{"id":7281,"date":"2020-02-27T13:29:55","date_gmt":"2020-02-27T18:29:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/english\/?p=7281"},"modified":"2020-02-27T13:29:55","modified_gmt":"2020-02-27T18:29:55","slug":"the-many-ways-of-anyway","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/english\/the-many-ways-of-anyway\/","title":{"rendered":"The Many Ways of Anyway"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Image courtesy of Pixabay, CCO<\/p><\/div>\n

As you probably know, Americans are very good at abusing the English language. We fall into habits of misapplying words when speaking and, if we do it often enough, the wrong word becomes part of common speech. This is called a colloquialism<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The problem with some English colloquialisms, though, is that they can confuse anyone learning the language. If you hear something often enough, it is only logical to assume that what is being said is appropriate. Or, if you say a thing one way, is that other way okay, too? Which is a perfect lead-in to the confusing topic of anyway, any way, anyways, and anyhow.<\/p>\n

Anyway<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Anyway is a common adverb<\/strong> which can be used in several forms. In common speech, it often indicates a change of topic.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnyway<\/strong>, what was your day like?\u201d<\/p>\n

It can also be a less formal substitute for regardless<\/em>, or, nevertheless<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know it\u2019s raining but, anyway<\/strong>, I want a walk, so I\u2019ll take the trash out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Anyways<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Here\u2019s the colloquialism that I mentioned earlier. It is an archaic form of the proper adverb anyway<\/em>. In Old and Middle English, it was common to add s<\/em> to adverbs in all their forms. Some of that usage remains. There are times, for example, when the adverb unaware<\/em> can properly be used as unawares<\/em>. It eliminates the need to add additional words to a phrase.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur manager felt it was best if some of the team was left unaware<\/em> of the company\u2019s finances.\u201d\/\u201cOur manager felt it was best if some of the team was left unawares<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Today, however, anyways is simply an informal corruption of anyway<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know if it\u2019s true or not but, anyways<\/strong>, that\u2019s what I heard.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnyways<\/strong>, let\u2019s go get some ice cream.\u201d<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve never understood its usage, even though I grew up with many friends and relatives who always added the s<\/em> at the end of anyway<\/em>. And, yes, it is fairly commonly heard in conversation. Do yourself a favor, though, and never<\/u> use it in your writing. In fact, promise me that you\u2019ll never use it under any circumstance.<\/p>\n

Any way<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When written as two words, any way is the adverbial form of by any means<\/em><\/strong> or in any manner<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u201cAny way<\/strong> you look at it, this is the best solution.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can call for an Uber, or we can take the subway, any way<\/strong> we get to the restaurant is fine by me.\u201d<\/p>\n

It isn\u2019t the same meaning as anyway<\/em>, so don\u2019t make the mistake of using them interchangeably.<\/p>\n

Anyhow<\/strong><\/h3>\n

I mention this adverb with some reluctance because its most common usage is as a synonym for anyway. It means anyway and is seldom used as a substitute. However, it can also be synonymous with haphazard and careless. It can be used to help support something you\u2019ve already said. This makes it superfluous, or unnecessary, in most instances.<\/p>\n

\u201cI stopped watching the game because the other team couldn\u2019t win anyhow<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI couldn\u2019t pass that test any way, anyhow<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n

Anyway, that\u2019s my view on the subject. Use this information any way you like. Unless you use anyways in a sentence, you can\u2019t go wrong anyhow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\"\"

As you probably know, Americans are very good at abusing the English language. We fall into habits of misapplying words when speaking and, if we do it often enough, the wrong word becomes part of common speech. This is called a colloquialism. The problem with some English colloquialisms, though, is that they can confuse anyone…<\/p>\n

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