Anyway vs Anyways
Since anyway and anyways are two words that confuse many people, let us take a look at the difference between anyway and anyways in this article. They are neither aware if these words mean the same or not nor if one of these words is, in fact, incorrect. What they know is that the two words are similar in meaning and that they are free to use any of the two anytime they want. There are many who would make use of only anyways while there are some who only use anyway as they feel that anyways is not an English word at all. Let us see what the reality is regarding the usage of these two words.
What does Anyway mean?
Anyway is used in the context of anyhow or by any means. For example, look at the following sentence.
It did not matter that we were late as the event was cancelled anyway.
Also, anyway is used under three different meaning as an adverb. First, anyway is “used to confirm or support a point or idea just mentioned.” Example:
I will stay home. It is late to go there anyway.
Secondly, anyway is “used to end a conversation, to change the subject, or to resume a subject after interruption.”
Example:
You were wrong. Anyway, I will do the dishes today.
Thirdly, anyway is “used to indicate that something happened or will happen in spite of something else.”
Example:
They were all frowning at her, but she kept smiling with them anyway.
What does Anyways mean?
In normal use of English language, an s added at the end of a word makes a plural of a word such as boys, books, blades, etc. Nevertheless, you cannot make a plural of an adverb that anyway is. Therefore, the normal rule of adding an s at the end of a noun makes it plural does not apply here as anyway is, in fact, an adverb.
More and more people have started to make use of anyways instead of anyway nowadays. By now it is included in the Oxford English dictionary. As the Oxford English dictionary points out, anyways is used in North American English as an “informal or dialect form of anyway.” Thus, anyways is more of a colloquial term and a slang rather than being accepted in the formal context. Look at the following example.
You do not have enough money to buy a new dress anyways.
Why would people start to make use of anyways can be attributed to their desire of picking up the narrative thread. The use of anyways also makes the people sound more casual and relaxed than anyway. In America, it is an accepted word and people use both anyway and anyways interchangeably as if they have the liberty to use any. The use of anyways appears rustic while anyway is more formal in nature.
What is the difference between Anyway and Anyways?
• Anyway is used in the context of anyhow or by any means.
• Anyway is an adverb while anyways is also categorized as an adverb.
• However, people use both as if they are synonyms.
• Anyways is used more in America and is a slang and a colloquial term.
• Anyway, on the other hand, is used in the formal context.
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