anyhoo

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "anyhoo" is a real and commonly used word in English and is used as a discourse marker to indicate a change in topic.
It is informal and should not be used in formal writing. Example: "I didn't have time to finish the project. Anyhoo, what did you think about the presentation?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

TV & Radio

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Wonder at your use of the word "anyhoo".

Independent

Anyhoo, the biggest problem is the non-arrival of the pie.

Independent

Anyhoo, I had two goals for this puzzle: 1) avoid stray O-P-S letter strings and 2) split OP/S across two words in all theme answers.

The New York Times

"Anyhoo, I followed the script of 'the frustrations ran high' bit, and that the next day it was if nothing ever happened," she wrote.

The New York Times

"Anyhoo," drawls Gray, as Kidman prepares to yank off her transvestite trucker wig and climb up aboard the Efron, "I think y'all have seen enough".

The Guardian - Film

Anyhoo, Mishra gets a life when he edges Bresnan along the ground, through the slips and away for four.

The Guardian - Sport

Anyhoo, Morrow is extremely dynamic up the left line while StevieB is our best crosser on the right.

The Guardian - Sport

Anyhoo, stick around on site for all the reports and reaction.

The Guardian - Sport

Anyhoo, Rachel went to the church where it turns out – who knew? – that musical values have improved massively since I last visited, but the possibility of her being groomed by Stamper lackeys remains real.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

It's too much!" "feelin' the love", "We've all been there", "She treads on your dreams, dude", "Not much to see here, folks", "Group hug!", "Anyhoo… I mean this as a diss to WS", "OK I'll get my coat", "Go figure", "done and dusted", "Is he on something?" "I love this guy", "Hey, it's a hobby", "So sue me", "does what it says on the tin".

The Guardian - Books

Anyhoo… Tonight, there is a lot of chatter about how Palin complements McCain and how she's ready to be "one heartbeat away" from the presidency.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "anyhoo" sparingly in writing to maintain a casual, conversational tone. Overuse can make your writing seem flippant or unprofessional.

Common error

Avoid using "anyhoo" in formal writing or professional communication. It is best suited for informal settings and conversations with friends or family.

Linguistic Context

"Anyhoo" functions as a discourse marker, signaling a shift in topic, a return to a previous subject, or a dismissal of a previous point. Ludwig's examples show it introducing new ideas after a digression, or downplaying prior statements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Sport

29%

TV & Radio

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Anyhoo" is an informal adverb used as a discourse marker to signal a shift in topic or a return to the main point. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness but advises against its use in formal contexts. It is common in news, sports, and TV/radio, but unsuitable for academic or professional settings. Alternatives like "anyway" or "so" may be more appropriate in certain situations. Remember to use it sparingly to maintain a conversational tone without appearing unprofessional.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anyway

A standard and slightly more formal alternative that indicates a shift in topic or a return to a previous one.

anyhow

Almost interchangeable with "anyhoo", though it may sound slightly less colloquial to some speakers.

so

A brief way to introduce a new topic or summarize previous points, often used in casual conversation.

moving on

A more direct way to signal a transition to a different subject, implying a desire to leave the current topic behind.

in any case

Similar in use, but usually referring to going back to the main subject matter or to the most important consideration.

at any rate

Used to indicate that the previous statement does not affect the main point being made.

regardless

Indicates that something is true or will happen whether something else happens or not.

be that as it may

A more formal expression indicating acceptance of a previous statement while introducing a contrasting idea.

with that said

Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or qualifies something that has just been said.

let's move on

Explicitly signals a change of topic, often used when the current topic is undesirable or exhausted.

FAQs

How can I use "anyhoo" in a sentence?

"Anyhoo" is often used at the beginning of a sentence to change the subject or to return to the main topic. For example, "I was going to say something else, but "anyhoo", what did you think of the movie?"

What is the difference between "anyhoo" and "anyway"?

While both can be used to change the topic, "anyhoo" is considered more informal and playful than "anyway", which is more widely acceptable in various contexts.

Are there situations where I shouldn't use "anyhoo"?

Yes, avoid using "anyhoo" in formal writing, business correspondence, or academic papers. It's best reserved for casual conversations or informal writing where a relaxed tone is appropriate.

What are some other informal ways to change the subject besides "anyhoo"?

Alternatives include phrases like "so", "anyhow", or simply transitioning with a new topic without a specific introductory phrase. The best choice depends on the context and desired level of informality.