in writing, every word contributes to the clarity of your message.
What should you remember?
When deciding between “anyway” and “anyways,” think about who your audience is and what the situation is. If it’s a formal document or setting, go with “anyway.” If it’s a casual chat or a less formal text, using “anyways” is just fine.
Remember, language keeps evolving, and how we use words can change over time. What’s important is that we keep communicating clearly and effectively. Next time you write or speak, think about these tips, and choose your words wisely to make sure your message is heard just as you intended.
