Any Way, Anyway or Anyways | Difference, Examples & Quiz

Any way and anyway are related words with different meanings and grammatical functions.

  • Any way (two words) is a combination of the determiner “any” and the noun “way.” It’s used to mean “in any manner” or “by any means.”
  • Anyway (one word) is an adverb meaning “regardless” or “in spite of the circumstances.” It’s also used to transition between two unrelated topics.
  • Anyways (one word) is sometimes used to mean the same thing as “anyway,” but it’s generally considered incorrect by dictionaries.
      Examples: Any way in a sentence Examples: Anyway in a sentence
      Is there any way to fix the phone? Jane was tired, but she went to the party anyway.
      I’ll help in any way I can. Anyway, what were you saying?

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      What does any way mean?

      Any way is a combination of the determiner “any” and the noun “way.” It’s used to mean “(by) any method” or “(in) any manner.” Writing “anyway” instead in these contexts is incorrect.

      Examples: How to use any way
      Please let me know if there is any way to cancel my booking.

      You can decorate the apartment any way you like.

      Is there any way to pay for the car in installments?

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      What does anyway mean?

      Anyway is an adverb meaning “regardless” or “despite the circumstances.” It’s typically used at the end of a sentence. It should always be written as one word when used in this sense.

      Examples: How to use anyway
      The policeman knew the danger, but he pursued the thief anyway.

      You may not want my advice, but I’m going to give you some anyway.

      I don’t eat meat, but I’ll go to the BBQ anyway.

      Anyway is also used at the start of a sentence to signal a transition to a new topic. When used in this way, it’s followed by a comma.

      Examples: Anyway for transitions
      Person A: We should know more about the new project next week.

      Person B: Great! Anyway, how was your vacation?

      Anyways

      “Anyways” is sometimes used in informal contexts to mean the same thing as anyway. It’s most commonly used to signal a transition from one topic to another. However, it’s generally considered incorrect or colloquial by most dictionaries and should be avoided in formal contexts.

      Examples: Anyway vs. anyways 
      • Anyways, let’s get back to the topic at hand.
      • Anyway, let’s get back to the topic at hand.

      Worksheet: Any way or anyway

      You can test your understanding of the difference between “any way” and “anyway” with the worksheet below. Fill in either “any way” or “anyway” in each sentence.

      1. Is there _______ to get to the airport in 30 minutes?
      2. I know it’s expensive, but I want the new car _______.
      3. _______, let’s get back to work.
      4. I don’t think there’s _______ we can get to the theater on time _______.
      5. _______, let’s see if there is _______ to fix this problem.
      1. Is there any way to get to the airport in 30 minutes?
        • “Any way” is a combination of a determiner (any) and noun (way). It’s used here to mean “any manner” or “any means.”
      1. I know it’s expensive, but I want the new car anyway.
      1. Anyway, let’s get back to work.
        • “Anyway” can also be used as an adverb to transition between two unrelated topics.
      1. I don’t think there’s any way we can get to the theater on time anyway.
        • In the first instance, “any way” (meaning “any method”) is correct. In the second instance, “anyway” (meaning “regardless”) is correct.
      1. Anyway, let’s see if there is any way to fix this problem.
        • In the first instance, “anyway” is used to signal a transition to a new topic. In the second instance, “any way” (meaning “any means”) is correct.

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      Frequently asked questions

      What is a synonym for “anyway”?

      Some synonyms and near synonyms of anyway include:

      Is “anyways” a word?

      Anyway (no “s”) is often used at the start of a sentence to transition between two different topics (e.g., “Anyway, let’s discuss the report”).

      “Anyways” (with an “s”) is sometimes used in informal contexts to mean the same thing as “anyway.” However, it’s considered incorrect by most dictionaries and should be avoided in formal contexts.

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      Ryan, E. (2023, August 23). Any Way, Anyway or Anyways | Difference, Examples & Quiz. Scribbr. Retrieved November 11, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/commonly-confused-words/any-way-or-anyway-or-anyways/

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      Eoghan Ryan

      Eoghan has a lot of experience with theses and dissertations at bachelor's, MA, and PhD level. He has taught university English courses, helping students to improve their research and writing.