“By the way” is one of those small English phrases that does a lot of work. We use it to add extra information, change the topic slightly, or mention something we almost forgot. It sounds natural, friendly, and effortless, which is why it appears so often in everyday conversations, emails, and even professional discussions.
However, using “by the way” repeatedly can make your speech or writing feel repetitive or informal in situations where a different tone is needed. In professional emails, academic writing, or polished conversations, choosing the right alternative can make you sound clearer, more confident, and more fluent.
This guide gives you 27+ natural, human-sounding alternatives to “by the way”, explained clearly with meanings, usage tips, and examples. These alternatives help you adapt your tone whether you are speaking casually, writing formally, or communicating at work.
When Should You Use These Alternatives?
Use alternatives to “by the way” when:
- You want to add extra information smoothly without interrupting the flow
- You need a more professional or formal tone in emails or meetings
- You are transitioning to a related point in writing or speech
- You want to sound more fluent and less repetitive
- You are writing academic, business, or polished content
- You want your message to feel clear and intentional
⚠️ Avoid using these alternatives when:
- The situation requires emotional sensitivity rather than extra information
- Adding the detail would distract from an urgent or serious point
27+ Other Ways to Say “By the Way”
1. “Incidentally”
Meaning:
Used to introduce additional or slightly unrelated information.
Usage:
Common in written English and semi-formal speech.
Tip:
Sounds more polished than “by the way.”
Examples:
Incidentally, the meeting time has changed.
She’s very experienced and, incidentally, speaks three languages.
Incidentally, I ran into your colleague yesterday.
This software is free and incidentally very easy to use.
2. “As a side note”
Meaning:
Introduces extra information that is not the main point.
Usage:
Emails, presentations, and explanations.
Tip:
Great for professional or academic contexts.
Examples:
As a side note, the deadline was extended.
This approach works well; as a side note, it saves time too.
As a side note, you might want to review the policy.
The project is approved and, as a side note, fully funded.
3. “Just so you know”
Meaning:
Used to give someone helpful or important information.
Usage:
Casual to semi-formal conversations.
Tip:
Sounds friendly and informative.
Examples:
Just so you know, the office will be closed tomorrow.
Just so you know, I’ve already submitted the report.
The train is delayed, just so you know.
Just so you know, your request has been approved.
4. “For your information”
Meaning:
Used to formally provide information.
Usage:
Professional emails and workplace communication.
Tip:
More formal and direct.
Examples:
For your information, the policy has been updated.
The event is canceled, for your information.
For your information, the files are attached below.
For your information, this change is effective immediately.
5. “That reminds me”
Meaning:
Used when something triggers a related thought.
Usage:
Casual conversations.
Tip:
Sounds natural and conversational.
Examples:
That reminds me, I need to call her later.
That reminds me, have you finished the assignment?
Your comment reminds me, we should schedule a meeting.
That reminds me, don’t forget your ID.
6. “On another note”
Meaning:
Introduces a new or slightly different topic.
Usage:
Emails, meetings, presentations.
Tip:
Neutral and professional.
Examples:
On another note, we need to discuss the budget.
The plan looks good; on another note, the timeline needs review.
On another note, congratulations on your promotion.
On another note, tomorrow’s meeting is optional.
7. “Speaking of which”
Meaning:
Connects the current topic to a related idea.
Usage:
Casual and semi-formal speech.
Tip:
Best used when topics are clearly connected.
Examples:
We’re discussing travel; speaking of which, have you booked flights?
She mentioned deadlines, speaking of which, ours is Friday.
The movie was great and speaking of which, the sequel is out.
He talked about health, speaking of which, take care of yourself.
8. “By the way” (Formal variation: “I should mention”)
Meaning:
Introduces extra information politely.
Usage:
Professional and written communication.
Tip:
Very useful in emails.
Examples:
I should mention that the files were updated.
Before we proceed, I should mention one concern.
I should mention that she’ll be joining us later.
I should mention this change affects everyone.
9. “While we’re on the topic”
Meaning:
Adds related information without changing topics.
Usage:
Meetings, discussions.
Tip:
Keeps conversation organized.
Examples:
While we’re on the topic, let’s review the budget.
While we’re on the topic, I have a suggestion.
We’re discussing goals; while we’re on the topic, timelines matter.
While we’re on the topic, feedback is welcome.
10. “Before I forget”
Meaning:
Introduces something important you almost missed.
Usage:
Casual and professional contexts.
Tip:
Great for reminders.
Examples:
Before I forget, please sign the form.
Before I forget, the meeting starts earlier tomorrow.
I like your idea and before I forget, thank you for helping.
Before I forget, your keys are on the desk.
11. “One more thing”
Meaning:
Adds final or extra information.
Usage:
Emails, conversations.
Tip:
Use near the end of a message.
Examples:
One more thing, the deadline is Friday.
Before you go, one more thing to discuss.
One more thing, I appreciate your support.
Just one more thing, please review the attachment.
12. “Additionally”
Meaning:
Adds extra information formally.
Usage:
Academic and business writing.
Tip:
Avoid in very casual speech.
Examples:
Additionally, the cost includes maintenance.
Additionally, all staff must attend training.
The plan is effective and additionally affordable.
Additionally, feedback will be collected monthly.
13. “Also”
Meaning:
Adds simple extra information.
Usage:
All contexts.
Tip:
Very common but still useful.
Examples:
Also, don’t forget to reply.
She’s skilled and also very reliable.
Also, the store opens at nine.
I’ll join the call and also send notes.
14. “By the way” (Creative alternative: “Quick note”)
Meaning:
Adds short, extra information.
Usage:
Emails and messages.
Tip:
Friendly and modern.
Examples:
Quick note, the file has been updated.
Quick note, I’ll be late today.
Quick note, thanks for your help.
Quick note, the link works now.
15. “Worth mentioning”
Meaning:
Highlights useful extra information.
Usage:
Professional or informative contexts.
Tip:
Adds value to your point.
Examples:
It’s worth mentioning that prices may change.
Worth mentioning, this feature saves time.
The plan is solid and worth mentioning flexible.
Worth mentioning, support is available 24/7.
16. “Just to add”
Meaning:
Adds supporting information.
Usage:
Meetings and discussions.
Tip:
Soft and polite.
Examples:
Just to add, the report is almost done.
I agree and just to add, the timing matters.
Just to add, we’ve tested this already.
Just to add, everyone approved the plan.
17. “As an aside”
Meaning:
Introduces a brief side comment.
Usage:
Writing and thoughtful speech.
Tip:
Sounds intelligent and refined.
Examples:
As an aside, the data was verified.
She’s leading the team and as an aside, mentoring juniors.
As an aside, the results were impressive.
The design works and as an aside, looks modern.
18. “Let me add”
Meaning:
Introduces additional input.
Usage:
Meetings and discussions.
Tip:
Confident and clear.
Examples:
Let me add one more detail.
Let me add that the proposal was approved.
I agree and let me add, timing is key.
Let me add, we’ve addressed the issue.
19. “Not to mention”
Meaning:
Adds emphasis to an extra point.
Usage:
Casual to semi-formal.
Tip:
Good for highlighting benefits.
Examples:
It’s affordable, not to mention reliable.
She’s experienced, not to mention very creative.
The tool is fast, not to mention free.
The plan saves time, not to mention money.
20. “In addition”
Meaning:
Adds extra formal information.
Usage:
Academic and professional writing.
Tip:
Often followed by a comma.
Examples:
In addition, staff must complete training.
The system is secure; in addition, it’s scalable.
In addition, customer support is available.
In addition, the service includes updates.
21. “By the way” (Email-friendly: “Just a heads-up”)
Meaning:
Gives advance or helpful information.
Usage:
Casual professional emails.
Tip:
Friendly but clear.
Examples:
Just a heads-up, the meeting moved to Friday.
Just a heads-up, I’ll be offline later.
Just a heads-up, the system may be slow.
Just a heads-up, changes are coming.
22. “For what it’s worth”
Meaning:
Adds a personal or extra opinion.
Usage:
Discussions and advice.
Tip:
Use when sharing perspective.
Examples:
For what it’s worth, I think it’s a good idea.
For what it’s worth, the old system worked fine.
For what it’s worth, feedback was positive.
For what it’s worth, I’d recommend waiting.
23. “Just between us”
Meaning:
Introduces private information.
Usage:
Casual, personal conversations.
Tip:
Avoid in formal settings.
Examples:
Just between us, she’s planning a change.
Just between us, the deal is almost done.
Just between us, I’m nervous about it.
Just between us, they’re hiring soon.
24. “By the way” (Neutral: “I’d like to note”)
Meaning:
Formally introduces extra information.
Usage:
Professional writing.
Tip:
Very formal tone.
Examples:
I’d like to note that deadlines remain unchanged.
I’d like to note the improvement in results.
I’d like to note this applies to all departments.
I’d like to note compliance is required.
25. “Before we move on”
Meaning:
Adds information before changing topics.
Usage:
Meetings and presentations.
Tip:
Keeps discussions structured.
Examples:
Before we move on, any questions?
Before we move on, let’s confirm the dates.
Before we move on, I’d like to clarify something.
Before we move on, thank you for your input.
26. “Just a quick reminder”
Meaning:
Gives brief additional information.
Usage:
Emails and messages.
Tip:
Polite and practical.
Examples:
Just a quick reminder, the deadline is tomorrow.
Just a quick reminder, please submit your form.
Just a quick reminder, the office closes early.
Just a quick reminder, feedback is due.
27. “As a quick addition”
Meaning:
Adds concise extra information.
Usage:
Professional writing.
Tip:
Clear and efficient.
Examples:
As a quick addition, the budget was approved.
As a quick addition, training starts Monday.
As a quick addition, updates are ongoing.
As a quick addition, support is available.
Bonus Section: Short and Polite Alternatives
- “Quick update…”
- “Just to flag…”
- “Small note here…”
- “One last detail…”
- “Friendly reminder…”
Final Writing Tips
- Match the phrase to the formality of the situation
- Use formal alternatives in emails, reports, and meetings
- Choose casual options for friendly conversations
- Avoid adding unnecessary details that distract
- Keep transitions clear and intentional
- Practice different alternatives to sound more fluent
- When in doubt, choose clarity over creativity
Discover More Articles
27+ Other Ways to Say “Many Thanks” (With Examples & Usage Tips)
27+ Other Ways to Say “I Don’t Care”
25+ Other Ways to Say “I Understand Your Point of View”
I’m the admin behind this site, with strong expertise in English grammar and professional writing. I focus on clarity, structure, and precise language usage to ensure every article is polished, practical, and easy to understand for students, professionals, and everyday readers.
