Other Ways to Say "By the way"

Updated 2026-10-03 · Other Ways to Say It editorial team

Quick answer: When you need other ways to say by the way, consider the tone of your conversation. You can use phrases like incidentally for formal writing, oh by the way for casual chats, or also for professional emails. Choosing the right alternative keeps your message clear.

Formal Alternatives

Incidentally: Incidentally, the report you requested has been updated with the latest data.
On a related note: On a related note, the committee will meet next Tuesday to discuss the proposal.
Additionally: Additionally, we have revised the budget to accommodate the new project requirements.
Furthermore: Furthermore, the legal team has reviewed the contract and found it acceptable.
In passing: In passing, I mentioned that the deadline might be extended due to the holidays.
With regard to: With regard to the upcoming conference, registration closes at the end of the week.
Also: Also, please ensure that all participants have signed the attendance sheet before leaving.
Moreover: Moreover, the analysis shows a significant increase in customer satisfaction over the quarter.
Speaking of which: Speaking of which, have you had a chance to review the feedback from the focus group?
As a side note: As a side note, the office will be closed for maintenance on Friday afternoon.

Professional and Email Alternatives

Just to add: Just to add, the client has requested a minor change to the logo design.
I also wanted to mention: I also wanted to mention that the server maintenance is scheduled for tonight.
Additionally, please note: Additionally, please note that the meeting room has been changed to Conference B.
One more thing: One more thing, do not forget to submit your expense reports by Friday.
For further context: For further context, the previous campaign resulted in a twenty percent increase in traffic.
I should also mention: I should also mention that the vendor has confirmed their delivery date for the supplies.
On another note: On another note, the training session has been rescheduled to next Monday morning.
Regarding the other matter: Regarding the other matter, the invoice has been processed and payment is pending approval.
Also worth noting: Also worth noting, the new software update includes several security enhancements for our systems.
To circle back: To circle back, we need to finalize the agenda for the quarterly review meeting.

Casual Alternatives

Oh, right: Oh, right, did you see that new movie everyone is talking about this week?
Hey: Hey, are you still planning to grab coffee later this afternoon?
Randomly: Randomly, I just saw our old teacher walking down the street near the park.
Totally forgot to say: Totally forgot to say, your presentation earlier was really impressive and well done.
Oh yeah: Oh yeah, we should definitely check out that new restaurant opening downtown soon.
Speaking of: Speaking of, I still have that book you lent me last month to return.
Just remembered: Just remembered, my sister is visiting town next weekend if you want to meet.
Anyway: Anyway, what do you think we should do for dinner tonight?
Oh, one thing: Oh, one thing, can you text me when you arrive at the station?

Warm and Friendly Alternatives

I was just thinking: I was just thinking about how much fun we had at the picnic last Sunday.
It just occurred to me: It just occurred to me that we never picked a date for our next team outing.
On a happy note: On a happy note, the little stray cat finally found a loving home today.
I wanted to share: I wanted to share some good news about the charity drive we organized together.
Just a friendly reminder: Just a friendly reminder that our book club meeting is happening tomorrow evening.
I also thought of you: I also thought of you when I saw this beautiful sunset near the beach.
Something else that came to mind: Something else that came to mind is that we should start planning for the holidays soon.
On a lighter note: On a lighter note, I finally finished reading that novel you recommended to me.

When the Original Phrase Is Still Fine

Using by the way is perfectly acceptable in many everyday situations, especially when you want to keep your language simple and direct. It works well in informal conversations, quick text messages, or casual emails where a relaxed tone is appropriate. You do not always need a sophisticated alternative if the goal is just to add a quick comment or transition smoothly. The phrase is widely understood and rarely causes confusion, so feel free to use it when clarity and brevity are your main priorities.

How to Choose the Right Alternative

To choose the right alternative, consider your audience and the context of your message. For formal reports or professional correspondence, opt for terms like incidentally or additionally to maintain a polished tone. In casual chats with friends, phrases like oh right or just remembered feel more natural and conversational. Always ask yourself if the transition needs to be subtle or prominent. If you are introducing a completely new topic, a stronger transition might be needed, whereas a minor addition can be handled with a lighter phrase. Matching the word choice to the situation ensures your message is received as intended.

Short and Simple Alternatives

Just so you know: Just so you know, the meeting moved to the main hall.
A quick aside: A quick aside: did you finish the report?
On that subject: On that subject, I found a great supplier.
Meanwhile: Meanwhile, the team has already started coding.
Plus: Plus, the cafe serves excellent coffee.
Besides: Besides, we have plenty of time left.

Alternatives for Text Messages

Btw: Btw, did you lock the front door?
Ps: Ps, I picked up extra snacks for later.
Quick update: Quick update: traffic is clear on I-95.
Heads up: Heads up, my phone is on silent until noon.
Random thought: Random thought: we should try that new sushi place.
Side quest: Side quest: can you reply to that email?
Pop quiz: Pop quiz: do you prefer pizza or tacos?
Fun fact: Fun fact: the office plant is actually cactus.

Phrases to Avoid

As I was saying: This implies the listener was not paying attention. Use On a related note to stay polite.
Don't get me wrong: This often signals an upcoming insult or contradiction. Use I see your point to validate first.
To be honest: This suggests previous statements were dishonest. Use In my opinion to share views directly.
Sorry to bother you: This undermines your confidence and wastes space. Use I have a question to be direct.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is by the way too informal for business emails?

It can be seen as slightly informal in very strict corporate environments. Using phrases like additionally or on a related note often projects a more polished and professional image in business correspondence.

What is the best alternative for academic writing?

Incidentally or furthermore are excellent choices for academic papers. These terms provide a formal transition that maintains the scholarly tone required in research and educational contexts without sounding overly casual.

Can I use speaking of in a professional setting?

Yes, speaking of is acceptable in professional settings when you are transitioning to a directly related topic. It helps maintain a conversational yet professional flow during meetings or informal work emails.

How do I transition smoothly in a speech?

Use on a related note or additionally to guide your audience. These phrases signal a shift in topic while keeping the narrative connected, ensuring listeners follow your points without getting lost or confused.