- Used to signal a return to the main topic after a digression, or to move on to a different point, implying that the previous details are not the most important.
- Can also mean whatever the situation is or regardless of the preceding points.
- Anyway is generally more common and slightly more informal than In any case.
Explanation
Origin
- In any case: Implies whatever the case may be (referring to the preceding possibilities or digressions).
- Anyway: Derived from in any way, meaning regardless of the manner or in any event. Used as a discourse marker since Middle English.
- Both serve to dismiss preceding details as secondary and refocus the conversation.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- So yeah... (Very common casual transition)
- Aight, so... (Aight = alright. Urban/casual)
- But yeah... (Casual transition back)
Milder/Standard:
- Returning to the main subject...
- Moving on...
Situational Appropriateness
- Anyway is very common in informal and semi-formal speech.
- In any case is slightly more formal and common in writing, but also used in speech.
- Both are versatile.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Generally well understood. The key is recognizing its function as a transition marker, dismissing the preceding details as less critical to the next point.
Examples
- We could take the train or the bus, I'm not sure which is cheaper. In any case / Anyway, we need to leave by 10 AM.
- (After a long story about getting lost) Anyway / In any case, we finally arrived at the party around midnight.
- I might be busy later, or I might be free. Anyway / In any case, I'll call you.
Dialogue
Person A: ...and then she told me about her cousin's new dog, which is apparently some rare breed from Hungary, very fluffy, but hard to train... oh, sorry, I got sidetracked. Anyway, what were we originally talking about?
Person B: The budget meeting tomorrow.
Person A: Right! Anyway, we need to prepare the presentation slides.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Tried fixing the leaky faucet myself, failed miserably, plumber cost a fortune. Anyway, how's everyone else's Monday going? 😅
- Forum Post: There's debate about the best programming language for beginners. In any case, the most important thing is just to start coding! #LearnToCode
Response Patterns
- Listeners understand that the speaker is changing direction or concluding a tangent.
- They typically adjust their focus to the upcoming main point or new topic.
- May nod or say Okay, Right.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- The speaker continues with the main point or introduces the next topic.
- Listeners follow the new thread of the conversation.
Conversation Starter
- No. Used to manage the flow within an existing conversation.
Intonation
- Usually spoken with a slight pause after the phrase.
- The tone often signals a transition – sometimes a slight drop in pitch.
- Stress can be on Anyway or case. ANyway... / In any CASE...
Generation Differences
- Both are used across all age groups, though Anyway might be more frequent in younger speech.
Regional Variations
- Both are common in all major English-speaking regions. Anyways (with an 's') is common in informal North American English, though sometimes considered non-standard.