Are you looking for a way to introduce a new idea or topic in an email or essay?
Perhaps you’re worried that “on a different note” isn’t the best formal phrase to use when doing this.
Luckily, it’s not your only option! And we’re here to help explore that.
This article will show you how to say “on a different note” in an email.
Is It Formal to Say “On a Different Note”?
It is formal to say “on a different note.” It’s a professional phrase that shows you’re introducing something new that doesn’t relate to the previous thing you wrote about.
You can use it in an email or essay. Generally, it’s a good option that allows you to explore something new briefly that will divert the reader’s attention.
This email sample should also help you understand it:
Dear Mario,
This is a great idea, and I would like you to follow through with it.
On a different note, have you spoken to Marcus yet?
Best wishes,
Dean Bennett
You can also write “on another note” as a variation. The phrase is identical and works well formally.
For instance:
Dear Ms. Clark,
I’ll let you know as soon as I have more information.
On another note, have you thought any more about my original offer?
Best regards,
Horace Blowhorn
Pros
- It’s professional and direct.
- It allows you to quickly change the subject when you want to touch on something else.
Cons
- It’s fairly repetitive.
- It’s a bit blunt.
So, there’s nothing wrong with using “on a different note” in your writing. But it’s also time to explore some synonyms to see what else might work for you.
Keep reading to learn how to say “on a different note” professionally. We’ve gathered a list of some of the best alternatives to show you what else works.
What to Say Instead of “On a Different Note”
- Alternatively
- In contrast
- By way of contrast
- Taking a different perspective
- Shifting focus
- Departing from the current subject
- From another standpoint
- Under a separate heading
- In a separate context
1. Alternatively
Let’s start with “alternatively.” It’s perhaps the most direct and simple synonym to use instead of “on a different note.”
For starters, it’s only one word. This helps to keep things streamlined and clear. Thus, it’s a lot easier for readers to understand what you’re writing.
Of course, we recommend using this when writing to an employee. It shows you’re introducing an alternative idea to the one you mentioned in the first part of your email.
But it only works when an email contains two conflicting ideas. From there, it’s up to the employee to determine which one they’ll follow along with.
You can also review this sample email to learn a little more about it:
Dear Kylie,
I’d like you to get through this project when you have time.
Alternatively, you can find someone else to do it if you have other duties.
Best wishes,
Sarah Millican
2. In Contrast
Next, you can use “in contrast” as a formal synonym for “on a different note.” This one works really well when introducing a conflicting or contrasting idea in an email.
For the most part, the phrase is formal and direct. So, it makes it clear to the email recipient that you’re contradicting something you said previously.
Try using it when writing to a client. It’s a good opportunity to provide them with more information that might help them out.
We recommend it because it shows you’ve already identified one option. However, you also want to introduce a secondary option, allowing a client to have the final say.
If you still need help, you can also review this email sample:
Dear Miss Wilkes,
I’m going to complete this for you by the end of the week.
In contrast, you can ask for it sooner, but it won’t be quite as detailed.
Yours,
Katherine Best
3. By Way of Contrast
Next, it’s worth using “by way of contrast.” However, this time, we recommend using it in academic writing.
Generally, this is great as a formal synonym. It’s a good choice for an essay because it engages the reader and ensures they’re paying attention.
So, you might find this useful when keeping things professional and direct. Readers will be happier to see something like this that helps to explain how two sentences differ.
Feel free to review these essay samples if you’re still unsure:
This seems to be the best course of action to move ahead with. By way of contrast, there’s one other choice that could work.
I’m going to go ahead with it. By way of contrast, a few others will complete it to see if we match the results.
4. Taking a Different Perspective
You can also write “taking a different perspective” as another way to say “on a different note.”
This phrase remains professional and polite. So, you can use it when emailing your boss.
It’s a good opportunity to agree with them in the first sentence of your email. But after that, you can introduce a conflicting idea that might go against what your boss says.
Either way, introducing a contradiction with “taking a different perspective” helps things to stay formal and open. Your boss will appreciate it if you handle it in this way.
Feel free to review this email sample to learn a bit more:
Dear Miss Alberts,
I understand what you’re trying to tell me with this.
Taking a different perspective, I believe it’s important to look into other scenarios.
Kind regards,
Maxine Trudge
5. Shifting Focus
We also think it’s worth using “shifting focus” instead of “on a different note.” This will help you to formally change the subject quickly.
It keeps things clear and direct when dealing with people in emails.
Try using it when writing to an employee. It’ll let them know that you have two important things to say to them.
You can explore the first important thing in the earliest part of your email. Then, you can say “shifting focus” to show that you’re changing subject to touch on a new subject.
Feel free to review this sample email to learn more if you’re still stuck:
Dear Melissa,
I’m certainly glad you brought this to my attention.
Shifting focus, I have some options for you to consider for your next project.
Best wishes,
Margaret Billing
6. Departing From the Current Subject
We also think it’s good to use “departing from the current subject” as another way to say “on a different note.”
This is great to use when directly changing a subject. It’s professional and respectful. So, it’s a good chance to speak directly to someone about a change that needs to be made.
Generally, we would use this when writing to a business partner. It tends to work well because it keeps a more professional tone about your writing that most people will respond well to.
Also, you should review this sample email to learn a bit more about it:
Dear Ms. Chase,
I’d like to discuss this topic with you in more detail later.
Departing from the current subject, have you had more time to process the proposal?
All the best,
Sarah Harding
7. From Another Standpoint
It’s also good to use “from another standpoint” in your writing.
This time, it allows you to argue a conflicting point. So, this one can work quite well when writing an essay.
Generally, you can introduce one standpoint in a sentence. Then, immediately after, you can draw attention to another view that’s worth discussing.
It’s clear and informative. That’s what makes it such a good choice in your essays.
So, you can check out these examples to learn a bit more:
This is the best course of action. From another standpoint, I can see why people might look into alternatives.
It’s clear that they want this done. From another standpoint, I’m not sure if it’s as high of a priority.
8. Under a Separate Heading
You can also write “under a separate heading” instead of “on a different note.”
Of course, this one works best when writing an essay. It’s good in academic writing because it shows you’re filling in more information that works better under a different heading.
The phrase is professional and informative. So, it keeps the reader engaged when explaining something new to them.
Here are some examples to also show you how it can work:
This is going to be a difficult choice. Under a separate heading, headway has been made towards the other projects.
It’s clear what must be done. Under a separate heading, there are a few articles that must be fulfilled.
9. In a Separate Context
Finally, you can write “in a separate context” instead of “on a different note.”
We recommend using this because it’s professional and clear. It shows that you have something different to share with the recipient of an email.
Try using it when explaining something to a client. It lets them know that you have contradicting information that might pertain to them.
Here is an email example to show you a bit more:
Dear Miss Rogers,
I’m going to have this handled by the end of the week.
In a separate context, please review the attached file to see the new proposal.
Best wishes,
Carla Bradshaw