What is the Difference Between Anyway and Anyways?

The difference between "anyway" and "anyways" lies in their grammatical function, usage, and formality. Here are the main distinctions:

1. Grammatical function:

• "Anyway" is an adverb meaning "regardless" or "in spite of the circumstances".
• "Anyways" is sometimes used to mean the same thing as "anyway," but it is generally considered incorrect in formal contexts and is more commonly used in informal speech or dialogue.

1. Usage:

• "Anyway" is acceptable in formal writing and can be used to signal a transition between two different topics or to support an idea or argument.
• "Anyways" is more commonly used in casual speech and should be avoided in formal contexts.

1. Formality:

• "Anyway" is considered the more formal and standard form of the two.
• "Anyways" is considered the newer, informal, and colloquial version of "anyway".

In summary, "anyway" is a formal and grammatically correct adverb used to mean "regardless" or "in any case," while "anyways" is an informal and colloquial version that should be avoided in formal contexts.

Comparative Table: Anyway vs Anyways

The difference between "anyway" and "anyways" lies in their formality and usage. Here is a table comparing the two:

Both "anyway" and "anyways" convey the same meaning, but "anyway" is the more formal and correct version of the adverb, while "anyways" is considered informal and nonstandard. In formal writing, such as academic papers or professional emails, it is best to use "anyway" instead of "anyways". However, in more casual settings, such as social media or personal emails, "anyways" may be more appropriate.