Anyway vs. Any Way
The distinction is grammatical. “Anyway” is a closed adverb. In “any way,” “any” modifies the noun “way”; the phrase can often be paraphrased as “in any manner” or “by any method.”
Use one-word “anyway” for the adverb meaning regardless, in any case, or as a discourse marker. Use two-word “any way” when “way” remains a noun, such as “in any manner” or “by any method.”
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / context | Use | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| adverb meaning regardless / in any case | anyway | Use the closed adverb. |
| noun phrase meaning in any manner or by any method | any way | Keep the words separate. |
| “way” is visibly a noun with its own modifier or complement | any way | The noun-phrase structure controls the spacing. |
Quick tests
Decision test
Can the expression be paraphrased as “in any manner” or “by any method” while keeping “way” as a noun?
If yes: Use “any way.”
If no: If it is the adverb meaning regardless or in any case, use “anyway.”
Caveat: Use the substitution test as guidance, not as a claim that every literal noun phrase has the same syntax.
Examples
It was late, but we went anyway.
“Anyway” is the adverb meaning despite that.
Choose any way that keeps the data intact.
“Any” modifies the noun “way.”
Is there any way to simplify the form?
The two-word phrase is a noun phrase.
Further guidance
Core difference
Use the closed adverb.
Fast Test
Use “any way.” If it is the adverb meaning regardless or in any case, use “anyway.”
Usage Boundary
Use the substitution test as guidance, not as a claim that every literal noun phrase has the same syntax.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- anyway (opens in a new tab)Collins Dictionary · Collins usage guidance distinguishes one-word adverb anyway from two-word any way meaning in any manner.
- anyway (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Cambridge records anyway as an adverb with discourse and despite-that meanings, supporting the closed-form grammatical role.