Are you trying to find a way to quickly mention a piece of information besides writing “by the way”?
Perhaps you’re worried the phrase is a bit informal or unprofessional.
Fear not! That’s what we’re here for.
This article has gathered some synonyms to show you what to say instead of “by the way.”
Is It Professional to Say “By the Way”?
It is not professional to say “by the way.” Unfortunately, the phrase is not useful in formal emails because it implies that you almost forgot to share something or don’t care about the information much.
It’s informal, but it’s not rude. It’s still a great way to share extra information when the time is right.
However, we only recommend using it when texting friends. It’s much better in more conversational situations when there’s less pressure to sound overly formal.
You can refer to this message example to learn more about how it works:
This should happen on Friday. By the way, do you have anything to bring with you? I don’t know what I should bring!
Pros
- It’s a friendly way to add more information or ask something.
- It’s conversational and polite.
Cons
- It’s unprofessional.
- It doesn’t belong in emails when trying to share new information with a recipient.
So, in formal situations, “by the way” is not the best call. Therefore, it’s time to explore some alternatives to see what actually works in emails.
Read on to learn how to say “by the way” in a formal email. We’ve provided some great synonyms to keep things interesting and ensure you sound as professional as possible.
What to Say Instead of “By the Way”
- Incidentally
- As a side note
- On a related note
- Speaking of which
- To add to that
- In this context
- Additionally
- As an additional point
- As a follow-up
- While we’re on the topic
1. Incidentally
We recommend “incidentally” as a better way to say “by the way” in formal emails. It helps you addinformation that might relate to the current thing you’re emailing about.
This is a highly effective way to keep the recipient in the loop. It shows you’re discussing something that relates to them and would like to hear what they think.
Generally, this keeps things polite and informative. So, you really can’t go wrong with it when emailing a client.
You should also review this email sample to learn more about it:
Dear Mr. Jackson,
This is all the news we have to share so far. Incidentally, were you contacted by the other firm to discuss any changes?
All the best,
Michael Riley
2. As a Side Note
Another great phrase to include in your emails is “as a side note.” This one works well when sharing non-vital information on top of the rest of the context of an email.
Try using it when contacting a shareholder about changes to your company. It’s a great way to keep them in the loop by providing additional information that isn’t too relevant or important.
The phrase itself is pretty polite. That’s why it works quite well when you have a decent amount of respect for the person on the other end of the email.
If you’re still unsure, check out this example:
Dear Miss Pengo,
As a side note, I have attached a file that should explain more about what we expect to change moving forward.
Best regards,
Dan Evans
3. On a Related Note
We also recommend using “on a related note” as another way to say “by the way.” This is a great formal synonym that helps you keep information relevant in a conversation.
Try using it when contacting your boss. It shows you’re keen to hear from them and would like to set up a meeting.
Also, including “on a related note” shows that you’d like to ask a more direct question. This could work quite well in an email and let your boss know you’re interested in the company.
Here’s a great sample email to show you more about how it works:
Dear Mrs. Keen,
I would like to discuss more about this with you soon. On a related note, how did you get on during the shareholders’ meeting?
Yours,
Kylie Jenner
4. Speaking of Which
Now, we’d like to move over to something more conversational. You can use “speaking of which” in certain emails to show that you’re adding relevant information to a conversation.
Try using it when sharing ideas with coworkers. It shows that you’re happy to discuss things openly with them, especially if you trust their knowledge and think they’ll have good things to share.
It’s ideal when working on a team project together. It’s polite and reassuring. So, it’s a useful way to show that you have a few ideas on the side that are worth discussing.
We also recommend reviewing this sample email:
Dear Matt,
I have a few ideas that might help us here. Speaking of which, have you discussed anything with the rest of the team?
My best,
Carla Santos
5. To Add to That
Since “by the way” allows you to add information to a conversation, you might as well use “to add to that” as a formal synonym.
It’s one of the most direct and clear ways to add information to a situation.
After all, it doesn’t get more obvious than saying “to add to that.” Try it when contacting a colleague. It lets them know your thought process and helps them to follow you through it.
Here’s a great example to help you understand it better:
Dear Timothy,
This is all we can do right now. To add to that, I don’t think it’s wise to look for other solutions while they’re reviewing our work.
Yours,
Georgia Williamson
6. In This Context
While it might not be the most common option, it’s worth using “in this context” as a formal synonym for “by the way.”
This works well in emails. Try it when emailing a client. Generally, it’ll show them that you have a few ideas to add to an email based on the context you’ve already discussed with them.
Feel free to refer to this example if you still need help with it:
Dear Mr. Brett,
I think it’s important to discuss this further. In this context, we also need to talk about what we’re going to do next time.
Kind regards,
Samantha O’Connor
7. Additionally
Another great term to replace “by the way” is “additionally.” The one-word synonyms are usually the most effective because they help to streamline your emails.
Try using it when contacting a business partner. It shows you’re efficient and get to the point quickly.
So, when you have additional information to share, you really can’t go wrong with this word. It’s one of the best ways to mix up your writing to ensure someone knows how you’re thinking.
You can also check out this example to learn more:
Dear Ms. Lowe,
This is a great idea. Additionally, I think the rest of the team will be happy to get on board and help us move forward.
Warmest regards,
Harrison Stonespear
8. As an Additional Point
It’s also worth using “as an additional point” instead of “by the way.” This phrase helps you to raise additional information when you think it’s relevant.
For instance, you can use it when replying to a customer. It shows that you think they’ve made a valid point, but you’d like to add something else to ensure they cover all angles.
If you’re still unsure, you can check out this email sample:
Dear Miss Sally,
Thank you for your insight. As an additional point, it’s worth running these ideas past my boss to get a direct quote.
Yours,
Max Whitlock
9. As a Follow-Up
Another way to say “by the way” is “as a follow-up.” This is a great way to keep your emails formal and smooth.
It makes it much easier for people to understand the information laid out in an email you write.
So, try using it when contacting an employee. It ensures they’re following along with your plan or ideas and know what you’re getting at.
Here’s a great example to help you understand it if you still need help:
Dear Kyle,
This should work well in our favor. As a follow-up, I have also spoken to the team, and they seem thrilled about the idea.
My best,
Jayden Scott
10. While We’re on the Topic
We also recommend trying “while we’re on the topic” as a professional way to say “by the way.”
It’s highly effective in a business email. It allows you to update someone briefly with important information.
Generally, you can use it when contacting an employee. It shows that you have something new to add that hasn’t already been mentioned.
It’s short and sweet. That’s what makes it quite effective. It also demonstrates that the point refers to the topic you’re already talking about.
Here’s a great email example to also help you with it:
Dear Michael,
While we’re on the topic, I’d very much like to meet with your team about this. Do you have time to talk things through?
Yours,
Joe White