Anyway vs. However

Attribute	Anyway	However
Usage	Used to introduce a new topic or to add something to a conversation	Used to introduce a contrast or exception to a previous statement
Formality	Can be used in both formal and informal contexts	Generally used in more formal contexts
Position in sentence	Can be used at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence	Usually used at the beginning of a sentence
Meaning	Indicates that something will happen or be done regardless of other factors	Indicates a contrast or limitation to a previous statement

Introduction

When it comes to writing, choosing the right transitional words can make a significant difference in the clarity and flow of your sentences. Two commonly used transitional words are "anyway" and "however." While they may seem similar at first glance, they actually have distinct meanings and uses. In this article, we will compare the attributes of "anyway" and "however" to help you understand when and how to use each one effectively.

Meaning and Usage of Anyway

The word "anyway" is often used to indicate a change of topic or to introduce a new idea that is somewhat related to the previous one. It can also be used to indicate that the speaker is moving on from a previous point or is dismissing it as unimportant. For example, "I know we were supposed to meet at 3 pm, but anyway, let's talk about something else." In this sentence, "anyway" is used to transition to a new topic.

Another common use of "anyway" is to indicate that the speaker is continuing with their train of thought despite interruptions or distractions. For example, "I was going to go to the store, but it started raining. Anyway, I decided to stay home." In this sentence, "anyway" is used to show that the speaker is continuing with their story despite the rain.

Meaning and Usage of However

In contrast, the word "however" is used to show a contrast or contradiction between two ideas or clauses. It is often used to introduce a contrasting point or to indicate a shift in the direction of the argument. For example, "I wanted to go to the beach; however, it was too cold." In this sentence, "however" is used to show the contrast between the desire to go to the beach and the cold weather.

Another common use of "however" is to indicate a concession or limitation to a previous statement. For example, "I love chocolate; however, I am allergic to it." In this sentence, "however" is used to show that despite the speaker's love for chocolate, they are unable to eat it due to their allergy.

Comparison of Attributes

While both "anyway" and "however" are transitional words, they serve different purposes in a sentence. "Anyway" is used to transition to a new topic or to continue with a train of thought, while "however" is used to show a contrast or contradiction between ideas. Additionally, "anyway" is often used in informal speech or writing, while "however" is more commonly used in formal writing or academic papers.

• Anyway: used to change topics or dismiss previous points
• However: used to show contrast or contradiction

Furthermore, "anyway" is often used to indicate a casual or conversational tone, while "however" is used to add a level of formality or seriousness to a sentence. It is important to consider the tone and context of your writing when choosing between these two transitional words.

Examples of Usage

Let's look at some examples to further illustrate the differences between "anyway" and "however":

1. "I wanted to go for a run; however, it started raining." (showing contrast)

2. "I know we were supposed to meet at the cafe, but anyway, let's just grab lunch at home." (changing topics)

3. "I love dogs; however, I am allergic to them." (showing contradiction)

4. "I was going to study for the exam, but anyway, I'll just wing it." (dismissing previous plans)

Conclusion

In conclusion, "anyway" and "however" are both useful transitional words that can help improve the flow and clarity of your writing. By understanding the differences in their meanings and uses, you can choose the right word to effectively convey your ideas and arguments. Whether you are writing informally or formally, knowing when to use "anyway" or "however" can make a significant impact on the overall quality of your writing.