Anyway and anyways

Anyway means anyhow and nevertheless.

• The weather was uncertain but we went hiking anyway.

Anyway can also mean ‘in any case’ or ‘at any rate’.

• It is too hot to go running anyway.

Anyway can also mean carelessly or haphazardly.

If you are conscious about your looks, you can’t fix your hair just anyway / anyhow.

• Note that the expression ‘anyways’ is not standard. Avoid using it in formal speech or writing.

The expressions anyway and anyhow are rather informal. In a formal style, use nevertheless, in any case or at any rate.