Anyway or anyways? Which is correct?

1. 61

   Kat-martinposted 9 years ago

   Anyway or anyways? Which is correct?

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2. 0

   RTalloniposted 9 years ago

   Isn't English fun?  I'll try to answer but am interested in others' responses.
   
   Anyway is used instead of the term "in any case", and perhaps the phrases "in spite of" and "no matter about that".  An example is, "Anyway, she did not know the truth so she couldn't know how best to respond."
   
   Anyways is not properly used in formal writing (and many people would never use it in conversation), though it might be used to reflect a dialect in a work of fiction.  In the south, we sometimes hear something like, "Well, anyways, I was saying that your porch sure looks better with the newly painted ceiling."
   
   The two word any way is used instead of phrases like "any manner possible" and "by any means possible," seen clearly in a sentence like, "He tries to avoid truth by any possible way."

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3. 80

   liesl5858posted 9 years ago

   Anyway is the correct word but I think anyways is just a slang word for anyway. Some people here in the south use it but I think the correct word is anyway. That is what I learned in English lesson.
   I think due to texts and emails, some words are being altered or written in short cuts.

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4. 72

   Aime Fposted 9 years ago

   Anyway. No 's'. "Anyways" drives me absolutely nuts. It's right up there with "irregardless" I think.

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   1. 61

      Kat-martinposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      "Over exaggerate" drives me nuts.

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      DzyMsLizzyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Indeed!  That's as bad as "déjà vu all over again!"

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5. 61

   Kat-martinposted 9 years ago

   RTalloni & Linda. Thank you both. When speaking, I avoid using either one. I hear more people saying anyways than anyway, and it just sounds wrong. I've even said "anyhoo" (don't have to wonder if I should add an S at the end). So ANYWAY, I think you have cleared that up for me

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   1. 0

      RTalloniposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I agree, it does sound wrong.  Casual conversation can be many things, but if words/phrases grate there's not much to do but grin and bear it.   
      Anyway, just any way isn't okay.    Going over the options for clarity is a good reminder.

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