Looking for fresh ways to say by the way?_ Whether you write emails, chat with friends, or craft content, swapping in vivid alternatives keeps your tone natural and engaging. This guide — 30 Other Ways to Say “by the way ” (With Examples) — gives you clear, original phrases, short story-style contexts, and practical examples + best uses so you can pick the perfect transition every time.
Another or Professional Way to Says “By The Way”
- Incidentally
- As an aside
- Speaking of which
- On a related note
- Before I forget
- While I’m thinking of it
- Just so you know
- For what it’s worth
- While we’re on the subject
- That reminds me
- On another note
- In passing
- Parenthetically
- Tangentially
- As a side note
- One more thing
- Quick note
- FYI (For your information)
- Just a heads-up
- It’s worth mentioning
- For the record
- Apropos of nothing
- Off the cuff
- To add to that
- Not to change the subject
- While I remember
- In case you were wondering
- By the by
- As a point of interest
- Before I go
1. Incidentally ( incidentally, by the way alternative)
I was proofreading the report when I noticed a small typo in the second paragraph. Incidentally, that same paragraph mentions an outdated link we should replace. The tiny detail didn’t derail the project, but mentioning it saved us a later round of edits. Using incidentally signals a casual add-on — useful when the extra info is relevant but not central. It’s polished without sounding formal.
Example: Incidentally, the link on page two leads to last year’s post.
Best use: Professional emails, blog edits, and polite conversational updates.
2. As an aside ( as an aside, side comment)
We were talking about weekend plans when I dropped a short personal note about a movie I loved. As an aside, I mentioned the soundtrack — it changed the whole conversation. Saying as an aside frames your remark as a brief, personal detour. It works well when you want to preserve the main thread while adding a small, relevant observation.
Example: As an aside, I really recommend the ending of that film.
Best use: Conversations, presentations, or storytelling where a gentle detour adds flavor.
3. Speaking of which ( speaking of which, that reminds me)
We’d been discussing summer plans when someone mentioned camping gear. Speaking of which, I remembered a great tent sale that morning. The phrase creates a bridge between topics — it ties what was just said to a related point you want to add. It sounds natural and spontaneous, perfect for conversational writing or dialogue.
Example: Speaking of which, there’s a 30% sale on tents this weekend.
Best use: Casual speech, blogs, and informal emails to link ideas smoothly.
4. On a related note ( on a related note, relatedly)
During the meeting we reviewed sales figures, then shifted to customer feedback. On a related note, I shared one recurring customer suggestion that could boost retention. This phrase signals a logical connection: the idea you’re adding ties into the main topic but branches into a slightly different angle. It’s ideal when you want to show thoughtfulness and relevance.
Example: On a related note, several users requested a dark-mode option.
Best use: Meetings, reports, and structured writing where cohesion matters.
5. Before I forget ( before I forget, don’t forget to mention)
We were wrapping up a call when I suddenly remembered to mention the meeting link for next week. Before I forget, I sent the invite. This expression gives your remark urgency and a friendly tone; it’s perfect for last-minute additions or reminders you don’t want to lose. People hear it as informal and human — great for close coworkers and friends.
Example: Before I forget, I’ll email the dinner reservation details.
Best use: Quick reminders in chats, calls, or texts.
6. While I’m thinking of it ( while I’m thinking of it, while it’s fresh)
We chatted about project milestones and then, while I’m thinking of it, I mentioned a person who can help with design. The phrase gently signals a fresh thought — something you don’t want to lose as the conversation moves on. It’s casual and approachable, making it great for conversational writing, personal notes, and instant messages.
Example: While I’m thinking of it, could you check the image sizes?
Best use: Chats and informal emails when adding an idea mid-conversation.
7. Just so you know ( just so you know, heads-up, FYI tone)
I pinged my teammate about the schedule change, then followed with, just so you know, the venue has limited parking. This phrase is friendly and non-demanding. It signals that the information is useful but not necessarily urgent. Use it to share context or small facts that help others plan or decide.
Example: Just so you know, the deadline moved to Friday.
Best use: Casual workplace updates, social chats, and customer notes.
8. For what it’s worth ( for what it’s worth, opinion preface)
We debated a design choice, and I offered my view: for what it’s worth, I think the simpler option will age better. This phrase signals modest opinion-giving — you’re offering value without insisting. It softens proposals and is ideal when you want to contribute respectfully. Use it to present subjective input while acknowledging other perspectives.
Example: For what it’s worth, I’d go with the navy logo version.
Best use: Team discussions, feedback, and gentle persuasion.
9. While we’re on the subject ( while we’re on the subject, since we’re discussing)
We were discussing the launch timeline when I added, while we’re on the subject, the PR brief still needs approval. This phrase keeps the flow anchored: you acknowledge the current topic and attach a relevant item. It’s slightly more formal than “by the way” and works well in meetings and structured conversations where staying on-topic matters.
Example: While we’re on the subject, has the press release been finalized?
Best use: Meetings, formal chats, and project coordination.
10. That reminds me ( that reminds me, reminder phrase)
We saw a picture from college, and that reminds me — I owe Sam a reply about the reunion. It’s a friendly trigger phrase that connects memory to present conversation. Use it when an immediate thought is activated by what someone else says. It sounds natural and is great for storytelling or casual exchanges.
Example: That reminds me — did you RSVP for the reunion?
Best use: Social conversations, narratives, and informal reminders.
11. On another note ( on another note, different angle)
We had been discussing budgets, and on another note, I suggested a team-building idea that wouldn’t cost much. The phrase signals a pivot: you’re shifting to a new but potentially related topic. It’s neutral and useful in both formal and informal settings when you want a clean transition.
Example: On another note, what about a volunteer day for the team?
Best use: Emails, meetings, and long-form writing to shift focus.
12. In passing ( in passing, briefly mentioned)
While reviewing the document, I in passing mentioned a possible logo tweak that might help scalability. This indicates a quick, not-fully-developed comment. Use it when your remark is brief and doesn’t require immediate discussion. It keeps things light and signals that the point can be revisited.
Example: I mentioned in passing that the header image could be smaller.
Best use: Casual notes, reviews, and side comments during conversations.
13. Parenthetically ( parenthetically, bracket remark)
The article explained the theory, and parenthetically, I added a small source note that won’t interrupt the flow. Parenthetically reads slightly formal and literary; it’s perfect for writing where you want to slip extra info into parentheses or as a small aside that supports the main idea.
Example: Parenthetically, the study involved 200 participants (see appendix).
Best use: Academic writing, polished articles, and formal reports.
14. Tangentially ( tangentially, slightly off-topic)
We debated product features and, tangentially, I brought up a competitor’s move that could influence our roadmap. The term flags a comment that’s not central but still relevant enough to mention. It’s slightly formal and works in analyses, strategy sessions, or any thoughtful exchange where nuance matters.
Example: Tangentially, the competitor just launched a loyalty program.
Best use: Strategy meetings, analytical pieces, and research notes.
15. As a side note ( as a side note, side remark)
I explained the main process and, as a side note, mentioned a shortcut that speeds things up. This phrase is warm and accessible, perfect for adding helpful tips without changing the main point. It’s a gentle way to inject value without demanding attention.
Example: As a side note, you can automate that step with a small script.
Best use: How-tos, walkthroughs, and friendly advice.
Also Read This: 30 Other Ways to Say “Moving Forward” (With Examples)
16. One more thing ( one more thing, addendum)
We were signing off when I remembered a tiny detail. One more thing — the client requested a PDF copy as well. The phrase signals a short addition you want included before closing. It feels conversational and polite, great for calls, emails, and quick updates.
Example: One more thing: please attach the client feedback file.
Best use: Final checks, closing remarks, and reminders.
17. Quick note ( quick note, short message)
I popped a quick note into the chat to say the meeting moved 15 minutes earlier. This phrase is concise and efficient. It tells the reader you’re keeping the message small and focused, which is perfect for busy recipients who prefer short, direct updates.
Example: Quick note: the webinar link is live now.
Best use: Chats, subject lines, and short announcements.
18. FYI (For your information) ( FYI, informational tag)
I forwarded the schedule and added FYI to flag it as background reading. FYI is direct and widely recognized; it signals non-actionable information that the recipient might find useful. Use it when you want to share facts without asking for immediate action.
Example: FYI, the vendor confirmed delivery for Tuesday.
Best use: Internal comms, emails, and reference materials.
19. Just a heads-up ( heads-up, warning phrase)
I messaged the team just a heads-up that the client might ask for changes. The phrase is friendly and slightly cautionary — it prepares people without causing alarm. Use it when you want to prompt awareness rather than action.
Example: Just a heads-up: the scope might expand next week.
Best use: Team chats, informal warnings, and soft alerts.
20. It’s worth mentioning ( it’s worth mentioning, notable point)
While drafting the post, it’s worth mentioning that customers liked the simpler layout more. This signals that the point could meaningfully influence decisions. It’s a good way to highlight an observation you believe deserves attention, without demanding immediate debate.
Example: It’s worth mentioning that users spent more time on simplified pages.
Best use: Reports, decision notes, and persuasive writing.
21. For the record ( for the record, official note)
We debated who suggested the idea, and I said, for the record, credit goes to Maya. This phrase is slightly formal and often used to set an official or unambiguous note. Use it when you want to document something clearly or assert a fact in discussions.
Example: For the record, I did send the invoice last Friday.
Best use: Meetings, legal-adjacent contexts, and formal threads.
22. Apropos of nothing ( apropos of nothing, unrelated comment)
We were in a serious conversation, then I chimed in, apropos of nothing, with a funny memory about travel. The phrase signals a deliberate shift to something light or unrelated. It’s playful and works in casual team channels or friendly chats when you want to interrupt tension with levity.
Example: Apropos of nothing, who remembers that road trip playlist?
Best use: Social chats and informal conversations to change tone.
23. Off the cuff ( off the cuff, spontaneous remark)
During the brainstorm, I suggested, off the cuff, a wild idea about a flash sale. The phrase implies spontaneity and casualness — a quick thought not fully baked. Use it to present creative sparks that invite exploration rather than immediate commitment.
Example: Off the cuff, what about a 24-hour mystery discount?
Best use: Brainstorms, creative sessions, and informal pitches.
24. To add to that ( to add to that, build on point)
My colleague proposed a timeline, and to add to that, I suggested integrating user testing earlier. The phrase signals contribution and teamwork. It’s collaborative and constructive, useful when you want to expand someone else’s point rather than contradict it.
Example: To add to that, let’s run two quick usability tests.
Best use: Team meetings, collaborative edits, and constructive feedback.
25. Not to change the subject ( not to change the subject, soften pivot)
We discussed metrics and I prefaced a small ask with, not to change the subject, but could we revisit branding? This phrase softens a pivot. It lets the listener know you respect the current thread while gently steering to a new point. Use it for polite topic shifts.
Example: Not to change the subject, but can we revisit the tagline?
Best use: Meetings and conversations when a respectful redirect is needed.
26. While I remember ( while I remember, memory prompt)
We were texting about recipes and while I remember, I gave the oven temperature for the cake. Similar to “before I forget,” this phrase cues that the thought is fresh and worth noting. It’s casual and commonly used in spoken and written chats to quickly share a detail.
Example: While I remember, preheat the oven to 350°F.
Best use: Casual instructions, reminders, and quick tips.
27. In case you were wondering ( in case you were wondering, anticipating question)
Someone asked about shipping times, so I replied in case you were wondering, the package usually takes three days. This phrase anticipates curiosity and preempts a question. It’s friendly and informative — great for FAQs, blog snippets, and helpful replies.
Example: In case you were wondering, refunds process within five business days.
Best use: Customer support, FAQs, and explanatory content.
28. By the by ( by the by, old-fashioned aside)
We were reminiscing and I said, by the by, a mutual friend had moved back to town. By the by is slightly old-fashioned and charming; it gives your remark a quaint tone. Use it to add personality or a vintage feel, especially in creative writing or warm personal messages.
Example: By the by, did you hear Sarah’s good news?
Best use: Personal notes, storytelling, and character dialogue.
29. As a point of interest ( point of interest, notable fact)
We reviewed the data and as a point of interest, conversion spiked after the new hero image went live. This phrasing flags a fact worth noting that might inform decisions. It sounds slightly formal and useful in analytical or informative content where you want readers to take note.
Example: As a point of interest, bounce rates dropped 12% last month.
Best use: Reports, analytics summaries, and educational writing.
30. Before I go ( before I go, parting note)
We were wrapping up a chat and I added, before I go, send me your availability for next week. This closing phrase is friendly and practical. It effectively introduces a final request or reminder and works well in voice calls, messages, and emails when you’re signing off.
Example: Before I go, can you confirm the final draft is ready?
Best use: Sign-offs, final reminders, and quick closing remarks.
Conclusion:
Using varied transitions keeps your writing and speech fresh, more precise, and better tailored to tone and context. The phrase “by the way” is useful, but the alternatives above — from incidentally to before I go — let you control formality, urgency, and personality. Choose the one that matches your audience: formal for reports, friendly for chats, playful for storytelling. Practice swapping different options in real messages; soon these alternatives will feel natural and boost your clarity and style.
FAQs
Q1: Should I use all these alternatives in one text?
No. Pick one that fits the tone and purpose of the sentence. Overusing transitional phrases can feel cluttered.
Q2: Which alternatives are best for formal writing?
Use options like incidentally, on a related note, for the record, or as a point of interest for formal or professional tones.
Q3: Which are best for casual conversation?
Phrases like before I forget, just a heads-up, that reminds me, and by the by work well in friendly chats.
Q 4: Can “by the way” sound rude or unprofessional?
Yes, “by the way” can sometimes sound dismissive or abrupt, especially in formal writing. In professional settings, replacing it with “additionally,” “for your information,” or “on a
Q 5: What are casual alternatives to “by the way” in conversation?
Casual alternatives to “by the way” include “oh, and,” “also,” “just so you know,” and “before I forget.” These phrases feel natural in everyday conversations and help introduce extra information smoothly.
Julianna Sanders is a creative contributor at QuickReplyz.com who enjoys making communication simple and stress-free. She writes practical replies, messages, and captions that users can instantly apply in real-life conversations. Her goal is to deliver helpful, easy-to-use content for everyone.
