30 Other Ways to Say "By the Way" Professionally (With Examples)

In any conversation, finding the right words can make all the difference. Whether you’re writing a casual email or engaging in a professional discussion, the way you phrase something can make your message feel more personal and thoughtful. Using alternatives to a phrase like “by the way” can create more connection and convey care, all while keeping the tone professional.

Let’s explore some other ways to say “by the way” professionally, with detailed examples that will help you communicate with warmth, consideration, and professionalism.

What Does “By the Way” Mean?

“By the way” is a commonly used phrase that serves as a way to introduce additional, often unrelated information into a conversation. It’s used to casually shift the focus or add something that might not have been the main topic but is still relevant. It can also soften the delivery of information and add a conversational tone.

When to Use “By the Way”

“By the way” is typically used in informal settings, where the goal is to provide extra information without changing the course of a discussion. It’s often used when you need to mention something important but don’t want it to sound overly formal or forced. It can also be used when you’ve remembered something and want to quickly share it with someone before the conversation ends.

Is It Professional/Polite to Say “By the Way”?

While “by the way” is widely used in informal communication, it might not always be the best fit in professional or formal settings. When you want to sound more polished or considerate, it’s better to choose alternatives that maintain a respectful tone. Switching to a more refined alternative can ensure your message comes across with greater empathy and professionalism.

Full List of Alternatives:

Incidentally
On a Side Note
Just so You Know
For Your Information
By the Way, Speaking of That
As a Matter of Fact
On a Different Note
Speaking of Which
I Forgot to Mention
Just a Thought
In Passing
As I Was Saying
In Case You Didn’t Know
Just for the Record
By the Way, I Was Wondering
As a Quick Aside
In Other News
On a Related Note
While We’re on the Topic
One Last Thing
Before I Forget
Now that You Mention It
On a Different Subject
Just a Quick Update
In Case You Were Wondering
Just Wanted to Mention
For the Record
On Another Note
As a Follow-Up
If I May Add

1. Incidentally

Meaning: Used when adding something unrelated or extra information to a conversation.

Explanation: “Incidentally” sounds more formal than “by the way” and can convey that you are introducing something additional.

Example: “Incidentally, I finished the report you asked for.”

Tone: Neutral, polite.

2. On a Side Note

Meaning: Introducing an additional point or remark that’s relevant but not central to the main conversation.

Explanation: This phrase adds a gentle transition to an unrelated or secondary piece of information.

Example: “On a side note, I noticed the new project proposal.”

Tone: Light, considerate.

3. Just so You Know

Meaning: To provide information to someone, often without requiring action or a response.

Explanation: This phrase conveys helpfulness without overwhelming the other person with too much information.

Example: “Just so you know, I’ve updated the schedule for the meeting.”

Tone: Friendly, helpful.

4. For Your Information

Meaning: Sharing information that may be of interest or importance.

Explanation: A more formal alternative, often used in business contexts.

Example: “For your information, the meeting has been rescheduled.”

Tone: Professional, direct.

5. By the Way, Speaking of That

Meaning: A phrase that connects your previous topic to something new or additional.

Explanation: This helps transition smoothly between ideas while introducing something new.

Example: “By the way, speaking of that, I wanted to share some recent feedback.”

Tone: Casual, connected.

6. As a Matter of Fact

Meaning: Used when adding information that may be unexpected or surprising.

Explanation: This can draw attention to the fact that you’re about to share something that might change the direction of the conversation.

Example: “As a matter of fact, I just finished reviewing the document.”

Tone: Assertive, engaging.

7. On a Different Note

Meaning: A phrase used to change the subject or add new, often unrelated, information.

Explanation: It implies that the information being shared is a bit of a tangent.

Example: “On a different note, have you seen the latest newsletter?”

Tone: Neutral, respectful.

8. Speaking of Which

Meaning: Referring to something just mentioned to segue into new information.

Explanation: Great for introducing additional context or updates related to something just discussed.

Example: “Speaking of which, I wanted to ask if you could review this report.”

Tone: Casual, connecting.

9. I Forgot to Mention

Meaning: A casual way to bring up something you may have overlooked earlier.

Explanation: This phrase shows that you are adding something extra that slipped your mind before.

Example: “I forgot to mention, I’ll be out of the office tomorrow.”

Tone: Friendly, light.

10. Just a Thought

Meaning: A gentle way to introduce a suggestion or idea.

Explanation: This phrase offers the new piece of information with a softer approach, leaving room for the other person’s opinion.

Example: “Just a thought, maybe we should extend the deadline by a day.”

Tone: Suggestive, polite.

11. In Passing

Meaning: Something mentioned casually or in a manner that doesn’t require a full conversation.

Explanation: This conveys that the new information is shared without it being central to the main topic.

Example: “In passing, I overheard the team discussing a new strategy.”

Tone: Casual, offhand.

12. As I Was Saying

Meaning: Used when returning to a previously discussed point.

Explanation: This helps you circle back to a topic after an aside.

Example: “As I was saying earlier, we need to finalize the project details.”

Tone: Refocusing, connected.

13. In Case You Didn’t Know

Meaning: Providing new information that may be helpful, especially if it hasn’t been shared yet.

Explanation: A helpful and polite phrase, often used to ensure the other person is informed.

Example: “In case you didn’t know, the office will be closed next Friday.”

Tone: Helpful, considerate.

14. Just for the Record

Meaning: Used when emphasizing the importance or clarity of information being shared.

Explanation: This adds weight to the information, making it clear that it’s worth noting.

Example: “Just for the record, I completed all the tasks on the list.”

Tone: Direct, clear.

15. By the Way, I Was Wondering

Meaning: A transition phrase that introduces a question or request.

Explanation: This phrase helps move the conversation smoothly toward a more personal or curious inquiry.

Example: “By the way, I was wondering if you could help me with this project.”

Tone: Curious, friendly.

16. As a Quick Aside

Meaning: A quick mention of something that’s not directly related but worth noting.

Explanation: This phrase allows you to insert something extra in a non-disruptive way.

Example: “As a quick aside, have you seen the latest team update?”

Tone: Light, informal.

17. In Other News

Meaning: A phrase used to introduce a topic that’s different from the current discussion.

Explanation: Used to shift topics while maintaining the flow of the conversation.

Example: “In other news, I wanted to bring up the new project proposal.”

Tone: Neutral, smooth.

18. On a Related Note

Meaning: Bringing up a topic that’s somewhat related to the current discussion.

Explanation: This is a nice segue to introduce something that adds value to the conversation.

Example: “On a related note, the client had some feedback on the last presentation.”

Tone: Professional, informative.

19. While We’re on the Topic

Meaning: A phrase to introduce an additional point while discussing a subject.

Explanation: This helps to focus the conversation without changing the subject entirely.

Example: “While we’re on the topic, let’s talk about the budget review.”

Tone: Focused, smooth.

20. One Last Thing

Meaning: Used when you’re about to add something important before wrapping up a conversation.

Explanation: A polite and thoughtful way to introduce a final point or remark.

Example: “One last thing, I’ll need your signature on the document.”

Tone: Polite, concluding.

21. Before I Forget

Meaning: Used when you want to mention something important that may slip your mind if you don’t say it immediately.

Explanation: This phrase is a great way to quickly add information without it being an afterthought.

Example: “Before I forget, I’ll need the final report by tomorrow morning.”

Tone: Helpful, considerate.

22. Now that You Mention It

Meaning: This phrase is used when something occurs to you because of a previous comment or discussion.

Explanation: It helps segue into something you may not have thought about until now.

Example: “Now that you mention it, I do need to check the status of that project.”

Tone: Reflective, conversational.

23. On a Different Subject

Meaning: Used when you’re about to switch to a completely different topic or piece of information.

Explanation: This is a direct way to signal a change in the direction of the conversation.

Example: “On a different subject, have you had a chance to review the budget?”

Tone: Neutral, professional.

24. Just a Quick Update

Meaning: Introducing new or additional information in a brief and efficient manner.

Explanation: This is perfect for sharing updates that don’t require a lengthy discussion.

Example: “Just a quick update, the meeting has been moved to 2 p.m.”

Tone: Professional, direct.

25. In Case You Were Wondering

Meaning: Sharing information that might be useful or address potential questions the listener may have.

Explanation: A considerate way to add relevant details, anticipating what the other person may be curious about.

Example: “In case you were wondering, the team has already started the preparations.”

Tone: Thoughtful, polite.

26. Just Wanted to Mention

Meaning: A polite introduction for adding information or making a point.

Explanation: It helps to ease into a new topic in a friendly and approachable manner.

Example: “Just wanted to mention, I received the feedback from the client.”

Tone: Friendly, approachable.

27. For the Record

Meaning: Used to emphasize that the following information is important or should be noted.

Explanation: This adds gravity to the information you’re sharing, making it clear that it’s worth remembering.

Example: “For the record, I have completed all the pending tasks.”

Tone: Firm, assertive.

28. On Another Note

Meaning: Transitioning to a different subject or idea.

Explanation: Similar to “on a side note,” this can be used to introduce a new topic that’s related but secondary.

Example: “On another note, we should discuss the upcoming team meeting.”

Tone: Smooth, professional.

29. As a Follow-Up

Meaning: Providing additional details or updates after an initial discussion.

Explanation: This is a formal and professional way to continue a conversation or bring up something new that relates to earlier topics.

Example: “As a follow-up, I wanted to let you know about the changes in the schedule.”

Tone: Professional, proactive.

30. If I May Add

Meaning: Offering additional information, often in a polite and respectful manner.

Explanation: It’s a way to introduce something without interrupting the flow of the conversation, showing consideration for the other person’s thoughts.

Example: “If I may add, I think we should revisit the timeline for the project.”

Tone: Polite, respectful.

Conclusion

Communicating effectively requires knowing the right words to use. Whether you’re casually chatting with friends or having a professional conversation, there are plenty of ways to say “by the way” with more warmth and care.

Choosing the right phrasing can elevate your conversations, making them feel more personal, respectful, and engaging. Use these alternatives to communicate your ideas with clarity and professionalism.