People commonly struggle with anyway versus any way. They know they are different words with distinct meanings, but they have a hard time choosing the right word, especially in writing. If you are one of them, anyway (single word) signifies “regardless,” and anyway (two-word phrase) means “in any manner.” Read on for a closer look at these words and their correct usage in American English.
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What Does Anyway Mean?
Anyway, an adverb, “regardless” or something like “in spite of that.” It can also be a transition from one topic to another. Keep in mind that the latter usage has a more casual tone and feel to it and is better avoided in formal writing.
The word has existed in English since the Middle English period, which was from 1150 to 1500. It became quite common during the 1800s.
People sometimes use anyway as they do BTW (“by the way”), but they’re not exactly the same. Consider the difference between “BTW, you’ll need a pen” and “Anyway, you’ll need a pen.”
Examples:
- I hit every red light but got to work on time anyway.
- Anyway, I was still able to go to the airport.
- Well, I’m going to the theater anyway.
- Kids bought the ticket anyway.
- She didn’t like the new car, but she accepted it anyway.
- Anyway, that’s not what I was talking about.
How and When Should You Use Anyway?
Since anyway is an adverb that basically means “regardless,” you should use this word to indicate you did something or something happened in spite of circumstances possibly preventing it. For example, a project was challenging, but you got it done anyway.
Usually, anyway is at the beginning or end of a sentence. When beginning a sentence, a comma should follow it.
It’s also a transition from one topic to another. You might have been talking about one thing but want to shift to something else. The word anyway can make that shift.
Tip: This transitional usage sometimes offends people if they sense something dismissive in tone. Say you’re talking about something important to you, and someone responds with “Anyway” and goes on to something else. That lack of regard for what you were saying might offend you. It’s similar to someone responding with “Whatever…”
What Does Any Way Mean?
Any way is a phrase consisting of an adjective and noun. It means “in any manner” or “by any means.” It’s not a compound word; put together, it would be anyway, which we’ve seen means something else.
How and When You Should Use Any Way?
Using the word “any way” indicates a desire to find some possible method of getting a particular result. At its most extreme, it conveys an ends-justify-means attitude. Consider:
- I don’t care what rules you have to break; get it done any way you can.
Most of the time, though, it’s just an expression of hoping a desired result is somehow possible.
For example, you could say, “I know it’s late, but is there any way you can finish this tonight?”
Or you might say, “Do you think there’s any way you can get me in for an appointment tomorrow?”
Another context involves preferences. At a restaurant, a server might tell you they’ll prepare your steak any way you like.
Tip: Any way is always two separate words; you should never hyphenate it or make one word.
What’s the Difference?
Anyway means “regardless” or “in spite of,” and it’s also a transition between unrelated topics. On the other, any way refers to the wish for any means to accomplish a goal or attain a result.
How About Anyways?
Anyways is a colloquial term that means the same as anyway does. Although it’s common, it’s not considered proper English, so you should avoid it in academic and formal settings; use it only in informal writing and casual conversation.
Trick to Remembering Which Word To Use
How about some tips to help with anyway versus any way?
Associate any way with by any means, methods, and approaches. For anyway, associate it with highway since both words end with “way.”
Final Thoughts
Anyway vs any way doesn’t need to be vexing. Remember that “anyway” is a transition between unrelated subjects. It’s also another way to say “regardless.” The two-word version (any way) is for expressing hope to find any possible means of reaching a desired outcome. Don’t forget that anyways (with the letter S at the end) is an informal version, best reserved for casual communication.
