Definition of Anyways
“Anyways” is an informal variant of “anyway,” commonly used in conversational English. It functions as an adverb and means “in any case,” “regardless,” or “nonetheless.” Despite being widely used in spoken English, “anyways” is considered nonstandard in formal writing.
Synonyms for Anyways
Strongest Matches (Exact or Near Synonyms)
- Anyway
- Regardless
- Nevertheless
- Nonetheless
- Albeit
- Notwithstanding
- Even so
Strong Matches (Closely Related Words)
- Though
- However
- Although
- Still
- Yet
- Despite that
- Be that as it may
Weak Matches (Loosely Related Words)
- In spite of
- On the other hand
- But
- Whereas
- While
- Albeit
- At any rate
Example Sentences Using Anyways
- We were running late, but we decided to go to the party anyways.
- I don’t really like horror movies, but I watched it anyways.
- It started raining, but she went for a jog anyways.
- He told me not to touch it, but I did anyways.
- She knew it was a bad idea, but she went ahead with it anyways.
Contextual Usage of Anyways
- Conversational English: Commonly used in casual speech, especially in North America.
- Example: “I didn’t like the movie, but I sat through it anyways.”
- Informal Writing: Found in text messages, social media posts, and informal blogs.
- Example: “I wasn’t hungry, but I ate the whole pizza anyways!”
- Formal Writing: Considered grammatically incorrect or improper; “anyway” is preferred.
- Example: “The meeting was rescheduled, but we proceeded anyway.”
Related Words and Phrases
- At any rate
- No matter what
- Even though
- In any event
- After all
- One way or another
Historical and Linguistic Notes
- “Anyways” has been used historically in some dialects of English, particularly in North America, as a more emphatic or conversational alternative to “anyway.”
- It is often heard in rural or colloquial speech patterns and is frequently used in storytelling for dramatic effect.
- Despite being deemed incorrect by grammar purists, “anyways” remains widely used in informal speech.
Common Mistakes and Grammar Tips
- Incorrect: She didn’t want to go, but she went anyways.
- Correct: She didn’t want to go, but she went anyway.
- If writing formally, replace “anyways” with “anyway” to maintain grammatical accuracy.
Conclusion
While “anyways” is grammatically nonstandard, it is a widely accepted part of informal speech, particularly in American English. However, for formal or academic writing, “anyway” is the preferred form.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only. While “anyways” is commonly used in spoken English, its use in professional or formal writing is discouraged. Always consider the context in which you are communicating to determine the appropriate word choice.
