- Used to signal a return to the main topic after a digression or interruption.
- Can also be used to change the subject, sometimes abruptly.
- Can indicate a desire to move on from the current topic or end the conversation.
- Anyways is a common informal variant, though prescriptively considered incorrect by some grammarians. In spoken English, it's very widespread.
Explanation
Origin
- Derived from in any way or in any case.
- Its function is to dismiss the previous aside or interruption and get back to the primary path of the conversation.
- Anyways likely developed colloquially by analogy with other adverbs ending in -s (like always).
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- So yeah... (Often used similarly to redirect)
- But yeah... (Similar function, slightly softer)
Milder/Standard:
- In any case...
- To get back to the matter at hand... (Formal)
- Moving right along...
- Well then...
Situational Appropriateness
- Anyway is acceptable in most contexts, formal and informal.
- Anyways is strictly informal/colloquial. Avoid it in formal writing and speech. Using it won't generally cause offense, but it might be perceived as less educated by some listeners/readers.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Can sometimes sound dismissive of what was just said, especially if the speaker cuts someone off with Anyway.... Use with care after someone shares something personal.
- The abruptness might be misinterpreted as rudeness if not handled with the right tone.
Examples
- (After talking about the weather for 5 minutes) Anyway, as I was saying, the project deadline is Friday.
- Yeah, traffic was terrible this morning... Anyway, what did you want to discuss?
- (After an awkward pause) Anyways... how about that local sports team?
- I have to go soon. Anyway, it was great catching up!
Dialogue
Maya: ...and then my cat knocked over the plant! It was a whole mess. Dirt everywhere!
Ben: Oh wow, sounds stressful!
Maya: It was! Anyway, back to the meeting agenda. First item is the budget review.
Ben: Right, the budget. Did you get the latest spreadsheet?
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Went down a rabbit hole reading about historical linguistics for an hour lol. Anyways, back to work! #procrastination
- Facebook Post: Had a bit of a rant about customer service earlier, sorry folks! Anyway, on a happier note, look at this cute dog I saw today! 🐶
- Chat: Friend 1: [Long story about weekend plans changing]. Friend 2: Oh man, that sucks. Anyway, you still free Tuesday?
Response Patterns
- Acknowledgment of the shift: Right., Okay., Sure.
- Re-engagement with the main topic: Ah yes, the deadline..., Okay, so I wanted to ask about...
- If used to end the conversation: Agreement like Yeah, you too!, Okay, talk soon!
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- If returning to a topic: The listener picks up the previous thread (Okay, so about the deadline...?).
- If changing the subject: The listener responds to the new subject (Oh yeah, they won last night!).
- If ending the conversation: The listener reciprocates the closing remarks (Great seeing you too! Bye!).
Conversation Starter
- No. It's used to manage the flow within an existing conversation, typically redirecting it.
Intonation
- Often said with a slightly conclusive or brisker tone.
- Can have a falling intonation, signalling a wrap-up of the side topic: Anyway....
- Sometimes followed by a brief pause before resuming the main topic or introducing the new one.
Generation Differences
- Anyway is used by all generations.
- Anyways is very common in spoken English, particularly in North America, across many age groups, but might be slightly more prevalent among younger speakers or in more relaxed settings.
Regional Variations
- Anyway is standard everywhere.
- Anyways is particularly common in North American English (US and Canada) and gaining ground elsewhere in informal contexts, but still often noted as non-standard in UK/Australian formal guidance.