Have you ever wanted to introduce an important detail into a conversation without making your message sound abrupt or informal? The phrase “by the way” is a familiar expression that helps speakers and writers introduce additional information, change topics, or mention something they almost forgot. Although it works well in everyday conversations, it may not always convey the level of professionalism required in business emails, workplace discussions, or formal presentations. Choosing the right alternative can make your communication clearer, more polished, and more considerate of your audience. Expressions such as “on another note,” “I would also like to mention,” and “as an additional point” allow you to transition naturally while maintaining the appropriate tone. Whether you are writing a professional email, participating in a meeting, or chatting with colleagues, learning different professional alternatives to “by the way” can help you communicate with greater confidence and precision.
What Does “By the Way” Mean?
“By the way” is a conversational expression used to introduce additional information, mention a related detail, or shift attention to another subject. It often signals that the information is relevant but not necessarily part of the main discussion.
For example:
“By the way, have you received the updated project schedule?”
In this sentence, the speaker introduces a new but potentially useful topic without interrupting the conversation too abruptly.
The phrase generally has a casual, friendly, and approachable tone. It is common in everyday conversations, text messages, and informal workplace communication. However, in formal business writing, more precise alternatives can make the message sound organized and professional.
When to Use “By the Way”
The expression is versatile, but choosing an appropriate alternative depends on your audience, purpose, and communication setting.
1. In Professional Emails
When you need to introduce an additional point without distracting from your main message, a more polished transition may be preferable.
Example: “On another note, please review the revised budget before Friday.”
This approach works well when communicating with clients, managers, or colleagues.
2. During Workplace Meetings
Use the phrase when introducing a secondary point, adding context, or bringing attention to a related matter.
Example: “As an additional point, we should consider the upcoming deadline.”
This wording sounds structured and keeps the discussion focused.
3. In Casual Conversations
“By the way” is perfectly natural when speaking with friends, family members, or familiar colleagues.
Example: “By the way, are you joining us for lunch?”
In relaxed settings, there is usually no need to replace it with a formal expression.
4. In Presentations and Speeches
When delivering a presentation, use transitions that help your audience follow the discussion.
Example: “Before moving to the next section, I would like to highlight one additional consideration.”
This sounds more deliberate than inserting a casual expression into a formal presentation.
5. In Customer Communication
When speaking with customers or clients, professional alternatives can introduce useful information without making the message feel disorganized.
Example: “I would also like to inform you that our support team will be available throughout the weekend.”
This wording is courteous, informative, and appropriate for business correspondence.
Is “By the Way” Polite or Professional?
Yes, “by the way” is generally polite and acceptable, but its suitability depends on the context. It does not inherently sound rude or unprofessional. In friendly conversations and informal workplace messages, it can make communication feel natural and approachable.
However, the phrase may sound too casual in formal proposals, executive correspondence, client presentations, or sensitive discussions. It can also make an important detail seem like an afterthought when that information deserves more emphasis.
For professional communication, alternatives such as “I would also like to mention,” “on a related note,” and “for your consideration” can convey additional information more thoughtfully.
Consider the following examples:
- Casual: “By the way, the meeting starts at 10 a.m.”
- Professional: “I would also like to remind you that the meeting starts at 10 a.m.”
- Formal: “Please also note that the meeting is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.”
The best choice is the expression that fits your relationship with the reader and the importance of the information.
30+ Professional Ways to Say “By the Way”
Below are 38 useful alternatives to “by the way,” with their meanings, tones, examples, and guidance on when to use them. Some are particularly appropriate for formal correspondence, while others work better in everyday conversations.
1. On Another Note
Meaning: Introduces a different topic or an additional point.
Tone: Professional, neutral, and polished.
Example: On another note, please let me know whether you have reviewed the latest proposal.
Why and when to use it: Use this expression when transitioning to a separate subject in an email or workplace conversation. It creates a clear distinction between topics.
Purpose and personalization: Add a brief reference to the new subject to make the transition feel natural.
2. I Would Also Like to Mention
Meaning: Introduces additional information that deserves attention.
Tone: Courteous, formal, and professional.
Example: I would also like to mention that the revised documents are available in the shared folder.
Why and when to use it: This expression is ideal for business emails, reports, and formal discussions when you want to add a relevant detail without sounding abrupt.
Purpose and personalization: Use it before an important update, reminder, or clarification.
3. Additionally
Meaning: Adds another piece of information to an existing point.
Tone: Formal, concise, and authoritative.
Example: Additionally, all department heads must submit their quarterly reports by Thursday.
Why and when to use it: Choose this alternative for professional writing, business reports, proposals, and instructions. It works especially well when the new information supports the previous statement.
Purpose and personalization: Place it at the beginning of a sentence when you want a direct, organized transition.
4. Furthermore
Meaning: Introduces information that strengthens or extends a previous statement.
Tone: Formal, analytical, and persuasive.
Example: Furthermore, the proposed changes are expected to improve overall operational efficiency.
Why and when to use it: Use it in reports, presentations, academic writing, and formal proposals when the additional point builds on your main argument.
Purpose and personalization: Follow it with evidence, a benefit, or a supporting argument rather than an unrelated subject.
5. In Addition
Meaning: Signals that another detail or consideration is being introduced.
Tone: Professional, neutral, and clear.
Example: In addition, the training session will include practical exercises for new employees.
Why and when to use it: This is a reliable alternative for workplace emails, formal documents, and business presentations.
Purpose and personalization: Use it to introduce another item in a sequence of related points.
6. On a Related Note
Meaning: Introduces a subject connected to the current discussion.
Tone: Professional, conversational, and thoughtful.
Example: On a related note, have you confirmed the availability of the conference room?
Why and when to use it: Choose this phrase when the new topic is connected to the previous one but requires separate attention.
Purpose and personalization: Briefly explain the connection between the two subjects when the relationship is not immediately obvious.
7. I Should Also Point Out
Meaning: Draws attention to another relevant fact or consideration.
Tone: Direct, professional, and informative.
Example: I should also point out that the current estimate does not include shipping costs.
Why and when to use it: Use it when highlighting a detail that readers might overlook, particularly in planning discussions or project updates.
Purpose and personalization: Reserve it for genuinely useful information so the wording does not sound overly forceful.
8. It Is Also Worth Mentioning
Meaning: Introduces information that may be useful or important to the audience.
Tone: Polished, measured, and professional.
Example: It is also worth mentioning that the new policy takes effect at the beginning of November.
Why and when to use it: This expression works well in reports, client emails, presentations, and explanatory writing.
Purpose and personalization: Use it for relevant background information that supports the main message without becoming the central focus.
9. As an Additional Point
Meaning: Introduces another consideration or argument.
Tone: Formal, organized, and objective.
Example: As an additional point, we should review the maintenance requirements before approving the purchase.
Why and when to use it: Use this expression in meetings, business discussions, and structured presentations when adding another item to a list of considerations.
Purpose and personalization: Connect the additional point to the decision or discussion already underway.
10. While We Are on the Subject
Meaning: Introduces another matter connected to the current topic.
Tone: Natural, friendly, and professional.
Example: While we are on the subject, could you share the latest customer feedback?
Why and when to use it: This phrase works in conversations and informal business meetings when you want to explore a related issue.
Purpose and personalization: Use it when the current subject naturally leads to another question or task.
11. Before I Forget
Meaning: Introduces information that the speaker does not want to overlook.
Tone: Casual, friendly, and spontaneous.
Example: Before I forget, please bring your identification to tomorrow’s appointment.
Why and when to use it: Use this expression in friendly emails, quick messages, and everyday conversations when sharing a reminder.
Purpose and personalization: Pair it with a clear action or reminder so the recipient knows what to do.
12. One More Thing
Meaning: Signals that an additional item remains to be discussed.
Tone: Conversational, direct, and approachable.
Example: One more thing: please confirm whether you can attend the client briefing.
Why and when to use it: This expression is useful at the end of meetings, messages, or conversations when you need to mention one final detail.
Purpose and personalization: Use it sparingly in formal writing, especially when the additional item is minor.
13. For Your Information
Meaning: Introduces information the recipient may need or find useful.
Tone: Neutral, formal, and informative.
Example: For your information, the office will operate on reduced hours next Monday.
Why and when to use it: This phrase is appropriate for administrative emails, announcements, and workplace updates.
Purpose and personalization: Explain why the information matters if the recipient may not immediately understand its relevance.
14. Please Also Note
Meaning: Directs the recipient’s attention to an additional fact or requirement.
Tone: Professional, clear, and slightly directive.
Example: Please also note that applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Why and when to use it: Use it in formal notices, instructions, policies, and business correspondence when a detail requires attention.
Purpose and personalization: Keep the following statement concise and specific to avoid confusion.
15. As a Side Note
Meaning: Introduces a secondary observation or a less central detail.
Tone: Conversational, relaxed, and neutral.
Example: As a side note, the design team has already prepared an alternative layout.
Why and when to use it: Choose this phrase in discussions or informal workplace messages when the information is useful but not central to the main topic.
Purpose and personalization: Avoid using it for urgent or critical information that should receive greater emphasis.
16. On a Separate Note
Meaning: Signals a transition to a different subject.
Tone: Professional, calm, and organized.
Example: On a separate note, we need to finalize the staffing plan for next month.
Why and when to use it: This phrase is suitable for emails or meetings covering multiple topics that are not directly connected.
Purpose and personalization: Use it to help readers distinguish a new subject from the preceding discussion.
17. Another Consideration Is
Meaning: Introduces an additional factor that should be evaluated.
Tone: Analytical, formal, and thoughtful.
Example: Another consideration is the amount of time required to train the new team members.
Why and when to use it: Use it in strategic planning, business proposals, decision-making discussions, and project assessments.
Purpose and personalization: Follow it with a concrete factor that helps the audience evaluate the issue.
18. I Would Like to Add
Meaning: Introduces an additional comment, idea, or piece of information.
Tone: Respectful, collaborative, and professional.
Example: I would like to add that the marketing team has offered to assist with the launch.
Why and when to use it: This expression works well in meetings, group discussions, formal emails, and collaborative writing.
Purpose and personalization: Use it when contributing a constructive idea or supplementing another person’s point.
19. To Add to That
Meaning: Builds on something another person has already said.
Tone: Collaborative, conversational, and engaged.
Example: To add to that, our customer survey also indicates a strong demand for weekend support.
Why and when to use it: Use this phrase in meetings, brainstorming sessions, interviews, and discussions where you want to expand on an existing idea.
Purpose and personalization: Acknowledge the previous point and explain how your contribution develops it.
20. In Passing
Meaning: Introduces something mentioned briefly rather than discussed in detail.
Tone: Formal, understated, and sophisticated.
Example: I mentioned in passing that the supplier may be changing its delivery schedule.
Why and when to use it: This expression is particularly useful when referring to a detail previously mentioned briefly. It is not a direct replacement for “by the way” in every sentence.
Purpose and personalization: Use it when the brief or incidental nature of the original mention matters.
21. Incidentally
Meaning: Introduces a related or unexpected piece of information.
Tone: Polished, neutral, and sometimes conversational.
Example: Incidentally, the author of the report will be joining our meeting tomorrow.
Why and when to use it: Use it in professional conversations or written communication when adding a relevant detail that was not part of the main discussion.
Purpose and personalization: It works best when the new information is genuinely incidental rather than essential to the main message.
22. For the Record
Meaning: Introduces information that should be clearly documented or acknowledged.
Tone: Formal, firm, and precise.
Example: For the record, the revised timeline was approved by the project committee on Monday.
Why and when to use it: This phrase is useful in official correspondence, meeting minutes, and discussions requiring an accurate account of events.
Purpose and personalization: Use it carefully because it can sound defensive or confrontational in a sensitive conversation.
23. To Give You an Update
Meaning: Introduces new information about the progress or status of something.
Tone: Professional, helpful, and informative.
Example: To give you an update, the development team has completed the first testing phase.
Why and when to use it: Choose this expression when communicating progress to clients, managers, colleagues, or stakeholders.
Purpose and personalization: Include the current status and any next steps to make the update more useful.
24. I Also Wanted to Let You Know
Meaning: Introduces information the recipient should be aware of.
Tone: Warm, courteous, and professional.
Example: I also wanted to let you know that your appointment has been moved to Thursday.
Why and when to use it: This phrase is suitable for client emails, scheduling messages, and friendly workplace communication.
Purpose and personalization: Use it when sharing a helpful update that does not require an overly formal tone.
25. Another Thing to Consider
Meaning: Introduces an additional issue, possibility, or factor.
Tone: Thoughtful, practical, and collaborative.
Example: Another thing to consider is whether the proposed solution can accommodate future growth.
Why and when to use it: Use this expression during planning, problem-solving, and discussions about potential improvements.
Purpose and personalization: Follow it with a practical consideration that helps the audience make a better decision.
26. As an Aside
Meaning: Introduces a secondary comment that is not central to the main discussion.
Tone: Formal, literary, and slightly sophisticated.
Example: As an aside, the presentation template is available to everyone in the department.
Why and when to use it: This expression works in presentations, written commentary, and thoughtful professional discussions.
Purpose and personalization: Keep the aside brief so it does not distract from the primary message.
27. Turning to Another Matter
Meaning: Signals a deliberate transition to a different subject.
Tone: Formal, structured, and authoritative.
Example: Turning to another matter, we need to discuss the upcoming recruitment campaign.
Why and when to use it: Use this phrase in formal meetings, speeches, reports, and presentations that cover several separate topics.
Purpose and personalization: State the new subject immediately after the transition to maintain clarity.
28. Moving on to Another Point
Meaning: Introduces the next topic or consideration in a discussion.
Tone: Professional, organized, and direct.
Example: Moving on to another point, we should establish a clear process for handling customer complaints.
Why and when to use it: This alternative is effective in presentations, team meetings, and structured conversations.
Purpose and personalization: Use it when you want to keep a discussion moving without implying that the new point is unimportant.
29. With That in Mind
Meaning: Introduces a point or action based on information already discussed.
Tone: Thoughtful, professional, and persuasive.
Example: With that in mind, I recommend scheduling the training session before the new system launches.
Why and when to use it: Use it when drawing a conclusion, recommending an action, or introducing a next step based on previous information.
Purpose and personalization: Make the relationship between the earlier information and the new recommendation clear.
30. In Light of This
Meaning: Introduces a response or consideration based on a particular circumstance.
Tone: Formal, analytical, and measured.
Example: In light of this, we should reconsider the proposed delivery schedule.
Why and when to use it: This expression is especially useful in business reports, formal correspondence, and decision-making discussions.
Purpose and personalization: Refer to the relevant circumstance so readers understand the reasoning behind your conclusion.
31. I Would Be Remiss Not to Mention
Meaning: Emphasizes information that should not be overlooked or left unacknowledged.
Tone: Highly professional, considerate, and formal.
Example: I would be remiss not to mention the outstanding contribution of our customer support team.
Why and when to use it: Use this phrase in formal speeches, appreciation messages, reports, and professional acknowledgments.
Purpose and personalization: It is particularly effective when recognizing someone’s contribution or highlighting an important responsibility.
32. It May Also Be Helpful to Know
Meaning: Introduces supplementary information that could benefit the recipient.
Tone: Helpful, courteous, and informative.
Example: It may also be helpful to know that technical support is available outside regular business hours.
Why and when to use it: Use it in customer service emails, instructional documents, and professional guidance.
Purpose and personalization: Focus on information that helps the reader make a decision or complete a task.
33. For Completeness
Meaning: Adds information to ensure that an explanation or record is comprehensive.
Tone: Formal, precise, and detail-oriented.
Example: For completeness, the report also includes the assumptions used in the financial forecast.
Why and when to use it: This phrase is suitable for reports, technical documents, project summaries, and formal business correspondence.
Purpose and personalization: Use it when a supporting detail is necessary to give readers a full understanding of the subject.
34. Before We Move On
Meaning: Introduces a final point or clarification before changing topics.
Tone: Professional, courteous, and structured.
Example: Before we move on, I would like to clarify the responsibilities assigned to each department.
Why and when to use it: Use this phrase during meetings, presentations, and training sessions when an important point needs attention before proceeding.
Purpose and personalization: Keep the clarification focused so the conversation can continue smoothly.
35. A Quick Reminder
Meaning: Introduces a brief reminder about an upcoming task, deadline, or obligation.
Tone: Friendly, practical, and professional.
Example: A quick reminder: please submit your feedback by 3 p.m. tomorrow.
Why and when to use it: This expression works well in team messages, follow-up emails, and routine workplace announcements.
Purpose and personalization: State the deadline or required action clearly, and maintain a considerate tone.
36. One Final Detail
Meaning: Introduces a last piece of information before concluding a message or discussion.
Tone: Clear, professional, and concise.
Example: One final detail: the workshop materials will be distributed electronically.
Why and when to use it: Use it at the end of an email, meeting, or presentation when you need to communicate one remaining item.
Purpose and personalization: Make sure the information is genuinely the last detail to avoid repeated additions.
37. On a Different Front
Meaning: Introduces an update or subject in a different area of activity.
Tone: Professional, conversational, and adaptable.
Example: On a different front, the recruitment team has begun interviewing shortlisted candidates.
Why and when to use it: This phrase is useful in management updates, team communications, and discussions covering different workstreams.
Purpose and personalization: Use it when moving from one area of responsibility or activity to another.
38. While I Have Your Attention
Meaning: Introduces a point the speaker wants the audience to consider before the conversation ends.
Tone: Direct, confident, and conversational.
Example: While I have your attention, I would like to share the registration details for next month’s workshop.
Why and when to use it: This expression works well in meetings, presentations, group announcements, and informal workplace discussions.
Purpose and personalization: Follow it with a concise, relevant request or announcement to respect the audience’s time.
How to Choose the Best Alternative to “By the Way”
Not every alternative works equally well in every situation. The best choice depends on whether you are introducing a new subject, adding supporting information, sharing a reminder, or emphasizing an important detail.
| Situation | Recommended alternative |
|---|---|
| Formal business email | “I would also like to mention” |
| Professional report | “Furthermore” or “for completeness” |
| Related topic | “On a related note” |
| Completely new subject | “On a separate note” |
| Friendly reminder | “A quick reminder” |
| Team meeting | “To add to that” |
| Client update | “To give you an update” |
| Important clarification | “Please also note” |
| Final meeting announcement | “Before we move on” |
| Casual conversation | “One more thing” |
| Additional useful information | “It may also be helpful to know” |
| Formal presentation | “Turning to another matter” |
Tips for Using These Alternatives Naturally
1. Consider your audience. Use conversational expressions with familiar colleagues and more formal transitions when writing to clients, senior managers, or external stakeholders.
2. Match the transition to your purpose. “Furthermore” strengthens an argument, whereas “on another note” generally signals a topic change. Choose the phrase that accurately describes your intention.
3. Avoid unnecessary formality. A simple “also” may be clearer than a lengthy expression. Professional communication is about clarity, not complicated vocabulary.
4. Keep your message organized. If you are introducing an unrelated subject, make the change explicit. If the new detail supports your main point, choose a connecting expression instead.
5. Use important transitions sparingly. Too many phrases such as “additionally,” “furthermore,” and “I would also like to mention” can make writing repetitive. Vary your sentence structure to maintain a natural flow.
Conclusion
Choosing the right alternative to “by the way” can make your communication more polished, clear, and effective. Whether you prefer “on another note” for changing subjects, “furthermore” for strengthening an argument, or “I would also like to mention” for professional emails, each expression serves a different purpose. The key is to match your wording to your audience, message, and setting. Experiment with these alternatives in everyday conversations, workplace discussions, and formal writing to develop a more confident and versatile communication style.
Discover More Articles
30+ Ways to Start Your Week with a Warm and Professional Greeting
30+ Professional Email Expressions for Saying “That Works for Me” (2026)
30+ Polite Alternatives to “I Hope You Enjoyed” for Professional Communication
