Understanding ‘Anyways’ and ‘Anyway’
Two words that often cause confusion among language learners are ‘anyways’ and ‘anyway’. While they might sound very similar and are sometimes used interchangeably, these two words have subtle differences in usage. Let’s dive into their meaning, usage, and common questions including ‘anyway or anyways’ and ‘is anyways a word?’
‘Anyway’ – What is it?
‘Anyway’ is an adverb that most often means ‘in any case’, ‘for any reason’, or ‘regardless’. It’s mainly used to change the subject, add an afterthought or return to an earlier subject. Here are some examples of ‘anyway’ in a sentence:
- I didn’t really like him, but I went to the party anyway.
- You don’t have to finish the novel. Anyway, I already told you the ending.
‘Anyways’ – How Does it Differ from ‘Anyway’?
Believe it or not, ‘anyways’ is a word — yes, indeed! It is also an adverb, its use is informal and it’s often considered as a nonstandard form of ‘anyway’. It shares the same meanings but usually adds an extra emphasis on nonchalance or indifference. It’s common in certain regional dialects but may not be acceptable in formal written English. Examples of how ‘anyways’ can be used are:
- I don’t see why he was so upset. Anyways, it’s not like it’s the end of the world.
- So you think you’re smart, huh? Anyways, let’s move on to the next question.
Anyway vs Anyways – The Showdown
The chief difference between ‘anyways’ vs ‘anyway’ lies in the level of formality and the emphasis on casualness. ‘Anyway’ is more formal and universally accepted while ‘anyways’ is informal, conversational, and regionally limited.
Resolving Common Questions
Should I use ‘Anyway’ or ‘Anyways’?
‘Anyway’ is the safer choice because it’s the standard form and is appropriate in both formal and informal language. ‘Anyways’, while permissible in casual speech or dialect-based writing, might not be suitable for academic or professional use.
Is ‘Anyways’ a Real Word?
Yes, ‘anyways’ is indeed a real word. However, language purists might argue that it’s nonstandard and recommend using ‘anyway’ instead.
Is ‘Anyways’ Grammatically Correct?
‘Anyways’ usage as a dialectal variant makes it grammatically correct in some regions or in informal conversation. Nevertheless, it’s usually not considered correct in formal writing or standard English.
Conclusion
Mastering the subtleties and nuances in language usage can be a challenge. Realizing the difference between ‘anyway’ and ‘anyways’ and how to properly use them can help polish your language skills and take them to the next level. Remember, while ‘anyways’ might sound casual and witty in certain scenarios, if you’re in doubt, it would be safest to stick with ‘anyway’.
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