Sometimes, slipping in additional information professionally can be tricky. Using the right words ensures your message feels both thoughtful and polished, making your conversation flow naturally. These 30 alternatives to “By the Way” allow you to subtly introduce new points, emphasize relevant details, or add context in a way that feels smooth and professional.
What Does “By the Way” Mean?
“By the way” is used to introduce new information or a related topic within a conversation. In professional language, “by the way” serves as a transition that gently shifts focus to something additional or noteworthy without disrupting the flow of dialogue. Suitable for situations where you want to add information seamlessly, either in writing or spoken communication.
Is It Professional or Polite to Say “By the Way”?
“By the way” is often polite, but it can be overly casual in formal communication. Replacing it with a more polished phrase helps convey professionalism, making your message clearer and ensuring you come across as courteous and respectful in business settings.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Alternatives to “By the Way”
Advantages:
- Alternative phrases can enhance clarity, making it easier for the recipient to understand the importance of the new information.
- They can also add a layer of professionalism.
Disadvantages:
- Overusing transitional phrases can sound formal or impersonal if not matched with a conversational tone.
- It’s best to vary phrases and use them appropriately based on the setting.
Synonyms“By the Way”:
- As a Side Note
- Just to Let You Know
- Incidentally
- In Addition
- Just So You’re Aware
- On Another Note
- As an Aside
- For Your Information
- In Case It’s Helpful
- I’d Like to Mention
- Allow Me to Add
- In Connection With That
- As a Reminder
- Let Me Also Note
- Not to Overlook
- Additionally
- As a Quick Update
- For Future Reference
- Just a Heads-Up
- To Keep You in the Loop
- To Clarify
- For the Record
- It’s Worth Mentioning
- Allow Me to Bring Up
- To Follow Up On
- I’d Like to Note
- Please Be Advised
- About That
- With That Said
- Just a Small Addition
1. “As a Side Note”
Meaning: Introduces relevant information that isn’t the main focus but adds value.
Definition: A phrase that gently shifts attention to supplementary details without pulling focus.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase is ideal for adding additional insights that are relevant but not central.
Scenario Example: “As a side note, the meeting agenda has been updated for next week.”
Best Use: Useful in both written and spoken formal communication.
Tone: Professional and subtle.
2. “Just to Let You Know”
Meaning: Share information as an FYI without calling for action.
Definition: This phrase signals that the new information is supplementary but may be of interest.
Detailed Explanation: Perfect for email updates or sharing information that doesn’t require immediate action.
Scenario Example: “Just to let you know, we’ve updated the report with new data.”
Best Use: Great for email communication or casual professional updates.
Tone: Informal but professional.
3. “Incidentally”
Meaning: Adds related information as a secondary point of interest.
Definition: A classic, formal way of introducing a connected but less critical detail.
Detailed Explanation: This word signals relevance without taking away from the main topic.
Scenario Example: “Incidentally, I came across some useful data that might aid the report.”
Best Use: Ideal in written documents, presentations, or more formal emails.
Tone: Formal and refined.
4. “In Addition”
Meaning: Indicates supplementary information that complements the primary subject.
Definition: Adds to the current discussion by introducing related or supportive details.
Detailed Explanation: Use this phrase to convey relevance and importance within a conversation.
Scenario Example: “In addition, I’ve included more statistics to support our findings.”
Best Use: Appropriate in written reports, presentations, or email updates.
Tone: Professional and direct.
5. “Just So You’re Aware”
Meaning: Ensures the listener or reader has relevant information without implying action.
Definition: Politely informs someone of additional context or details.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase signals that the information is useful but not urgent.
Scenario Example: “Just so you’re aware, the policy has been slightly modified.”
Best Use: Good for casual updates in emails or conversations.
Tone: Considerate and professional.
6. “On Another Note”
Meaning: Signals a change in topic that’s still somewhat relevant to the conversation.
Definition: Smoothly transitions the conversation to another point without interruption.
Detailed Explanation: Best for moving to a secondary topic or additional point smoothly.
Scenario Example: “On another note, the client requested a quick turnaround for the proposal.”
Best Use: Suitable in spoken meetings or informal email exchanges.
Tone: Light and conversational.
7. “As an Aside”
Meaning: Indicates additional information that’s not central but worth mentioning.
Definition: Shares a secondary, helpful point of interest for the listener or reader.
Detailed Explanation: Ideal for supplementary insights that support the primary message.
Scenario Example: “As an aside, the project timeline has been adjusted slightly.”
Best Use: Suitable in formal reports or professional emails.
Tone: Informative and subtle.
8. “For Your Information”
Meaning: Shares relevant information intended to keep the recipient informed.
Definition: A formal way to present new information as an update rather than a core point.
Detailed Explanation: Use to offer relevant information without expectations for action.
Scenario Example: “For your information, the deadline for submissions has been moved up.”
Best Use: Commonly used in business emails and updates.
Tone: Neutral and straightforward.
9. “In Case It’s Helpful”
Meaning: Adds information that could be useful to the listener or reader.
Definition: Implies that the additional information might add value or clarity.
Detailed Explanation: Ideal for contributing helpful insights or data without pressing urgency.
Scenario Example: “In case it’s helpful, I’ve attached the updated budget file.”
Best Use: Useful for emails or reports, especially in a supportive context.
Tone: Friendly and helpful.
10. “I’d Like to Mention”
Meaning: Indicates a point of information that may support the main topic.
Definition: Politely respectfully introduces supplementary information.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase is slightly formal and shows respect for the listener’s attention.
Scenario Example: “I’d like to mention that the new guidelines go into effect next month.”
Best Use: Perfect for formal meetings or email updates.
Tone: Polite and professional.
11. “Allow Me to Add”
Meaning: Introduces additional information respectfully and formally.
Definition: Invites attention to a supplementary piece of information in a formal tone.
Detailed Explanation: Ideal for scenarios where you want to respectfully contribute to the topic.
Scenario Example: “Allow me to add that the client expressed interest in future projects.”
Best Use: Best for formal meetings, presentations, or when speaking in professional settings.
Tone: Respectful and courteous.
12. “In Connection With That”
Meaning: Links the current topic to additional, related information.
Definition: Creates a seamless transition by connecting closely related points.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase ensures that the added information is seen as directly relevant.
Scenario Example: “In connection with that, I wanted to share the latest survey results.”
Best Use: Ideal in reports, presentations, or in-depth discussions.
Tone: Professional and cohesive.
13. “As a Reminder”
Meaning: Reiterates information or points out an upcoming detail that might have been mentioned.
Definition: A polite way to reinforce previously shared information.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase works well to prevent forgetfulness in a considerate manner.
Scenario Example: “As a reminder, the submission deadline is at the end of the week.”
Best Use: Suitable for emails, follow-ups, or team updates.
Tone: Considerate and professional.
14. “Let Me Also Note”
Meaning: Adds relevant information formally without interrupting the main point.
Definition: A polite, professional way to introduce an additional remark.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase shows that the added information is meant to support the overall message.
Scenario Example: “Let me also note that we have additional resources available if needed.”
Best Use: Ideal for formal discussions, meetings, or emails.
Tone: Respectful and smooth.
15. “Not to Overlook”
Meaning: Draws attention to a potentially important but easily missed detail.
Definition: Politely ensures the recipient doesn’t miss a secondary but relevant point.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase helps prioritize smaller but still essential information.
Scenario Example: “Not to overlook, we should also consider potential time zone differences.”
Best Use: Good for meetings and collaborative discussions.
Tone: Subtle and helpful.
16. “Additionally”
Meaning: Introduces further information that complements the previous topic.
Definition: A straightforward phrase that indicates added relevant details.
Detailed Explanation: This word is professional and direct, commonly used to add supporting or supplementary information.
Scenario Example: “Additionally, we’ll need to consider the budget adjustments for next quarter.”
Best Use: Excellent for formal documents, presentations, and professional emails.
Tone: Professional and concise.
17. “As a Quick Update”
Meaning: Briefly shares new or recently updated information.
Definition: Provides relevant news or changes without requiring immediate action.
Detailed Explanation: Ideal for quick points or information that keeps everyone informed without a deep discussion.
Scenario Example: “As a quick update, the client confirmed the timeline for the project.”
Best Use: Suitable for emails, meetings, or informal updates within a team.
Tone: Informative and friendly.
18. “For Future Reference”
Meaning: Supplies information that may be useful later.
Definition: Provides relevant details that might not be immediately needed but will be helpful in the future.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase is effective when you’re offering background or preparatory information.
Scenario Example: “For future reference, I’ve saved the template in our shared drive.”
Best Use: Ideal for email updates or sharing resources within a team.
Tone: Helpful and forward-looking.
19. “Just a Heads-Up”
Meaning: Provides a preemptive or preparatory piece of information.
Definition: A casual way of sharing information that might require future attention.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase is great for informal updates or reminders.
Scenario Example: “Just a heads-up, there might be slight delays in production next week.”
Best Use: Useful in friendly, informal emails or spoken conversations.
Tone: Friendly and informal.
20. “To Keep You in the Loop”
Meaning: Ensures the other person stays updated on relevant details.
Definition: A phrase used to share information and include others in updates.
Detailed Explanation: Best for scenarios where you want to make others feel informed and included.
Scenario Example: “To keep you in the loop, we’ve decided to postpone the launch by a week.”
Best Use: Great for team updates, especially in collaborative settings.
Tone: Inclusive and considerate.
21. “To Clarify”
Meaning: Adds information to make a point clearer or more detailed.
Definition: Ensures that additional information helps prevent misunderstandings.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase is helpful in professional discussions or when explaining details.
Scenario Example: “To clarify, the figures in the report include projected expenses.”
Best Use: Suitable for formal emails, reports, or clarifying points in meetings.
Tone: Clear and professional.
22. “For the Record”
Meaning: Officially notes information that may be relevant or important to document.
Definition: Provides information that could serve as a point of reference in the future.
Detailed Explanation: Best for formal settings where accuracy and transparency are valued.
Scenario Example: “For the record, we conducted a risk assessment before proceeding.”
Best Use: Ideal for formal reports, legal contexts, or official records.
Tone: Formal and straightforward.
23. “It’s Worth Mentioning”
Meaning: Highlights information that may add value to the discussion.
Definition: Suggests that the information being added is of notable relevance.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase is polite and subtly emphasizes that the information is worth attention.
Scenario Example: “It’s worth mentioning that this approach aligns with our long-term strategy.”
Best Use: Suitable for both formal and informal professional settings.
Tone: Respectful and subtle.
24. “Allow Me to Bring Up”
Meaning: Requests permission to introduce a relevant topic or detail.
Definition: Politely adds another layer of information to the conversation.
Detailed Explanation: Useful in situations where you want to add a point without interrupting.
Scenario Example: “Allow me to bring up that we have alternative solutions if needed.”
Best Use: Ideal in meetings or formal discussions to maintain politeness.
Tone: Courteous and respectful.
25. “To Follow Up On”
Meaning: Provides additional information related to a previous conversation or update.
Definition: Refers back to an earlier point to add new information or updates.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase helps maintain continuity in ongoing projects or discussions.
Scenario Example: “To follow up on last week’s meeting, I’ve attached the revised document.”
Best Use: Useful for email updates and ongoing project communication.
Tone: Consistent and professional.
26. “I’d Like to Note”
Meaning: Adds a point of interest that could contribute to the overall discussion.
Definition: A polite way to add a point without disrupting the primary focus.
Detailed Explanation: Helps to share pertinent information while maintaining professionalism.
Scenario Example: “I’d like to note that the research phase will take an additional week.”
Best Use: Best for formal or structured discussions, emails, and reports.
Tone: Polite and professional.
27. “Please Be Advised”
Meaning: Shares information that the other person should be aware of.
Definition: Used to provide important information respectfully.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase signals that the information may require attention.
Scenario Example: “Please be advised that the team will be working remotely next Friday.”
Best Use: Ideal in formal notices, emails, or updates.
Tone: Formal and respectful.
28. “About That”
Meaning: Connects the current topic with additional relevant information.
Definition: A transition that maintains relevance to the main subject.
Detailed Explanation: Keeps the focus on the topic while adding more details.
Scenario Example: “About that, I have some statistics that may be helpful.”
Best Use: Suitable for both written and spoken communication in professional settings.
Tone: Connected and relevant.
29. “With That Said”
Meaning: Prepares the recipient for supplementary information or an additional point.
Definition: Signals the addition of a relevant point that builds on previous information.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase is conversational and adds a seamless transition.
Scenario Example: “With that said, I’ll be available to answer any questions afterward.”
Best Use: Great for emails, presentations, or during meetings.
Tone: Smooth and conversational.
30. “Just a Small Addition”
Meaning: Adds information that’s brief and relevant without overwhelming the main point.
Definition: Politely shares a secondary piece of information without detracting from the main topic.
Detailed Explanation: Works well for short comments or updates that complement the main discussion.
Scenario Example: “Just a small addition—our new contact details are now on the company website.”
Best Use: Ideal for informal emails, conversations, or quick team updates.
Tone: Friendly and understated.
Conclusion
Using alternatives to “By the Way” can make your communication sound polished and professional. Each of these phrases lets you guide a conversation or message with subtlety and respect, allowing you to share extra information without disrupting the main point.
Sam Hayes is an experienced writer and grammar enthusiast with a passion for helping others master the art of effective communication. With a focus on clarity and precision, Sam’s expertise spans from editing to creating informative content that educates and engages readers.
