but anyhow

USAGE SUMMARY

'but anyhow' is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It is used to imply that a particular point or idea is not very important, and to move away from a particular topic and introduce a new subject. For example: I don't particularly like the color of the new curtains, but anyhow, how about we discuss our plans for the weekend?.

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

But anyhow, she's dead now.

The Guardian

But anyhow there'd be a reflection there.

Yale University

But anyhow, that's what they found.

Yale University

Don't know: but anyhow my shoulder's aching.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But anyhow, hold that number in mind the 20 milliseconds.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But anyhow, the bees then started paying attention to the nest boxes.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

The Rebbe: But... but... Anyhow, I have a very different reason for think that you are not alive.

Huffington Post

But welcome anyhow, Mr. President.

The Washington Post

The cheese was salty but delicious anyhow.

The New York Times

Tom Leppert, the mayor of Dallas, says that the city is less gung-ho than the county, but that anyhow much of America is polarised over immigration.

The Economist

But that would mean important works by great Scottish painters, such as Raeburn,  being left behind in London, not to mention the Elgin Marbles ("collected" by a Scottish nobleman but Greek anyhow).

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but anyhow" to smoothly transition between topics, signaling that the previous point is less important than the one you are about to introduce. It works best in informal writing or speech.

Common error

Avoid using "but anyhow" in formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports. Opt for more professional alternatives like "however" or "nevertheless" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but anyhow" functions as a transitional phrase, specifically a conjunction, used to introduce a shift in topic or to diminish the importance of a preceding statement. Ludwig AI considers it an acceptable phrase. The "but" indicates a contrast, while "anyhow" serves to move past the initial point.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

32%

Science

24%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but anyhow" serves as a transitional conjunction used to downplay a previous statement and shift the focus to a new topic. Although Ludwig AI considers it acceptable, its register leans towards informal usage. More formal alternatives, such as "however" or "nevertheless", are generally preferred in professional or academic writing. Predominantly found in news, academia and science contexts, "but anyhow" offers a way to smoothly redirect conversations, albeit with a casual tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anyway

Indicates a return to the main topic after a digression, or a dismissal of the preceding point.

in any case

Similar to "anyway", used to indicate that the previous point is not important or relevant.

at any rate

Indicates that what has been said before is not as important as what is about to be said.

however

A more formal way to introduce a contrasting statement or shift the topic.

that said

Introduces a contrasting point, similar to "but" but with a slightly more formal tone.

nevertheless

Implies a contrast despite what has just been said, similar to "but anyhow" in downplaying the previous point.

even so

Indicates that something is true despite a previous statement that might suggest otherwise.

regardless

Highlights that the following statement remains true despite what has been said before.

be that as it may

A more formal and emphatic way of saying "anyway" or "nevertheless".

still

Implies a continuation or persistence despite a contrast.

FAQs

What does "but anyhow" mean?

The phrase "but anyhow" is used to indicate a shift in topic or to downplay the importance of a previous statement. It's similar to saying "anyway" or "in any case".

Is it correct to use "but anyhow" in formal writing?

While grammatically acceptable, "but anyhow" is generally considered informal. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "however", "nevertheless", or "in any case".

What are some alternatives to "but anyhow"?

You can use alternatives like "anyway", "at any rate", or "regardless" depending on the context.

How can I use "but anyhow" in a sentence?

You might say, "I don't particularly like the new policy, but anyhow, let's focus on how we can make it work."