Introduction
The phrase “by the way” is commonly used in everyday conversation and writing to introduce additional information, a side note, or a casual transition. While it’s friendly and familiar, overusing it—especially in professional emails or formal writing can make your communication sound informal or unpolished. Choosing suitable alternatives helps you sound more intentional, articulate, and context-aware. Whether you’re adding an afterthought in a meeting, inserting extra information in an email, or shifting topics smoothly in conversation, the right phrase can enhance clarity and tone.
What Does “By the Way” Mean?
“By the way” is a discourse marker used to introduce extra information, a side comment, or a topic shift that may not be directly related to the main point.
It often signals an aside, reminder, or afterthought in conversation or writing.
When to Use It
You can use “by the way” or its alternatives when:
- Adding supplementary information
- Changing topics casually
- Including reminders or updates
- Making conversational transitions
Examples:
- By the way, the meeting has been moved to Friday.
- By the way, I loved your presentation.
Is It Polite or Professional?
“By the way” is polite but informal.
In professional or written communication, more refined alternatives often sound clearer, smoother, and more intentional.
35+ Other Ways to Say “By the Way”
1. Incidentally
Meaning: Introducing a related aside
Tone: Professional
Example: Incidentally, the deadline has been extended.
Explanation: Formal and polished.
Purpose: Business writing.
2. As a side note
Meaning: Additional information
Tone: Professional
Example: As a side note, the files have been updated.
Explanation: Clear and structured.
Purpose: Emails and reports.
3. Just so you know
Meaning: Informative aside
Tone: Casual-professional
Example: Just so you know, the system will be down tonight.
Explanation: Friendly and informative.
Purpose: Team communication.
4. On a related note
Meaning: Connected additional point
Tone: Professional
Example: On a related note, we’ll review the budget tomorrow.
Explanation: Logical transition.
Purpose: Meetings and writing.
5. That reminds me
Meaning: Triggered thought
Tone: Casual
Example: That reminds me—I need to send you the document.
Explanation: Conversational and natural.
Purpose: Informal conversations.
6. As an aside
Meaning: Brief detour
Tone: Formal-professional
Example: As an aside, the figures have been double-checked.
Explanation: Elegant and concise.
Purpose: Written communication.
7. While we’re on the topic
Meaning: Topic extension
Tone: Professional
Example: While we’re on the topic, let’s discuss timelines.
Explanation: Smooth transition.
Purpose: Meetings.
8. Speaking of which
Meaning: Natural topic shift
Tone: Friendly
Example: Speaking of which, have you seen the update?
Explanation: Conversational connector.
Purpose: Informal discussions.
9. For what it’s worth
Meaning: Optional input
Tone: Casual-professional
Example: For what it’s worth, I think the idea has potential.
Explanation: Softens opinions.
Purpose: Feedback.
10. As a quick note
Meaning: Brief addition
Tone: Professional
Example: As a quick note, the office will close early.
Explanation: Efficient and clear.
Purpose: Email updates.
11. By the way, just to add
Meaning: Additional clarification
Tone: Casual-professional
Example: Just to add, the client has approved the plan.
Explanation: Smooth extension.
Purpose: Conversations.
12. For your information
Meaning: Informational aside
Tone: Formal
Example: For your information, the report is finalized.
Explanation: Direct and formal.
Purpose: Business emails.
13. As an extra point
Meaning: Supplementary detail
Tone: Professional
Example: As an extra point, we’ll need final approval.
Explanation: Structured and logical.
Purpose: Reports.
14. Not to digress, but
Meaning: Minor topic shift
Tone: Casual
Example: Not to digress, but the timing may change.
Explanation: Acknowledges shift.
Purpose: Conversations.
15. One more thing
Meaning: Final addition
Tone: Friendly-professional
Example: One more thing—the files are attached.
Explanation: Clear and friendly.
Purpose: Emails.
16. Just to mention
Meaning: Brief note
Tone: Professional
Example: Just to mention, the meeting link has changed.
Explanation: Polite and concise.
Purpose: Notifications.
17. As a reminder
Meaning: Gentle prompt
Tone: Professional
Example: As a reminder, submissions are due Friday.
Explanation: Courteous and helpful.
Purpose: Work communication.
18. While I’m thinking of it
Meaning: Spontaneous addition
Tone: Casual
Example: While I’m thinking of it, let’s reschedule.
Explanation: Informal and natural.
Purpose: Conversation.
19. On another note
Meaning: Topic change
Tone: Professional
Example: On another note, we should review the proposal.
Explanation: Clear transition.
Purpose: Meetings.
20. Just to flag
Meaning: Highlighting information
Tone: Professional
Example: Just to flag, the deadline has shifted.
Explanation: Business-friendly phrasing.
Purpose: Corporate communication.
21. As an update
Meaning: New information
Tone: Professional
Example: As an update, the issue has been resolved.
Explanation: Informative and direct.
Purpose: Status reports.
22. For reference
Meaning: Supporting info
Tone: Formal
Example: For reference, the document is attached.
Explanation: Clear and factual.
Purpose: Written communication.
23. To add to that
Meaning: Building on a point
Tone: Professional
Example: To add to that, we’ll need approval.
Explanation: Logical continuation.
Purpose: Discussions.
24. Just a heads-up
Meaning: Advance notice
Tone: Casual-professional
Example: Just a heads-up—the system may lag.
Explanation: Friendly warning.
Purpose: Team updates.
25. As a quick reminder
Meaning: Polite prompt
Tone: Professional
Example: As a quick reminder, the form is due today.
Explanation: Gentle and clear.
Purpose: Emails.
26. On that note
Meaning: Topic connector
Tone: Professional
Example: On that note, let’s move forward.
Explanation: Smooth transition.
Purpose: Presentations.
27. Just to clarify
Meaning: Added clarity
Tone: Professional
Example: Just to clarify, the deadline remains unchanged.
Explanation: Prevents confusion.
Purpose: Workplace communication.
28. As a follow-up
Meaning: Continued information
Tone: Professional
Example: As a follow-up, here are the details.
Explanation: Logical continuation.
Purpose: Emails.
29. While we’re here
Meaning: Opportunistic addition
Tone: Casual-professional
Example: While we’re here, let’s address this issue.
Explanation: Efficient phrasing.
Purpose: Meetings.
30. As an added point
Meaning: Extra information
Tone: Professional
Example: As an added point, training will be provided.
Explanation: Structured and clear.
Purpose: Reports.
31. Just to let you know
Meaning: Informative aside
Tone: Friendly-professional
Example: Just to let you know, the task is complete.
Explanation: Polite and reassuring.
Purpose: Updates.
32. Notably
Meaning: Highlighted detail
Tone: Formal
Example: Notably, performance has improved.
Explanation: Emphasizes importance.
Purpose: Analytical writing.
33. Worth mentioning
Meaning: Relevant aside
Tone: Professional
Example: Worth mentioning, the budget was approved.
Explanation: Natural and smooth.
Purpose: Business writing.
34. As an FYI
Meaning: Informational note
Tone: Casual-professional
Example: As an FYI, the office will be closed.
Explanation: Informal but common.
Purpose: Internal emails.
35. One last thing
Meaning: Final afterthought
Tone: Friendly
Example: One last thing—thanks for your help.
Explanation: Warm closing phrase.
Purpose: Conversations and emails.
36. Just to add
Meaning: Supplemental point
Tone: Professional
Example: Just to add, the proposal is finalized.
Explanation: Simple and clear.
Purpose: Professional writing.
Conclusion
“By the way” is useful, but relying on it too often can limit the clarity and tone of your communication. These 36 alternatives allow you to introduce extra information, shift topics, or add reminders in a more polished and intentional way. Whether you’re writing emails, speaking in meetings, or having casual conversations, choosing the right phrase helps your message sound thoughtful and professional. Experiment with these options to keep your communication smooth, engaging, and context-appropriate.
