anyway in case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "anyway in case" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used when trying to convey a sense of disregard for a previous statement while still addressing a potential situation. Example: "I know you said you won't be attending, but anyway in case you change your mind, the event starts at 7 PM."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

But she threw all her shopping away anyway, in case it was contaminated.

Independent

Anyway, in case the first period wasn't enough, it got sillier after that.

The Guardian - Sport

But, anyway, in case those facts that did make it into our interactive have piqued your curiosity, here they are, explained, in all their detailed glory.

The Guardian - Film

Anyway, in case you can't tell, I really liked the movie — and since I'm both a confirmed anti-superhero filmgoer and someone who preferred Tim Burton's Batman movies to the good-but-overpraised "Dark Knight," that's saying something.

The New York Times

Although he almost certainly must turn them down, Mr. Picard has encouraged them to file claims anyway in case the courts side with them after the ironclad filing deadline has passed.

The New York Times

Since tags are not frequency selective, some type of time scheduling of the readers would need to be done anyway in case of deployment with multiple readers.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Anyways, in case your phone can't handle a dip in the pool, a 10-story drop, a fit of rage as the Sox lose (Yankees lost, so it's ok), or an open flame then check out the Casio G'zOne.

TechCrunch

Anyways, in case you're new at this, each month I review all the silly books I get in the mail and order them, best to worst.

Vice

She decided to go along anyway, just in case.

The Guardian

Never mind: we watched it anyway, just in case.

The Guardian

No shooting would be required, but we'd put silencers on our pistols anyway, just in case.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "anyway in case" to indicate that you are proceeding with a course of action regardless of a potential future event, but still want to be prepared for that event. For instance: "I don't think it will rain, but I'm taking an umbrella anyway in case."

Common error

While "anyway in case" is acceptable in informal contexts, avoid using it in formal writing. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "nevertheless, should it occur" or "in any event, in the event that" for greater clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "anyway in case" functions as a conjunction phrase, linking two related but contrasting ideas: an action being taken or a decision being made anyway, and a contingency being prepared for in case it arises. Ludwig indicates that while common, the expression isn't always considered strictly grammatical.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

19%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Anyway in case" is a conjunction phrase used to express a sense of precaution or preparation despite proceeding with a primary plan. While Ludwig indicates its acceptability in informal and neutral contexts, it's not considered strictly grammatically correct for formal writing. Usage patterns show it’s most common in News & Media, Wiki, and Science. Given this, careful writers may consider more precise alternatives in academic or professional settings. The phrase suggests a 'just in case' approach, acknowledging a potential need even if the main action doesn't depend on it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at any rate, just in case

Similar to the original phrase, but uses 'at any rate' to emphasize moving forward.

regardless, if it happens

Emphasizes proceeding despite a possibility, using 'regardless' to highlight the initial plan's potential irrelevance.

in any event, in the event that

Offers a more formal alternative to express contingency, suitable for business or official communications.

nevertheless, should it occur

A more formal way to express contingency, using 'nevertheless' to contrast with a prior condition.

nonetheless, if by any chance

Indicates proceeding despite obstacles, with an expression to account for an unlikely event.

even so, on the off chance

Suggests proceeding despite doubts, acknowledging a small possibility with 'on the off chance'.

irrespective, if the need arises

Highlights a decision to continue regardless of circumstances, with a conditional clause.

despite everything, if it turns out

Highlights a sense of moving forward in spite of other factors, with a conditional clause.

all the same, just supposing

Implies doing something regardless, while still allowing for a potential condition to arise.

be that as it may, should the situation arise

A formal and somewhat archaic way to express contingency, suitable for sophisticated contexts.

FAQs

What does "anyway in case" mean?

The phrase "anyway in case" suggests that something is being done or considered as a precaution, even though it might not be necessary or expected. It indicates a 'just in case' scenario where you're preparing for a possibility despite doubts or different intentions.

Is "anyway in case" grammatically correct?

While commonly used, "anyway in case" isn't considered strictly grammatically correct in formal writing. However, it's acceptable in informal contexts. More formal alternatives might be preferred for academic or professional settings.

What can I say instead of "anyway in case"?

You can use alternatives like "regardless, if it happens", "nevertheless, should it occur", or "at any rate, just in case" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

When should I use "anyway in case"?

Use "anyway in case" when you want to convey that you are proceeding with something regardless of a potential condition, but still want to be prepared for that condition. It is suitable for informal communications and everyday conversations.