Introduction
In everyday conversations and emails, “by the way” is often used to introduce additional or secondary information. While it works well in casual settings, it can sound informal or abrupt in professional communication. In business emails, reports, or meetings, choosing more refined alternatives helps maintain clarity, professionalism, and a polished tone. Using professional expressions instead of “by the way” allows you to smoothly introduce new points without sounding offhand or disorganized.
What Does “By the Way” Mean?
The phrase “by the way” is used to introduce supplementary information that is related but not central to the main topic. It often signals a transition or an afterthought.
In professional contexts, clearer and more deliberate alternatives are preferred to ensure smooth and structured communication.
When Should You Use Professional Alternatives?
Professional alternatives are appropriate when:
- Writing business or client emails
- Adding information in reports or proposals
- Speaking during meetings or presentations
- Introducing side notes without disrupting flow
Choosing the right phrase helps keep your message organized and respectful.
Is “By the Way” Professional?
While not incorrect, “by the way” is generally informal. In formal or business communication, replacing it with polished alternatives enhances clarity, credibility, and professionalism.
35+ Professional Ways to Say “By the Way”
1. Additionally
Meaning: Adds related information.
Tone: Formal.
“Additionally, we will review the budget next week.”
Explanation: Smooth formal transition.
2. Furthermore
Meaning: Adds emphasis to a point.
Tone: Formal.
“Furthermore, the deadline has been extended.”
Explanation: Strong professional connector.
3. Moreover
Meaning: Introduces extra supporting detail.
Tone: Formal.
“Moreover, the proposal includes updated figures.”
Explanation: Ideal for reports.
4. In addition
Meaning: Adds related information.
Tone: Professional.
“In addition, please review the attached file.”
Explanation: Clear and structured.
5. As a reminder
Meaning: Reintroduces important info.
Tone: Professional.
“As a reminder, the meeting starts at 10 a.m.”
Explanation: Polite and direct.
6. On another note
Meaning: Shifts to a new topic.
Tone: Professional.
“On another note, we will discuss timelines.”
Explanation: Gentle transition.
7. For your information
Meaning: Shares relevant detail.
Tone: Professional.
“For your information, the system update is complete.”
Explanation: Informative tone.
8. As an aside
Meaning: Introduces secondary detail.
Tone: Formal.
“As an aside, the client requested revisions.”
Explanation: Subtle and refined.
9. It’s worth noting that
Meaning: Highlights important detail.
Tone: Professional.
“It’s worth noting that approval is pending.”
Explanation: Emphasizes relevance.
10. For reference
Meaning: Provides supporting info.
Tone: Professional.
“For reference, I’ve attached last quarter’s report.”
Explanation: Useful in emails.
11. I would also like to mention
Meaning: Adds a point politely.
Tone: Professional.
“I would also like to mention the updated schedule.”
Explanation: Courteous phrasing.
12. Please note that
Meaning: Draws attention.
Tone: Professional.
“Please note that changes may apply.”
Explanation: Clear and formal.
13. Another point to consider is
Meaning: Introduces new idea.
Tone: Professional.
“Another point to consider is resource availability.”
Explanation: Analytical tone.
14. Separately
Meaning: Distinguishes information.
Tone: Formal.
“Separately, we will address compliance issues.”
Explanation: Clean transition.
15. On a related matter
Meaning: Connects topics.
Tone: Professional.
“On a related matter, the audit is scheduled.”
Explanation: Logical flow.
16. As an additional point
Meaning: Adds further info.
Tone: Professional.
“As an additional point, feedback is welcome.”
Explanation: Structured phrasing.
17. I would like to add
Meaning: Personal addition.
Tone: Professional.
“I would like to add that timelines remain flexible.”
Explanation: Polite transition.
18. For completeness
Meaning: Ensures full coverage.
Tone: Formal.
“For completeness, all data has been verified.”
Explanation: Report-friendly.
19. As previously mentioned
Meaning: Refers back.
Tone: Professional.
“As previously mentioned, approval is required.”
Explanation: Reinforces points.
20. In the same vein
Meaning: Continues related idea.
Tone: Formal.
“In the same vein, we propose adjustments.”
Explanation: Academic-professional tone.
21. As a follow-up
Meaning: Continues prior discussion.
Tone: Professional.
“As a follow-up, please see the attached document.”
Explanation: Email-friendly.
22. I should also mention
Meaning: Adds lightly.
Tone: Professional.
“I should also mention the revised deadline.”
Explanation: Soft transition.
23. In this context
Meaning: Adds clarity.
Tone: Formal.
“In this context, cost efficiency is critical.”
Explanation: Analytical tone.
24. Along the same lines
Meaning: Continues related thought.
Tone: Professional.
“Along the same lines, training will be provided.”
Explanation: Smooth linkage.
25. It may be helpful to note
Meaning: Suggestive addition.
Tone: Professional.
“It may be helpful to note the policy update.”
Explanation: Polite emphasis.
26. For awareness
Meaning: Informative addition.
Tone: Professional.
“For awareness, the system will be offline.”
Explanation: Corporate tone.
27. I would also draw your attention to
Meaning: Highlights importance.
Tone: Formal.
“I would also draw your attention to the appendix.”
Explanation: Strong emphasis.
28. As an update
Meaning: Introduces new info.
Tone: Professional.
“As an update, the issue has been resolved.”
Explanation: Clear transition.
29. Incidentally
Meaning: Adds minor point.
Tone: Semi-formal.
“Incidentally, the vendor has confirmed delivery.”
Explanation: Softer alternative.
30. At this point
Meaning: Contextual transition.
Tone: Professional.
“At this point, no action is required.”
Explanation: Situational clarity.
31. As a side note
Meaning: Adds secondary info.
Tone: Professional.
“As a side note, training materials are available.”
Explanation: Friendly-professional.
32. With that in mind
Meaning: Connects ideas.
Tone: Professional.
“With that in mind, we recommend approval.”
Explanation: Logical flow.
33. To add to this
Meaning: Builds on point.
Tone: Professional.
“To add to this, the budget was revised.”
Explanation: Smooth continuation.
34. In passing
Meaning: Brief mention.
Tone: Formal.
“In passing, the client raised a concern.”
Explanation: Subtle insertion.
35. As a brief addition
Meaning: Introduces short note.
Tone: Professional.
“As a brief addition, timelines remain unchanged.”
Explanation: Clear and concise.
36. While we’re on the topic
Meaning: Topic-linked addition.
Tone: Professional.
“While we’re on the topic, let’s review the data.”
Explanation: Natural transition.
Conclusion
Replacing “by the way” with professional alternatives improves clarity, flow, and credibility in business communication. These expressions help you introduce additional information smoothly without sounding informal or abrupt. By selecting context-appropriate phrasing, you ensure your emails, reports, and conversations remain polished, structured, and effective enhancing your professional presence in every interaction.
