Anyway...
A2
Everyday Phrase
Neutral
Very Common
Meaning
A word used to change the subject or return to the main topic.
When to use it
People say anyway to friends, family and colleagues when they want to move the conversation on. It is neutral and common in everyday speech. It is less suitable in formal writing, and it can sound rude if you use it to stop someone talking.
Example Sentence
Anyway, let's talk about something else.
Grammar & structure
Anyway, + a statement or question about a new topic or the main topic.
✓ Correct
Anyway, how was your weekend?
Anyway, we need to choose a birthday present.
Anyway, what time does our train leave?
✗ Incorrect
Let's anyway the subject.
An anyway, are you ready to order?
Anyway is one word, not a shortened sentence. A short pause after it is common. Say it gently so you don't sound impatient.
How to reply
Similar expressions
By the way,
This introduces another topic, often something you have just remembered. Anyway can also bring you back to the main topic.
Let's get back to...
This says more clearly that you want to return to an earlier topic.
Don't confuse it with
any way
— Any possible method of doing something.
Is there any way to fix my phone?
Common mistakes
✗ Can we anyway to the main topic?
✓ Anyway, can we return to the main topic?
Anyway is not a verb. Use a verb such as return to say what you want to do.
✗ Anyway of that, how was your trip?
✓ Anyway, how was your trip?
Don't add of that after anyway. Use anyway on its own before the new question.
Dialogue
Two friends are in a café, planning a picnic.
Maya
What should we take to the picnic?
Ben
Some sandwiches. This café makes really good ones.
Maya
Yes, and their cakes are great too.
Ben
I had the chocolate cake last week. It was lovely.
Maya
Anyway, who's bringing the drinks?
Ben
I can bring them.
Complete the conversation
1. A: Anyway, shall we order some food?
B: ___
2. A: We've talked a lot about the weather. Let's get back to our trip.
B: ___
Never forget "Anyway..." again
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