Some of you have asked me to explain when to use anyway, any way, and anyways. Let’s stop right there. Anyways is very informal, and in our work we shouldn’t be using it. Put it back in the sack with anywho, and save it for those times when you’re kickin’ it on the porch drinking beer in the sunshine.
Now, for the more traditional and professional anyway.
Anyway is an adverb that means nonetheless, regardless, or in any case.
For example:
· The doctor told me not to eat dried mango with chili powder, but I bought some and ate it anyway.
· Janie heard that it was icy cold in Siberia, but she’s going on vacation there, anyway.
Anyway can also be used when a story has been interrupted, and speaker is ready to continue.
· Anyway, as I was saying earlier, Bob got pec implants and now he looks like Superman.
Any way is two separate words that mean “by any means” or “in any manner.”
· The barkers will get kids to spend their money on carnival games any way they can.
· The barkers will get kids to spend their money on carnival games in any manner they can.
· The barkers will get kids to spend their money on carnival games by any means they can.
Hint: If you can read the sentence and replace the words with “the way,” then you want two separate words: any way. If it doesn’t make sense, you want anyway.
La Sirena coaxes the young sailors any way she can. (GOOD)
La Sirena coaxes the young sailors the way she can. (ACCEPTABLE)
Michelangelo wanted to be a bookkeeper, but his mother sent him to art school, anyway. (GOOD)
Michelangelo wanted to be a bookkeeper, but his mother sent him to art school, the way. (NONSENSICAL)
Kara Church
Technical Editor, Advisory
Symitar Documentation Services
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