The phrase “by the way” is one of the most common expressions in everyday English. We use it to introduce extra information, add a side note, or smoothly change topics in conversation. While it’s useful, repeating it too often can make your speech or writing sound basic, informal, or repetitive.
That’s why learning alternative ways to say “by the way” is important—especially for students, professionals, and ESL learners who want to sound more natural, confident, and fluent.
In this article, you’ll discover 33+ other ways to say “by the way”, explained with meaning, usage, helpful tips, and clear examples. These alternatives work perfectly in casual chats, emails, presentations, and formal writing, helping you communicate smoothly without sounding awkward or robotic.
When Should You Use These Alternatives?
Use alternatives to “by the way” when:
- You want to add extra or related information
- You’re changing topics smoothly
- You want to sound more professional or polite
- You’re writing emails, essays, or reports
- You want to avoid repeating the same phrase
⚠️ Avoid overly casual alternatives in academic or professional writing unless the context allows it.
33+ Other Ways to Say “By the Way”
1. Incidentally
- Meaning: Used to add extra information.
- Usage: Formal or neutral conversations.
- Tip: Works well in writing.
- Example: Incidentally, the meeting has been moved to Friday.
2. Speaking of which
- Meaning: Refers to something related to what was just said.
- Usage: Casual and semi-formal speech.
- Tip: Use when topics are connected.
- Example: Speaking of which, have you finished the report?
3. On a related note
- Meaning: Introduces connected information.
- Usage: Professional or academic writing.
- Tip: Sounds polished and clear.
- Example: On a related note, we’ll need approval from HR.
4. As a side note
- Meaning: Adds minor but relevant information.
- Usage: Informal to neutral.
- Tip: Best for less important details.
- Example: As a side note, parking is free on weekends.
5. By the way, just so you know
- Meaning: Gently introduces extra info.
- Usage: Friendly conversations.
- Tip: Polite and reassuring.
- Example: Just so you know, the store closes early today.
6. While we’re on the subject
- Meaning: Stays within the same topic.
- Usage: Conversations and meetings.
- Tip: Avoid sudden topic jumps.
- Example: While we’re on the subject, let’s discuss the budget.
7. That reminds me
- Meaning: Brings up a remembered point.
- Usage: Casual speech.
- Tip: Natural for storytelling.
- Example: That reminds me—I need to email you.
8. Before I forget
- Meaning: Shares something important to remember.
- Usage: Casual or professional.
- Tip: Great for reminders.
- Example: Before I forget, please sign the document.
9. As an aside
- Meaning: Briefly mentions something off-topic.
- Usage: Formal writing or speeches.
- Tip: Use sparingly.
- Example: As an aside, the data was collected last year.
10. Just to mention
- Meaning: Adds a small point.
- Usage: Informal.
- Tip: Keep it short.
- Example: Just to mention, lunch is provided.
11. Also
- Meaning: Adds information.
- Usage: Universal.
- Tip: Simple but effective.
- Example: Also, don’t forget to bring your ID.
12. Additionally
- Meaning: Adds supporting information.
- Usage: Formal writing.
- Tip: Ideal for essays.
- Example: Additionally, all participants must register.
13. Another thing
- Meaning: Introduces a new point.
- Usage: Casual speech.
- Tip: Use when listing ideas.
- Example: Another thing—we need volunteers.
14. Not to forget
- Meaning: Highlights an important reminder.
- Usage: Informal.
- Tip: Emphasize importance.
- Example: Not to forget, the deadline is Monday.
15. On another note
- Meaning: Shifts topics slightly.
- Usage: Neutral and professional.
- Tip: Smooth topic change.
- Example: On another note, congratulations on your promotion.
16. By the way—quick update
- Meaning: Introduces short info.
- Usage: Emails and chats.
- Tip: Keep it brief.
- Example: Quick update—the files are ready.
17. Just a heads-up
- Meaning: Warns or informs.
- Usage: Casual and professional.
- Tip: Friendly tone.
- Example: Just a heads-up, traffic is heavy.
18. While I’m thinking about it
- Meaning: Shares a spontaneous thought.
- Usage: Casual.
- Tip: Sounds natural.
- Example: While I’m thinking about it, call me later.
19. As a quick note
- Meaning: Adds brief information.
- Usage: Emails.
- Tip: Good for updates.
- Example: As a quick note, the schedule changed.
20. Let me add
- Meaning: Introduces extra detail.
- Usage: Discussions.
- Tip: Confident tone.
- Example: Let me add one more point.
21. Just to add
- Meaning: Adds minor info.
- Usage: Informal.
- Tip: Avoid overusing.
- Example: Just to add, snacks are allowed.
22. Worth mentioning
- Meaning: Highlights useful info.
- Usage: Neutral.
- Tip: Emphasize relevance.
- Example: It’s worth mentioning that prices may vary.
23. As a reminder
- Meaning: Repeats important info.
- Usage: Professional.
- Tip: Polite and clear.
- Example: As a reminder, the meeting starts at 9.
24. Just a quick thing
- Meaning: Introduces a small detail.
- Usage: Casual.
- Tip: Friendly tone.
- Example: Just a quick thing—I’ll be late.
25. One more thing
- Meaning: Adds final info.
- Usage: Universal.
- Tip: Use near the end.
- Example: One more thing—thank you for your help.
26. Before we move on
- Meaning: Adds info before changing topic.
- Usage: Meetings.
- Tip: Structured and clear.
- Example: Before we move on, any questions?
27. While I have you
- Meaning: Adds relevant info.
- Usage: Casual-professional.
- Tip: Polite phrasing.
- Example: While I have you, can I ask something?
28. Just FYI
- Meaning: For your information.
- Usage: Informal emails.
- Tip: Avoid in formal writing.
- Example: FYI, the server will be down.
29. To add to that
- Meaning: Builds on a point.
- Usage: Discussions.
- Tip: Logical flow.
- Example: To add to that, costs may increase.
30. Something else
- Meaning: Introduces another idea.
- Usage: Casual.
- Tip: Keep context clear.
- Example: Something else—we need feedback.
31. Just mentioning
- Meaning: Casual addition.
- Usage: Friendly chats.
- Tip: Low emphasis.
- Example: Just mentioning, I’ll be offline.
32. As an extra note
- Meaning: Adds optional info.
- Usage: Writing.
- Tip: Keep it brief.
- Example: As an extra note, updates are weekly.
33. One last thing
- Meaning: Final addition.
- Usage: Universal.
- Tip: Signals closure.
- Example: One last thing—drive safely.
Bonus: Professional Alternatives for Emails
- On a related note…
- As a reminder…
- Additionally…
- Before we proceed…
- Just a quick update…
Final Writing Tips
- Match the phrase to the formality of the situation
- Avoid casual phrases in academic or legal writing
- Use professional alternatives in emails and meetings
- Don’t overuse any single transition phrase
- Keep additions relevant and concise
Discover More Articles
33+ Other Ways to Say “Many Thanks” (Meaning, Usage & Examples)
30+ Better Ways to Say “I Don’t Care” With Examples & Usage Tips
