Confusing Words: Anyway (adverb) and Anyways (adverb)
Meaning: “used to confirm or support a point or idea just mentioned.”
Anyway vs Anyways Clarification: Both the words carry the same meaning but ‘anyways’ is considered to be an informal or colloquial word.
Anyway vs Anyways – What is the Difference, Definition & Meaning?
Some people seem to be confused between anyway and anyways.
Both of these words are just one-letter apart. Actually, one of these words is considered to be an informal word but a few people are used to say that informal word that has to be avoided.
Let me tell you which word is correct to use and which one is considered to be a colloquial variant.
Anyway or Anyways?
From the above two words, anyways is the one that is said to be an informal form of anyway. If you are writing any formal text then it is very necessary to choose anyway instead of anyways.
The correct word ‘anyway’ is used as an adverb. Anyway can be used in different situations like, it can be used to change the subject; it can be used to give importance to something; or it can be used to end a conversation. In short, the meaning of anyway is ‘in any case’.
1. Anyway, I think we should move on to the next place.
2. Though she was on diet, but she ate a chocolate bar ayway.
3. Anyway, I was about to join the dance classes for this party.
Anyways As An Informal Term:
As I said above that anyways is an informal variant of anyway. It is good for you to avoid using anyways because it is considered to be an incorrect word.
But if you use anyways, then it is also taken as an adverb. If you want to use anyways, try to use it in informal texts as an adverb.
• Anyways, this is not your job.
• You should go from here anyways.
Is Any way a Colloquial Term Too?
If we are talking about anyway and anyways, then the two words any way should not be avoided. The two words ‘any way’ is not related to the term anyway.
Actually, the word is ‘way’ which is a noun and the word ‘any’ is an adjective. These two words are totally separated words from each other. Just because of its pronunciation, it is often confused with the word anyway.
Any way (with a space) mean any particular way or direction.
So, it is clear from the above discussion that any way have nothing to do with the word anyway.
Check Out: Difference Between Any More and Anymore.
What Did You Learn?
Anyway and anyways depict the same meaning and usage within sentences. However, the word ‘anyways’ is considered to be an informal or colloquial word. Anyway is the correct choice to use as an adverb that means ‘in any case’.