Other Ways to Say "By the way" Professionally

Updated 2026-10-04 · Other Ways to Say It editorial team

Quick answer: To replace by the way professionally, use transitions like incidentally, additionally, or on a related note. These alternatives maintain clarity while signaling a shift in topic. Choosing the right phrase depends on your audience and the level of formality required in your specific communication context.

Formal Alternatives

Incidentally: Incidentally, the quarterly report has been finalized and is ready for your review.
Additionally: Additionally, we have updated the compliance guidelines to reflect recent regulatory changes.
On a related note: On a related note, the marketing team has scheduled a follow-up meeting for next Tuesday.
Furthermore: Furthermore, the new software update will improve system stability across all departments.
It is worth noting that: It is worth noting that the vendor has extended the delivery timeline by two weeks.
In this regard: In this regard, the finance department requires all expense reports by Friday afternoon.
Moreover: Moreover, the strategic plan includes provisions for expanding into the European market.
As a side note: As a side note, the conference room has been reserved for the upcoming presentation.
Separately: Separately, the HR team is reviewing the updated employee handbook for accuracy.
Concurrently: Concurrently, the engineering team is addressing the minor bugs reported by users.

Professional and Email Alternatives

I also wanted to mention: I also wanted to mention that the client approved the initial design concepts yesterday.
Please be advised that: Please be advised that the server maintenance window starts at midnight tonight.
Just to add: Just to add, the training materials are now available on the shared drive.
For your information: For your information, the office will be closed next Monday for a holiday.
I should also note: I should also note that the budget allocation for this project has been adjusted.
Along these lines: Along these lines, we are implementing a new feedback system for customer service.
Additionally, please note: Additionally, please note that all submissions must be in PDF format.
On another note: On another note, the team retreat has been rescheduled to avoid the storm.
I would like to highlight: I would like to highlight the recent improvements in our customer satisfaction scores.
Regarding this matter: Regarding this matter, the legal team has provided a brief summary of the risks.

Casual Alternatives

Oh, also: Oh, also, did you see that new coffee shop that opened downtown?
Speaking of which: Speaking of which, are you still coming to the game tonight?
Random thought: Random thought, but we should definitely try that new pizza place soon.
Hey, quick thing: Hey, quick thing, can you bring your charger tomorrow just in case?
Also: Also, I found a great playlist for our road trip later this week.
Btw: Btw, the movie starts at eight, so let us leave by seven.
Oh yeah: Oh yeah, do not forget to pick up some snacks on your way back.
Just so you know: Just so you know, I might be a few minutes late to lunch.
On that note: On that note, I think we should grab some food before it gets cold.
By the by: By the by, have you read that new book everyone is talking about?

Warm and Friendly Alternatives

I also thought you might like to know: I also thought you might like to know that your suggestion was very well received.
Just a quick update: Just a quick update, the team is making great progress on the project.
On a lighter note: On a lighter note, the office party next week looks like it will be fun.
I wanted to share: I wanted to share some positive feedback I received from our recent client call.
As a friendly reminder: As a friendly reminder, please submit your timesheets before the end of the day.
In the spirit of collaboration: In the spirit of collaboration, I would love to hear your thoughts on this idea.
Just to keep you in the loop: Just to keep you in the loop, we are exploring a few new marketing strategies.
On a personal note: On a personal note, I really appreciate your help with the recent presentation.

When the Original Phrase Is Still Fine

The phrase by the way remains perfectly acceptable in many professional contexts, particularly when the tone is conversational or the relationship with the recipient is established and friendly. It serves as a natural bridge for tangential information that does not require heavy formalization. Using it sparingly can actually make written communication feel more human and approachable, preventing the message from sounding overly rigid or robotic in internal team chats or informal updates.

How to Choose the Right Alternative

Selecting the best transition depends on your audience and the purpose of the message. For external clients or formal reports, opt for structured phrases like incidentally or additionally to maintain professionalism. In internal emails or casual team updates, warmer or simpler options like also or just to add can keep the tone light and efficient. Always consider the flow of your message; the chosen phrase should smoothly connect the new information to the previous point without causing confusion or unnecessary distraction.

Short and Simple Alternatives

Quick note: Quick note: the meeting has moved to room B.
One more thing: One more thing, please send the invoice by noon.
For your info: For your info, the server will reboot tonight.
Mind you: Mind you, this deadline is flexible if needed.
By the same token: By the same token, we should review the safety protocols.
In passing: In passing, I saw your new project proposal.
Just a heads-up: Just a heads-up, the client changed their logo.

Alternatives for Text Messages

P.S.: P.S. Did you grab the coffee?
Oh right: Oh right, bring the charger too.
Side note: Side note: traffic is bad on Main St.
Also just fyi: Also just fyi, the gym closes at 8.
Quick heads up: Quick heads up, I am running ten minutes late.
By the bye: By the bye, did you finish the report?
Just so ya know: Just so ya know, the Wi-Fi password changed.

Phrases to Avoid

Randomly: Implies lack of relevance; use additionally for better flow.
You should know: Sounds condescending; try for your awareness instead.
Anyway: Dismissive tone; use moving on to stay professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is by the way too informal for business emails?

It can be perceived as informal, so using alternatives like additionally or incidentally is safer for formal correspondence. However, in casual internal communications, it remains perfectly acceptable and widely used.

What is the most professional way to change topics in an email?

Using on a related note or furthermore allows you to shift topics smoothly while maintaining a professional tone. These phrases signal a connection between ideas without being overly casual.

Can I use on a side note in a formal report?

It is generally better to use more formal transitions like additionally or furthermore in formal reports. On a side note can sometimes feel too conversational for strict professional documentation.

How do I transition to a new topic without sounding abrupt?

Use connecting phrases like speaking of which or on a related note to create a logical bridge. This helps the reader follow your train of thought and prevents the shift from feeling jarring.