Have you ever been in a conversation where you suddenly remember something important and say, “by the way…”? This small phrase is one of the most common conversational bridges in English. It helps speakers smoothly introduce extra information without disrupting the main topic. However, relying on the same phrase repeatedly can make communication feel repetitive or less engaging. That’s where alternatives come in. Using different expressions for “by the way” not only improves your vocabulary but also makes your speech and writing more natural, expressive, and situation-appropriate. Whether you’re writing emails, speaking in meetings, or chatting casually, having a variety of transitions helps you sound more confident and fluent. In this article, you’ll discover 33 powerful and practical ways to say “by the way,” complete with meanings, tones, and real-life examples.
What Does “By the Way” Mean?
“By the way” is a transitional phrase used to introduce additional or unrelated information into a conversation. It usually signals that the speaker is shifting slightly away from the main topic to share something extra.
It carries a neutral, informal tone and is widely used in both spoken and written English. The phrase helps keep communication smooth and natural without sounding abrupt or disorganized.
When to Use It
You can use “by the way” in many situations, such as:
- Casual conversations: “By the way, did you see that movie?”
- Emails: “By the way, I’ve attached the updated file.”
- Meetings: “By the way, we also need to review the budget.”
- Storytelling: “By the way, that reminds me of something interesting.”
It is especially useful when adding extra details that are relevant but not central to the main topic.
Is It Polite or Professional?
“By the way” is generally polite and neutral, but it leans more toward informal communication. In professional or formal settings, it may sound slightly casual depending on context.
In business writing or formal speeches, softer or more structured alternatives like “additionally,” “incidentally,” or “on a related note” are often preferred. However, in emails or team discussions, “by the way” is perfectly acceptable when used appropriately.
33 Other Ways to Say “By the Way”
1. Incidentally
Meaning: Introducing a related but secondary point
Tone: Formal
Example: Incidentally, the report was updated yesterday.
Use when adding formal side information in professional writing.
2. As a side note
Meaning: A small additional comment
Tone: Neutral
Example: As a side note, the deadline has been extended.
Perfect for emails or reports.
3. On a related note
Meaning: Connecting to the current topic
Tone: Semi-formal
Example: On a related note, we should review last month’s results.
Use when the new idea is slightly connected.
4. Speaking of which
Meaning: Transitioning based on something just mentioned
Tone: Casual
Example: Speaking of which, did you call John?
Great for natural conversations.
5. That reminds me
Meaning: Triggering a related thought
Tone: Casual
Example: That reminds me, I need to send that email.
Used when something sparks memory.
6. While we’re at it
Meaning: Adding something relevant during discussion
Tone: Informal
Example: While we’re at it, let’s fix the formatting too.
Good for multitasking discussions.
7. Before I forget
Meaning: Sharing important info quickly
Tone: Casual/urgent
Example: Before I forget, the meeting is at 3 PM.
Used when urgency is involved.
8. Just so you know
Meaning: Providing useful information
Tone: Friendly
Example: Just so you know, the office will be closed tomorrow.
Ideal for helpful updates.
9. In other news
Meaning: Switching to a new topic
Tone: Casual
Example: In other news, the project was approved.
Good for topic shifts.
10. On another note
Meaning: Moving to a different point
Tone: Neutral
Example: On another note, we need more staff.
Common in meetings.
11. By the by
Meaning: Old-fashioned “by the way”
Tone: Informal/classic
Example: By the by, I saw your brother yesterday.
Used for stylistic variation.
12. As an aside
Meaning: Brief side comment
Tone: Formal
Example: As an aside, this strategy has worked before.
Used in presentations.
13. Incidentally speaking
Meaning: Formal transition to extra detail
Tone: Professional
Example: Incidentally speaking, results have improved.
Useful in reports.
14. To add
Meaning: Adding extra information
Tone: Neutral
Example: To add, we should consider costs.
Simple and direct.
15. Moreover
Meaning: Adding stronger supporting info
Tone: Formal
Example: Moreover, sales have increased.
Common in essays.
16. Furthermore
Meaning: Expanding on a point
Tone: Formal
Example: Furthermore, we need more data.
Academic tone.
17. Additionally
Meaning: Extra supporting detail
Tone: Professional
Example: Additionally, the team is expanding.
Very common in business writing.
18. Come to think of it
Meaning: Realizing something mid-conversation
Tone: Casual
Example: Come to think of it, she was right.
Used for reflection.
19. Actually
Meaning: Correcting or adding detail
Tone: Neutral
Example: Actually, the meeting is tomorrow.
Used for clarification.
20. In fact
Meaning: Emphasizing truth or detail
Tone: Formal
Example: In fact, the results improved significantly.
Adds emphasis.
21. As it happens
Meaning: Introducing relevant coincidence
Tone: Neutral
Example: As it happens, I met him yesterday.
Used in storytelling.
22. For your information
Meaning: Providing useful update
Tone: Formal
Example: For your information, the file is ready.
Used in professional emails.
23. Just a quick note
Meaning: Brief extra message
Tone: Friendly
Example: Just a quick note, the deadline changed.
Good for email writing.
24. As mentioned earlier
Meaning: Referring back
Tone: Formal
Example: As mentioned earlier, we will proceed.
Used in structured writing.
25. To note
Meaning: Highlighting important detail
Tone: Formal
Example: To note, prices may vary.
Used in documentation.
26. Not to change the subject, but
Meaning: Soft topic shift
Tone: Casual
Example: Not to change the subject, but dinner is ready.
Gentle transition.
27. If I may add
Meaning: Polite interruption
Tone: Formal/polite
Example: If I may add, we need more time.
Used in discussions.
28. On a different note
Meaning: Changing topic
Tone: Neutral
Example: On a different note, how was your trip?
Natural transition.
29. As a reminder
Meaning: Reiterating important info
Tone: Formal
Example: As a reminder, submit reports today.
Used in workplace.
30. Let me also mention
Meaning: Adding information
Tone: Neutral
Example: Let me also mention the deadline.
Good for explanations.
31. Worth noting
Meaning: Highlighting importance
Tone: Formal
Example: Worth noting, profits increased.
Used in analysis.
32. Just to mention
Meaning: Small additional detail
Tone: Friendly
Example: Just to mention, I’ll be late.
Casual and polite.
33. Oh, and
Meaning: Informal quick addition
Tone: Very casual
Example: Oh, and don’t forget the keys.
Used in everyday speech.
Conclusion
Expanding your vocabulary with alternatives to “by the way” can significantly improve the way you communicate. Instead of repeating the same phrase, you can now choose expressions that match your tone, context, and audience. Whether you’re writing a formal email or chatting casually, these 33 variations help your language feel more natural, fluent, and engaging. The key is to use them naturally and not overthink them. With practice, these phrases will become part of your everyday communication style, making your speech and writing more dynamic and expressive.
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