but anyway

USAGE SUMMARY

"but anyway" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
It is used to indicate that the speaker is going to move on to a different topic. Example: I wanted to go to the beach, but the forecast was for rain all day. But anyway, let's make plans for the weekend.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But anyway.

Cornell University

But anyway, they're gone.

Cornell University

But anyway, it's nonsense.

The New York Times

But anyway, I go on.

Cornell University

But, anyway: art.

The Guardian - Travel

But anyway there is choice.

The Economist

But, anyway, she didn't ask.

The New Yorker

But, anyway, we're done.

The Guardian - Travel

But anyway, I did very well academically.

Princeton University

But anyway, this is an ongoing debate.

University of California, Berkeley

But anyway, that's an aside.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone of your piece; "but anyway" is generally suitable for informal to neutral contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "but anyway" excessively in formal or academic papers as it can make your writing sound less professional. Opt for more sophisticated transitional phrases instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but anyway" primarily functions as a discourse marker. Based on Ludwig's examples, it serves to transition from one topic to another, often downplaying or dismissing the preceding statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

34%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"But anyway" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to transition to a new topic, often downplaying the importance of the preceding statement. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides numerous examples across various contexts, including news, academia, and informal conversation. While versatile, it is best suited for neutral to informal settings, with more formal alternatives available for professional or academic writing. Understanding its function and purpose ensures its effective use in written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anyway

Shorter and more direct, omitting "but" for a less formal feel.

in any case

Highlights that the following statement holds true irrespective of what was previously said.

with that said

Acknowledges the previous point before introducing a potentially contrasting one.

regardless

Emphasizes that the preceding information does not change the current point.

nonetheless

Similar to "regardless" but can also imply a contrast or concession.

be that as it may

More formal and literary, suitable for academic or sophisticated contexts.

getting back to the point

Redirects conversation to the main subject at hand.

moving on

Informal way to signal a shift to a new subject.

to return to the subject

Formal redirect.

so

Simple transition word to indicate a change in topic or direction.

FAQs

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

"But anyway" is typically used to signal a shift in topic or to brush aside a previous point. For example, "I wanted to go to the park, but it started raining. "But anyway", let's watch a movie."

What are some alternatives to "but anyway"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "in any case", "regardless", or "moving on" instead of "but anyway".

Is "but anyway" appropriate for formal writing?

"But anyway" is generally considered informal and may not be suitable for formal writing. In such cases, consider using more formal alternatives like "nevertheless" or "be that as it may".

Can "but anyway" be used at the beginning of a paragraph?

While possible, starting a paragraph with "but anyway" is less common. It's generally used within a paragraph to transition between ideas. Consider using a more formal transition phrase at the start of a paragraph if needed.