anyways

word · lemma: anyway

/ˈɛniˌweɪz/
E-nee-wayz
/ˈɛnɪwˌeɪz/
E-nee-wayz

Definition

A very informal variant of "anyway," used to mean "in any case," "still," or to change the topic and move the conversation forward. It is common in speech but often avoided in formal writing.

Usage & Nuances

"Anyways" is nonstandard or very informal in many contexts; "anyway" is safer in writing, school, and work. It often appears sentence-initially to shift topic ("Anyways, ...") or sentence-finally to mean "despite that."

Example Sentences

I don't like the rain, but we can go anyways.

basic

Anyways, let's start the lesson now.

basic

He was tired, but he finished his homework anyways.

basic

Anyways, what were you saying before the phone rang?

natural

We missed the bus, but we made it there on time anyways.

natural

I know it's not perfect, but I'm posting it anyways.

natural