Other Ways to Say “By the Way” in 2026

Have you ever caught yourself saying “by the way” repeatedly in conversations or emails? It’s a simple phrase, but overusing it can make your communication feel repetitive or even unpolished. Knowing other ways to say “by the way” can make your speech and writing more dynamic, professional, and engaging. Whether you’re drafting an email, speaking in a meeting, or chatting casually with friends, having alternative phrases at your disposal can help you convey your message smoothly while keeping your audience interested.

In this article, we’ll explore a variety of alternatives, explain when to use them, and provide practical examples. By the end, you’ll have a toolkit of phrases that make your communication more versatile and effective.

Why You Need Alternatives to “By the Way”

“By the way” is commonly used to introduce additional information or change the topic subtly. However, relying on it too often can make your communication predictable or casual when you want it to be professional. Alternatives allow you to:

• Vary your language to keep conversations engaging
  
• Match the tone of formal or informal communication
  
• Enhance clarity by choosing phrases that fit context
  
• Sound more confident and articulate in speech and writing
  

For instance, in an email to a client, “by the way” may feel too casual, but “I’d also like to mention” maintains professionalism.

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Common Alternatives to “By the Way”

Here’s a quick reference list of common alternatives you can use immediately:

1. Incidentally – Formal, professional, and subtle
   
2. Just so you know – Casual, friendly
   
3. For your information (FYI) – Professional, often in emails
   
4. As an aside – Good for storytelling or adding extra context
   
5. Speaking of which – Great for connecting related ideas
   
6. On a related note – Useful in professional or academic writing
   
7. I should mention – Polite and proactive
   
8. While we’re on the topic – Smoothly transitions to related points
   

Tip: Choose the phrase based on the tone, medium, and audience of your communication.

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Formal Alternatives for Professional Settings

If you want to maintain a polished, professional tone, here are some options:

1. I’d like to point out

• Example: “I’d like to point out that the meeting has been rescheduled to 3 PM.”
  
• Use in: Emails, presentations, reports
  

2. It’s worth noting

• Example: “It’s worth noting that the new software update improves efficiency.”
  
• Use in: Business communications, formal emails, articles
  

3. Additionally

• Example: “Additionally, we’ve included a new feature in the dashboard.”
  
• Use in: Written communication and reports
  

4. For your information (FYI)

• Example: “FYI, the deadline has been moved to next Friday.”
  
• Use in: Professional emails or messages
  

Pro Tip: These phrases can make your professional emails sound more polished while still guiding the reader’s attention to secondary points.

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Casual Alternatives for Everyday Conversation

For friendly chats or informal messages, these phrases feel natural:

1. Just so you know

• Example: “Just so you know, I’ll be late to dinner tonight.”
  

2. By the by

• Example: “By the by, did you see the latest episode of that show?”
  
• Fun and slightly old-fashioned
  

3. Oh, and

• Example: “Oh, and I forgot to tell you about the party tomorrow.”
  
• Very casual, works in texts or speech
  

4. While we’re at it

• Example: “While we’re at it, should we also order some snacks?”
  

Pro Tip: These alternatives create a conversational tone and make you sound approachable and engaging.

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Transitional Alternatives in Writing

When writing essays, articles, or reports, smooth transitions are key. Here are alternatives suitable for written content:

• On a related note – Connects ideas logically
  
• As an aside – Adds commentary without disrupting flow
  
• This reminds me – Introduces related anecdotes or points
  
• Incidentally – Adds extra info subtly
  

Example in writing:
“The new policy affects all departments. On a related note, HR has announced a training session next week.”

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Creative and Fun Alternatives

Sometimes, a playful tone is appropriate, especially in blogs, storytelling, or social media:

1. Guess what – Builds anticipation
   
   • Example: “Guess what, I finally tried the new coffee shop!”
     
2. Oh, by the way – Slightly humorous, friendly
   
   • Example: “Oh, by the way, I found your missing book.”
     
3. Not to change the subject, but – Polite redirection
   
   • Example: “Not to change the subject, but did you finish that project?”
     

Pro Tip: Use these selectively to add personality without confusing your audience.

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Table of Alternatives by Tone and Usage

Tone	Alternative Phrases	Best Used In
Professional	I’d like to point out, It’s worth noting, Additionally, FYI	Emails, meetings, reports
Casual	Just so you know, By the by, Oh, and, While we’re at it	Chats, texts, casual conversations
Transitional	On a related note, As an aside, This reminds me, Incidentally	Essays, articles, storytelling
Fun / Creative	Guess what, Oh, by the way, Not to change the subject, Speaking of which	Blogs, social media, storytelling

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Practical Tips for Using Alternatives

1. Match tone with audience: Always consider whether your audience is professional, casual, or a mix.
   
2. Avoid repetition: Rotate phrases to keep conversations and writing fresh.
   
3. Mind context: Some alternatives like “FYI” work in emails but sound awkward in conversation.
   
4. Use sparingly: Even alternatives should be used strategically to maintain clarity.
   
5. Combine with other techniques: Add examples or explanations after your transition for smoother flow.
   

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Examples in Sentences and Emails

In Conversation

• Instead of: “By the way, did you see the game?”
  
• Use: “Speaking of sports, did you catch the game last night?”
  

In Emails

• Instead of: “By the way, the deadline is tomorrow.”
  
• Use: “It’s worth noting that the deadline for submission is tomorrow.”
  

In Reports or Articles

• Instead of: “By the way, this affects all teams.”
  
• Use: “On a related note, these changes will impact all departments.”
  

Pro Tip: These adjustments make your communication smoother and more professional without losing the intended meaning.

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FAQs About Alternatives to “By the Way”

Q1: Can “by the way” be used in formal emails?
A1: It’s usually too casual for formal emails. Use alternatives like “It’s worth noting” or “I’d like to point out” instead.

Q2: What is the difference between “incidentally” and “by the way”?
A2: “Incidentally” is more formal and subtle, while “by the way” is casual and conversational.

Q3: Are there humorous alternatives to “by the way”?
A3: Yes! Phrases like “guess what” or “oh, by the way” add humor while keeping the transition light.

Q4: How often should I use alternatives in writing?
A4: Use them sparingly to avoid overloading your writing with transitions. One or two per paragraph is usually enough.

Conclusion

Mastering other ways to say “by the way” can significantly improve your communication skills. From professional emails to casual conversations, choosing the right phrase helps you sound articulate, confident, and engaging. Whether you opt for formal alternatives like “it’s worth noting,” casual phrases like “just so you know,” or transitional phrases like “on a related note,” having options allows you to communicate smoothly and maintain your audience’s interest.

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