“I see. Well, thanks anyway.”

English Lesson: I see. Well, thanks anyway.

You're looking for a job. You see a "help wanted" sign in a restaurant and ask about applying for the job, but the hostess says the job has already been filled. This is your response.

I see. Well, thanks anyway.

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Well

There are several uses for the word "well". One important use is to show that you are ready to finish a conversation. The end of a conversation might go something like this:

A: Well, I look forward to working with you.

B: Yeah, me too.

A: See you around.

B: Bye.

Some other examples of "well" used to end a conversation are:

Well, it's nice to have you back.

OK. Well, it was a pleasure meeting you.

I see.

Say this when someone has explained something new to you and you've understood it. For example:

A: There are twenty different species of snakes living on this island.

B: I see.

You can especially use "I see" when some information disappoints you:

A: Can I get two tickets to see "Much Ado About Nothing?"

B: Sorry, sir, we're sold out.

A: Ah, I see.

Thanks anyway.

"Thanks" is a more casual way to say "thank you".

You say "thanks anyway" when:

  • you've asked someone for help or information
  • they tried to help you but it didn't work

For example, if you ask someone for directions but they've never heard of the place that you're looking for, you can say:

OK, thanks anyway.

"Thanks anyway" usually sounds polite.