this way/ in this way

[Tedwonny]

I wrote:

Dear XXX,
I have not called you in this way. haha... ( E.g. Usually, I call her YYY but it's the first time I emailed him, so I called him XXX).

I think 'in this way' sounds most natural to me but then the song hit me - I want it this way.

Is the preposition 'in' necessary? this way can well function as an adverb on its own?

Thanks

 

[probus]

At least in AmE the preposition in is usually unnecessary. This way can and often does function as an adverb on its own.

Examples:

1) You can do it this way or that way. (Actually people would normally say You can do it either way, but the example still parses and is idiomatic.)

2) I refuse to respond at all. This way, nobody can accuse me of favouring one side or the other.