In professional communication, how you introduce additional information matters just as much as what you say. The phrase “by the way” is common in everyday conversation, but in emails, meetings, reports, and formal discussions, it can sound casual, abrupt, or even dismissive if not used carefully. In corporate, academic, and client-facing settings, word choice directly influences tone, clarity, and credibility.
That’s why understanding professional ways to say “by the way” is essential. Whether you’re adding an afterthought in an email, introducing supplementary information in a report, or gently shifting topics in a meeting, polished alternatives help you sound confident, respectful, and intentional.
🏛️ Formal Alternatives to “By the Way”
1. Additionally
- Meaning: Introduces extra information
- Explanation: Neutral and structured transition
- Example: “Additionally, the revised budget has been approved.”
- Best Use: Reports, executive emails
- Worst Use: Casual chat
- Tone: Formal
2. Furthermore
- Meaning: Adds supporting information
- Explanation: Strengthens arguments
- Example: “Furthermore, the data confirms our projections.”
- Best Use: Academic or analytical writing
- Worst Use: Informal conversations
- Tone: Formal
3. Moreover
- Meaning: Adds emphasis
- Explanation: Highlights importance
- Example: “Moreover, client satisfaction has increased.”
- Best Use: Presentations, proposals
- Worst Use: Quick emails
- Tone: Formal
4. Incidentally
- Meaning: Introduces secondary but relevant info
- Explanation: Polite substitute for “by the way”
- Example: “Incidentally, the meeting time has changed.”
- Best Use: Emails, discussions
- Worst Use: Legal writing
- Tone: Formal-neutral
5. As an additional note
- Meaning: Adds non-critical info
- Explanation: Softens transition
- Example: “As an additional note, parking is limited.”
- Best Use: Client communication
- Worst Use: Urgent notices
- Tone: Formal
6. For your information
- Meaning: Shares relevant details
- Explanation: Direct but professional
- Example: “For your information, the deadline is Friday.”
- Best Use: Workplace updates
- Worst Use: Sensitive topics
- Tone: Formal
7. It may be helpful to note
- Meaning: Suggests useful info
- Explanation: Polite and non-imposing
- Example: “It may be helpful to note that revisions are ongoing.”
- Best Use: Advisory emails
- Worst Use: Strong directives
- Tone: Formal-polite
8. I would also like to mention
- Meaning: Adds a point respectfully
- Explanation: Personal yet professional
- Example: “I would also like to mention the updated policy.”
- Best Use: Emails
- Worst Use: Reports
- Tone: Formal
9. Please also note
- Meaning: Draws attention
- Explanation: Clear and assertive
- Example: “Please also note the attached appendix.”
- Best Use: Instructions
- Worst Use: Casual chats
- Tone: Formal
10. In addition to this
- Meaning: Connects related info
- Explanation: Smooth logical transition
- Example: “In addition to this, training will be provided.”
- Best Use: Documentation
- Worst Use: Spoken casual talk
- Tone: Formal
🤝 Semi-Formal & Neutral Alternatives
1. On a related note
- Meaning: Shifts topic slightly
- Example: “On a related note, the timeline has changed.”
- Tone: Neutral-professional
2. As a reminder
- Meaning: Reiterates known info
- Example: “As a reminder, reports are due Friday.”
- Tone: Polite-neutral
3. Worth mentioning
- Meaning: Highlights relevance
- Example: “Worth mentioning, the client approved the draft.”
- Tone: Neutral
4. Another point to consider
- Meaning: Adds thoughtful input
- Example: “Another point to consider is budget flexibility.”
- Tone: Neutral
5. I’d like to add
- Meaning: Contributes more info
- Example: “I’d like to add that support is available.”
- Tone: Semi-formal
6. Notably
- Meaning: Highlights significance
- Example: “Notably, engagement has increased.”
- Tone: Neutral-formal
7. In this regard
- Meaning: Refers to related context
- Example: “In this regard, adjustments are necessary.”
- Tone: Neutral
😊 Informal or Casual Alternatives
- By the way (spoken only)
- Just a quick note
- Also
- Oh, and…
- One more thing
🏢 Industry-Specific Variations
💼 Business
- “Additionally…”
- “As an additional note…”
🏛️ Corporate
- “Furthermore…”
- “Please also note…”
🎓 Academic
- “Moreover…”
- “Notably…”
☎️ Customer Service
- “For your information…”
- “As a reminder…”
⚖️ Legal
- “In addition to this…”
- “It is worth noting…”
📧 Email Communication
- “On a related note…”
- “I would also like to mention…”
📩 Email Examples (Very Important)
1. Subject: Project Update
Hi Sarah,
Additionally, the final review has been scheduled for Thursday.
Best regards,
Alex
2. Subject: Meeting Reminder
Hi Team,
As a reminder, tomorrow’s meeting starts at 10 AM.
Regards,
Nina
3. Subject: Contract Details
Dear Mr. Khan,
Please also note that the agreement includes a renewal clause.
Sincerely,
Omar
4. Subject: Service Information
Hello Anna,
For your information, support hours have been extended.
Kind regards,
Lucas
5. Subject: Proposal Discussion
Hi Mark,
On a related note, we may need to revise the timeline.
Best,
Julia
🗣️ Short Dialogue Examples
- A: “The report is complete.”
B: “Additionally, the appendix has been updated.” - A: “We approved the plan.”
B: “On a related note, training starts Monday.” - A: “The client agreed.”
B: “Incidentally, they requested minor changes.” - A: “The system is live.”
B: “Worth mentioning, performance has improved.” - A: “The budget is final.”
B: “Please also note the contingency fund.”
📊 Comparison Table
| Phrase | Tone | Best Use | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Additionally | Formal | Reports | “Additionally, costs were reduced.” |
| Incidentally | Neutral | Emails | “Incidentally, the date changed.” |
| On a related note | Neutral | Meetings | “On a related note, updates follow.” |
| Please also note | Formal | Instructions | “Please also note the deadline.” |
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using “by the way” in formal emails
- Overloading sentences with transitions
- Sounding abrupt or dismissive
- Mixing casual and legal tone
- Adding irrelevant information
- Using the same phrase repeatedly
🚫 When NOT to Use These Phrases
- In urgent or emergency communication
- When the information is unrelated
- In highly emotional conversations
- When clarity requires direct statements
❓ FAQs
1. Is “by the way” unprofessional?
Not unprofessional, but too casual for formal writing.
2. What is the most formal alternative?
“Additionally” or “Furthermore.”
3. Can I use these in client emails?
Yes, they are designed for professional contexts.
4. Which option is the most polite?
“It may be helpful to note…”
5. Are these suitable for academic writing?
Yes—especially “Moreover” and “Notably.”
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