en todo caso
Lemma Details
Translation: in any case; anyway; at any rate; nevertheless; regardless
Part of Speech: adverbial phrase
Etymology: This Spanish adverbial phrase combines 'en' (in), 'todo' (all/every), and 'caso' (case). 'Caso' derives from Latin 'casus' meaning 'fall, chance, occurrence' (same root as English 'case'). The expression literally means 'in every case' but functions similarly to English 'in any case' to indicate that something applies regardless of circumstances.
Commonality: 85%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
No sé si vendrá o no, pero en todo caso, nosotros seguiremos con la fiesta.
I don't know if he'll come or not, but in any case, we'll continue with the party.
En todo caso, deberíamos tener un plan alternativo.
In any case, we should have an alternative plan.
No me gusta mucho ese restaurante, pero en todo caso, iré contigo.
I don't really like that restaurant, but anyway, I'll go with you.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'todo' (all) + 'caso' (case) = covering all cases or possibilities
- Visualize a person shrugging and saying 'anyway' to remember this is used to move past objections
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is widely used in both formal and informal Spanish communication. It's a common transitional phrase in arguments, discussions, and explanations to indicate that what follows is valid regardless of previous points.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'En todo caso' means 'in any case/anyway' (regardless of circumstances), while 'en cada caso' means 'in each case' (referring to individual instances).
Confused word:
En cada caso, debemos analizar las circunstancias específicas.
In each case, we must analyze the specific circumstances.
Notes: 'En todo caso' dismisses previous conditions, while 'en cada caso' emphasizes examining individual situations.
Mnemonic: 'Todo' (all) suggests generality, while 'cada' (each) suggests individuality.
Explanation: 'En todo caso' applies regardless of circumstances, while 'en ese caso' (in that case) refers specifically to a previously mentioned condition.
Confused word:
Si llueve, en ese caso cancelaremos el picnic.
If it rains, in that case we'll cancel the picnic.
Notes: 'En todo caso' is more general and conclusive, while 'en ese caso' is conditional and specific.
Mnemonic: 'Todo' covers all possibilities; 'ese' points to one specific scenario.