What does anyway mean?
Word: Anyway
Part of Speech: Adverb
Meaning: Anyway means in any case. We use it when something happens even though there was a reason it might not, or to move on to a new point.
Sounds like: any way (two separate words meaning any method, as in 'You can draw it any way you like.')
How do you spell anyway?
Syllables: an - y - way
Tricky part: It is written as one word, and it starts with the a of any even though the start can sound like 'en'.
Watch out for: enyway, enyways
Memory tip: Think 'any way will do', then close the gap: anyway is one word, with no space.
Anyway in a sentence
Example 1: It was drizzling, but we played cricket anyway.
Example 2: I was not hungry, but I ate the cake anyway.
Example 3: Anyway, let us get back to the story about the tiger.
Fun Fact
Anyway began as two words, any and way, which were later joined into one. Some American speakers say anyways, but in British English the standard form is anyway.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Makeup
Choose the correctly spelt compound word:
a) anniway
b) aniway
c) anyway
d) annyway
Show answer
c) anyway. Any keeps its single n and its y when way is joined on.
Word Cookie
Find the misspelt word in the sentence:
Rohan felt tired, but he finished his homework anywey.
a) anywey
b) homework
c) tired
d) finished
Show answer
a) anywey. The second half of anyway is spelt like way, the road you take.
Mingle-Mangle
Form a meaningful word from the jumbled letters:
wyanya
a) anyway
b) anyawy
c) anwyay
d) aynway
Show answer
a) anyway. Two short words hide in these letters; put any before way.
Word Connection
Choose the synonym of the word:
anyway
a) anywhere
b) anyhow
c) anyone
d) always
Show answer
b) anyhow. Anyhow and anyway both mean in any case.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Sara says, 'The shop may be shut, but let us go anyway.' What does she mean?
a) We will go there another day.
b) We will go only if it is open.
c) We will not go there at all.
d) We will go even if it is shut.
Show answer
d) We will go even if it is shut.
2. In which sentence does the gap need two words, any way, and not anyway?
a) It rained, but we played ____.
b) ____, the shop was shut by then.
c) Is there ____ to open this jar?
d) She felt tired but kept going ____.
Show answer
c) Is there ____ to open this jar?
