Anyway or Anyways: Which Spelling Is Correct?

Anyway is the standard spelling, while anyways is an informal variant mainly used in American English.

Both words can mean “in any case,” “regardless,” or “despite that,” but they do not have the same level of formality.

People often confuse them because they sound almost identical and are sometimes used in the same places in conversation.

Dictionaries recognize anyways, but it is generally marked as informal or US usage.

In this guide, you will learn the difference between anyway and anyways, their history, British and American usage, common mistakes, everyday examples, and which form is safest for formal writing. You will also learn when each word fits best.

Table of Contents

Quick Answer

Anyway is the best choice in standard English and is suitable for formal and informal writing.

Anyways is also a real word, but it is mainly an informal US variant of anyway. Cambridge defines it as an informal form of anyway, while Merriam-Webster labels it “US, informal.” (Cambridge Dictionary)

Examples:

Anyway, let’s continue with the meeting.
I was tired, but I went anyway.
Anyways, what were you saying? (informal)

The safest rule is simple:

Use “anyway” in formal, academic, professional, and general writing.

You may hear or see anyways in casual American speech, social media, text messages, and informal conversations.

The Origin of Anyway or Anyways

The word anyway developed from the combination of any and way. It has been used in English for centuries and developed meanings related to “in any manner,” “in any case,” and “regardless.”

Anyways is not simply a modern spelling mistake. Historical evidence shows that the form has existed for hundreds of years. Merriam-Webster records an early use of anyways dating to the 13th century, although its modern conversational meaning developed later. (Merriam-Webster)

Merriam-Webster also notes that anyways appeared historically with meanings such as “to any degree at all” and later gained the informal sense of “anyway” or “in any case.” (Merriam-Webster)

This history explains why the extra s is not simply an accidental error. English has many adverbs and expressions that developed different forms over time. In modern standard English, however, anyway is the normal form.

The difference today is mainly about usage and style, not meaning.

British English vs American English Spelling

There is no major spelling difference between British and American English for anyway. The main difference is how common anyways is in informal American usage.

Variety	Standard Form	Informal Variant	Best Choice for Formal Writing
British English	anyway	anyways, uncommon	anyway
American English	anyway	anyways, common in informal use	anyway
Canadian English	anyway	anyways, informal	anyway
Australian English	anyway	less common	anyway
International English	anyway	may appear in casual speech	anyway

Cambridge lists anyways as an informal form of anyway and specifically marks it as US usage. (Cambridge Dictionary)

American speakers may use anyways naturally in casual conversation:

“Anyways, let’s get back to work.”

In British English, anyway is the much safer and more natural choice:

“Anyway, let’s get back to work.”

So, unlike words such as colour/color or organise/organize, anyway does not have a British-versus-American spelling change. The difference is mostly one of formality and regional usage.

Which Spelling Should You Use?

The best choice depends on your audience and the type of writing.

If You Write for a US Audience

Use anyway for professional and formal content. Anyways can appear naturally in dialogue, casual messages, social media, and other informal settings.

If You Write for a UK or Commonwealth Audience

Use anyway. It is the standard and widely accepted form.

If You Write Academic Content

Use anyway. Academic writing should avoid informal variants unless you are quoting someone or discussing language itself.

If You Write Business Emails

Choose anyway. It sounds cleaner and more professional.

For example:

Better:

Anyway, I have attached the updated report.

Less formal:

Anyways, I have attached the updated report.

If You Write Social Media Posts

Both can work, depending on your voice. Anyways can create a relaxed, conversational tone.

If You Are Learning English

Use anyway as your default. It works in almost every context and will never make your writing sound unnecessarily informal.

Common Mistakes with Anyway or Anyways

Mistake 1: Thinking “Anyways” Is Always Wrong

Anyways is recognized by major dictionaries. The issue is not that it is meaningless or nonexistent. The issue is that it is generally informal and associated strongly with US usage. (Cambridge Dictionary)

Better advice:

Use anyway when you want standard, professional English.

Mistake 2: Using “Anyways” in Formal Writing

Avoid it in:

Academic essays
Business reports
Formal emails
Job applications
Professional documents
Official correspondence

Use anyway instead.

Mistake 3: Assuming the Words Have Different Meanings

In modern informal usage, anyway and anyways can have the same meaning.

For example:

Anyway, let’s leave now.

Anyways, let’s leave now.

The second sentence is more informal.

Mistake 4: Confusing “Any Way” With “Anyway”

There is another important distinction: any way can be two separate words.

Anyway means “in any case” or “regardless.”

I was tired, but I went anyway.

Any way means “any method” or “any manner.”

Is there any way to solve this problem?

This difference is important because any way cannot always be replaced by anyway.

Mistake 5: Adding the “S” Automatically

Some writers add s because they are familiar with words such as always and sometimes. However, the standard modern form is anyway, not anyways.

Anyway or Anyways in Everyday Examples

In Emails

Professional:

Anyway, please let me know if you have any questions.

Informal:

Anyways, I’ll send the file later.

For workplace communication, anyway is usually better.

In News Writing

Standard news writing generally favors anyway:

The team had already lost the match but continued anyway.

This form is concise and neutral.

In Social Media

Informal social media writing may use anyways:

Anyways, here’s what happened next.

This can make the post sound more conversational.

In Formal Writing

Use anyway:

The evidence was limited; the researchers continued the study anyway.

Avoid:

The evidence was limited; the researchers continued the study anyways.

In Conversation

Both may be heard, especially in American English.

Anyway, what were we talking about?

Anyways, what were we talking about?

The second sounds more casual.

At the End of a Sentence

Anyway is also common at the end of a sentence:

I didn’t want to go anyway.

This use is standard and natural.

Anyway or Anyways – Comparison Table

Feature	Anyway	Anyways
Standard English	Yes	Informal variant
Meaning	In any case; regardless	Usually the same
Formal writing	Recommended	Avoid
Academic writing	Recommended	Avoid
Business writing	Recommended	Usually avoid
Casual conversation	Yes	Yes
Social media	Yes	Yes
US English	Standard	Informal US usage
UK English	Standard	Less common
Safe choice	Yes	No
Pronunciation	/ˈen.i.weɪ/	/ˈen.i.weɪz/

Cambridge gives anyway the pronunciation /ˈen.i.weɪ/ and lists anyways as an informal US form. (Cambridge Dictionary)

Anyway or Anyways – Google Trends & Usage Data

Search interest and everyday usage are not exactly the same thing. Anyway is the standard dictionary form and appears widely across formal writing, books, journalism, education, and everyday speech.

Anyways has a stronger informal and conversational profile. Dictionary evidence and current examples show that it is especially associated with US English. Merriam-Webster continues to classify it as “US, informal,” while Cambridge also marks it as US and informal. (Cambridge Dictionary)

Usage can vary by context:

Context	More Likely Form
Academic writing	anyway
Business writing	anyway
British English	anyway
Formal journalism	anyway
American conversation	anyway / anyways
American social media	anyway / anyways
Text messages	anyway / anyways
Casual dialogue	anyway / anyways

The key point is that anyways has real usage, but anyway remains the safest global choice.

Is “Anyways” a Real Word?

Yes. Anyways is a real dictionary word, although its modern use is usually informal.

Merriam-Webster defines it as a US informal synonym for anyhow or anyway. It also records older meanings and historical uses. (Merriam-Webster)

Cambridge likewise defines anyways as an informal form of anyway. (Cambridge Dictionary)

Therefore, saying that anyways is never a word is too strong. A better explanation is:

“Anyways is a real but informal form of anyway.”

That distinction helps writers choose the right word for the situation.

FAQS

1. Is “anyway” or “anyways” correct?

Anyway is the standard form and is the safest choice for formal and general writing. Anyways is an informal variant, especially associated with US English.

2. Is “anyways” grammatically correct?

It can be grammatically acceptable in informal usage. Major dictionaries recognize it, but it is less formal than anyway. (Cambridge Dictionary)

3. Do anyway and anyways mean the same thing?

In modern informal usage, they usually mean the same thing: “in any case,” “regardless,” or “despite that.”

4. Should I use “anyways” in an essay?

No. Anyway is the better choice for essays, academic assignments, reports, and other formal writing.

5. Is “anyways” American English?

It is strongly associated with informal American English. Cambridge and Merriam-Webster both identify it with US informal usage. (Cambridge Dictionary)

6. Do British people say “anyways”?

It may be understood, but anyway is the normal standard choice in British English.

7. Is “anyway” always one word?

Not always. Anyway is one word when it means “in any case” or “regardless.” Any way is two words when it means “any method” or “any manner.”

Example:

I will finish it anyway.

But:

Is there any way to fix it?

Conclusion

Anyway is the standard spelling and the best choice for formal, academic, professional, British, American, and international writing.

Anyways is also a real English word, but it is mainly an informal form used especially in American speech and casual writing.

The easiest practical rule is to use anyway whenever you are unsure because it works in almost every situation and avoids an overly casual tone.

Remember that any way is different when you mean “any method.”

For more help with confusing English words, read our related guide on anytime or any time to learn when the two forms should be used.

Aqsa Anwar