Anyway or Anyways: Which Is Correct?

Updated 2026-10-12 · Which One Is Correct editorial team

Quick answer: Anyway is the standard form you should use in most situations, while anyways is considered an informal variant that dictionaries label as dialectal. Although people often see both versions online, sticking to the standard word ensures your writing looks professional and follows established grammar rules found in major reference guides.

The Short Answer

Anyway is the standard form, while anyways is an informal, nonstandard variant that dictionaries label as dialectal or colloquial.

The confusion arises because language changes over time, and speakers often add an -s to words to indicate emphasis or habit, even when dictionaries do not approve of the change.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Form	Status	Use it when
Anyway	Standard	Always in formal writing, emails, and professional documents.
Anyways	Informal	Only in casual texting or conversation among close friends.
Part of Speech	Both are adverbs	They modify verbs, adjectives, or whole sentences.
Regional Note	North American	Anyways is more frequently seen in spoken American English.

Correct Example Sentences

We will discuss this matter anyway, regardless of the delay.
I know she has a busy schedule, but she will call anyway.
They decided to leave the party anyway, even though it was fun.
It does not matter what you think anyway, so stop worrying.
Anyway, lets move on to the next topic for now.
I tried calling him three times, but he did not answer anyway.
She said she would come, and she showed up anyway.
It is raining heavily outside, but we will go out anyway.
He forgot his keys, but he got the door open anyway.
Anyway, that is all I had to say for this meeting.

Common Mistakes and Fixes

Please send the report anyways by tomorrow morning.: Please send the report anyway by tomorrow morning.
I do not care what they say anyways.: I do not care what they say anyway.
Lets check the results anyways before we decide.: Lets check the results anyway before we decide.
She called him anyways to ask about the date.: She called him anyway to ask about the date.
We need to fix this anyways or the system will fail.: We need to fix this anyway or the system will fail.
He ran home anyways because he was tired.: He ran home anyway because he was tired.

A Quick Test You Can Use

To check if your usage is correct, ask yourself if you are writing for a formal audience or if the tone is professional; if so, always choose the standard form without the extra s, whereas casual chats may allow the informal variation.

Related Word Pairs

Whose vs Who: Use whose to show possession and who to ask about a person.
Its vs It is: Its shows possession and it is is a complete subject and verb.
Then vs Than: Then refers to time or order and than is used for comparisons.
Your vs Youre: Your shows possession and youre is a contraction of you are.
Its vs Its: Its is the possessive form and it s is the contraction for it is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is anyways ever correct in standard English?

No, anyways is not considered correct in standard English. It is labeled as a nonstandard variant by dictionaries and is typically reserved for informal speech or dialectal usage rather than formal writing or professional communication.

Why do people use anyways so often?

People use anyways because it sounds emphatic and fits the rhythm of casual conversation better than anyway does. Many speakers adopt this form because it feels more natural in spoken American English, even though it lacks official approval in written standards.

Should I use anyways in my work email?

No, you should not use anyways in a work email because it looks unprofessional and nonstandard. Always use anyway in business correspondence, reports, or any document where clarity and adherence to grammar rules are important for your career.

What is the difference between anyway and anyways in meaning?

There is no difference in meaning between the two words, as they both function as adverbs to indicate a lack of importance or a transition to a new topic. The only distinction lies in their formality, with anyway being standard and anyways being informal.