So, you’re looking for a formal way to share a quick piece of information with someone.
However, you’re concerned that by the way is too informal or impolite to use in emails.
Luckily, you have other options!
This article will teach you how to say by the way in a formal email to ensure you’re using the correct tone.
6 Alternative Ways to Say “By the Way”
You can refer to these alternatives to learn a better way to say by the way when you’re trying to sound professional:
- Incidentally
- In addition
- On another note
- As a side note
- It’s also worth mentioning that
- Speaking of which
1. Incidentally
A professional way to say by the way is incidentally. This works really well when adding small pieces of information to a message or email.
Generally, it suggests that you’d like to share something that isn’t fundamentally important.
You can use it when updating employees. Feel free to start an email explaining something important that’s coming up (like a meeting).
After that, you can say incidentally to talk about something that’s relevant but not quite as pressing. It’s quick and direct, so it shows that you only need someone’s attention briefly.
Feel free to review this sample email to learn more about it:
Dear All,
This is the time we will hold the meeting on Friday.
Incidentally, can anyone bring along the current projects we’re working on?
All the best,
Samuel Weiss
2. In Addition
Another way to say by the way is in addition. This works well because it’s formal and polite.
It shows that you’re adding something to the reader. This often comes in the form of something slightly less relevant to the bulk of text in an email.
For instance, you can use it when updating clients about new products your company might have on offer.
While it’s not the main thing you’re contacting them about, this is still a good way to get their attention.
You can also check out this sample email to learn more about how to use it:
Dear Mr. Carter,
I hope you’ll contact me again if there’s anything else I can do.
In addition, I’ve attached some information about our newest product that I think will excite you.
Best regards,
Danny Mortimer
3. On Another Note
You can also write on another note instead of by the way. This is a great way to keep things formal and sincere when you’d like to share more information.
It works best when talking to coworkers. Generally, you can use this to share information about a project you might be working on.
For the most part, it’s a great option. It shows that you have something relevant to share with someone, but you’re not drawing too much attention to it.
Also, feel free to check out this email example to learn more:
Dear Michael,
This is all I have to share with you about it today.
On another note, I’m hosting an event at my house on Friday. Are you free to attend?
Yours,
Max Walters
4. As a Side Note
Another great alternative to by the way is as a side note. This works well in more professional circumstances.
It shows that you have a side piece of information to share with the recipient.
Try using it when contacting customers. It’ll let them know you have something new to say to them, but you don’t want them to worry too much about it.
It’s a formal and polite way to introduce a new topic. Most people will be glad you went about it in this way when you’re sharing with them.
You can also check out this example to learn a bit more about how to use it:
Dear Miss Touche,
So far, I’ve done all I can to help you with this project until we learn more.
As a side note, I will be out of the office for the next three weeks.
Warmest regards,
Jekyll Banner
5. It’s Also Worth Mentioning That
We also think it’s good to use it’s also worth mentioning that. Generally, this is an effective professional phrase that lets someone know you have more to add.
For the most part, this works whether you’re sharing valuable or invaluable information.
Either way, it works best when sharing a side note or a smaller chunk of information.
So, you can use it when writing to your boss. It suggests that you’ve told them something important, but you want to support that thing with something a little less vital.
You should review this email sample to learn more about how it can work:
Dear Miss Andrews,
Of course, I have done everything you asked of me regarding this project.
It’s also worth mentioning that I’ve completed a few tasks you didn’t ask for.
All the best,
Joey Hall
6. Speaking of Which
Finally, you can try using speaking of which in your writing. This is a more fun and light-hearted choice to help you spice things up.
Generally, it means you’re sharing related information in an email or text message.
It’s a great choice if you’re still trying to maintain a formal tone but want to be a bit more friendly.
It’s also a bit quick-witted. It suggests that you’ve briefly thought about something new and would like to share it with a recipient before you move to a different idea.
You can also check out this sample email if you still need help understand how it works:
Dear Michelle,
I have completed your performance review, and it will be ready for you on Monday.
Speaking of which, have you heard any more about the new promotion?
All the best,
Melanie Smart
Is It Correct to Say “By the Way”?
By the way is correct to say in informally.
It is not formal or professional. So, you should try to avoid using it in emails whenever possible.
While it might not be formal, that doesn’t mean it’s incorrect. It works really well in text messages when updating someone or letting them know further information.
Also, it’s not rude. So, you won’t accidentally insult someone when using a word like this in your writing.
Check out this text message sample to learn a bit more about how to use by the way in a sentence:
I look forward to seeing you then! By the way, have you heard about the latest problem with her car?
You can also use the abbreviation BTW in informal contexts. Of course, using an abbreviation like this only works in casual and conversational text chains.
So, you can refer to this example to learn a bit more about the abbreviated version:
BTW, did you hear about the news? I’m sure it won’t affect you, but it’s worth knowing what’s going on.
So, it’s clear that by the way isn’t the best phrase to use in formal emails. Therefore, you’re going to need to rely on a few alternatives to help you out.
