35 Better Ways to Say “By the Way” for Casual, Professional, and Natural English

If you want a better way to say “by the way,” you usually want one of three things: something more natural, something more professional, or something that does not sound like you toss in a random afterthought. That is the real issue here.

“By the way” works fine, but it can sound casual, abrupt, or overused depending on the context. The right alternative can make you sound smoother, warmer, clearer, or more polished. And yes, tiny wording choices really do change the tone more than people think.

Some of the best alternatives to “By the way”

Incidentally
On another note
Speaking of which
While I have you
Before I forget
Just so you know
As an aside
On a related note
That reminds me
Also
One more thing
Oh, and
For your information
Since we’re talking about it
While we’re on the subject
As a side note
In case you were wondering
For what it’s worth
Not to change the subject, but
To add to that
As a quick note
While we’re here
Come to think of it
This might help
Just a heads-up
As a reminder
One quick thing
Just to mention
It’s worth mentioning
Apropos of that
Relatedly
By the same token
While I’m thinking of it
I should mention
Just between us

Best all-purpose options: on another note, before I forget, speaking of which, just so you know, and while I have you. Those fit most real-life situations without sounding awkward or overly stiff.

By the way

1. Incidentally

Meaning: Introduces extra information that loosely connects to the current topic.
Explanation: Use this when you want a polished alternative that sounds more deliberate than by the way.
Best Use: Professional conversation, essays, formal emails.
Tone: Formal, polished, neutral.
Example: Incidentally, the marketing team already approved the new headline.

2. On another note

Meaning: Shifts the conversation to a different point.
Explanation: This works well when you want a cleaner transition instead of sounding random.
Best Use: Meetings, workplace chat, email.
Tone: Professional, smooth, clear.
Example: On another note, can we move tomorrow’s call to the afternoon?

3. Speaking of which

Meaning: Connects a new thought to something just mentioned.
Explanation: This sounds natural when the extra point grows directly from the current topic.
Best Use: Conversation, texting, friendly work chat.
Tone: Casual, natural, connected.
Example: Speaking of which, did you ever send that invoice?

4. While I have you

Meaning: Adds a quick extra point while someone is available.
Explanation: Use this when you want to bring something up before the conversation ends.
Best Use: Calls, meetings, quick professional chats.
Tone: Professional, practical, courteous.
Example: While I have you, can I confirm the deadline for the proposal?

5. Before I forget

Meaning: Introduces something you do not want to leave unsaid.
Explanation: This feels human and natural. It works because it sounds spontaneous without sounding messy.
Best Use: Emails, texts, conversations, reminders.
Tone: Casual, warm, practical.
Example: Before I forget, your package arrived this morning.

6. Just so you know

Meaning: Shares useful or relevant information.
Explanation: Use this when you want to inform someone without making it sound dramatic. It is direct and very common.
Best Use: Texts, team chat, email, customer support.
Tone: Direct, casual, informative.
Example: Just so you know, the store closes an hour early on Sundays.

7. As an aside

Meaning: Adds a side comment that is not the main point.
Explanation: This sounds a bit more thoughtful and writerly than by the way. Not one for every text message, unless you enjoy sounding like an essayist.
Best Use: Writing, presentations, reflective discussion.
Tone: Formal, thoughtful, slightly academic.
Example: As an aside, that policy changed last quarter.

8. On a related note

Meaning: Introduces a connected point.
Explanation: Use this when the new information fits the topic but deserves its own lane.
Best Use: Professional writing, presentations, organized speech.
Tone: Professional, logical, smooth.
Example: On a related note, we should review the onboarding guide next week.

9. That reminds me

Meaning: Signals that something just triggered another thought.
Explanation: This feels conversational and personal. It works well when the shift comes from memory.
Best Use: Casual speech, texts, friendly email.
Tone: Warm, casual, natural.
Example: That reminds me, I still need your feedback on the draft.

10. Also

Meaning: Adds another point.
Explanation: This is the simplest option. It works when you do not need nuance and just want clarity.
Best Use: Everyday writing, email, quick messages.
Tone: Neutral, direct, plain.
Example: Also, I attached the updated file.

11. One more thing

Meaning: Adds one final extra point.
Explanation: Use this when you want to signal a last addition. It is clear, common, and slightly more deliberate than by the way.
Best Use: Conversation, emails, follow-up messages.
Tone: Direct, casual, clear.
Example: One more thing, please send me the final version before lunch.

12. Oh, and

Meaning: Adds an informal afterthought.
Explanation: This sounds very natural in speech and texting. It is casual, so do not force it into a formal client email unless you enjoy living dangerously.
Best Use: Texts, friendly emails, casual talk.
Tone: Casual, friendly, relaxed.
Example: Oh, and thanks again for helping with the presentation.

13. For your information

Meaning: Shares information the listener may need.
Explanation: This can sound useful or slightly sharp depending on delivery. Use it carefully.
Best Use: Professional updates, neutral notices.
Tone: Formal, direct, sometimes blunt.
Example: For your information, the venue changed the seating plan this morning.

14. Since we’re talking about it

Meaning: Introduces a related point because the topic already came up.
Explanation: This feels natural and keeps the conversation flowing without a jarring shift.
Best Use: Conversation, collaborative discussion, team chat.
Tone: Casual, conversational, connected.
Example: Since we’re talking about it, we should probably update the FAQ too.

15. While we’re on the subject

Meaning: Adds another comment related to the same topic.
Explanation: This works when you want to stay within the same general subject and build on it.
Best Use: Meetings, discussion, email.
Tone: Neutral, polished, conversational.
Example: While we’re on the subject, the training materials need a refresh.

16. As a side note

Meaning: Adds a smaller point that is not central.
Explanation: This sounds neat and structured, especially in writing.
Best Use: Reports, articles, professional emails.
Tone: Professional, organized, neutral.
Example: As a side note, the survey response rate improved this month.

17. In case you were wondering

Meaning: Offers information someone may have been curious about.
Explanation: This phrase works best when you answer an unspoken question or give extra context.
Best Use: Friendly writing, casual updates, social posts.
Tone: Casual, playful, informative.
Example: In case you were wondering, yes, the event still starts at 7.

18. For what it’s worth

Meaning: Adds an opinion or small piece of input without pushing too hard.
Explanation: This does not replace by the way in every case, but it works well when the side point is personal or advisory.
Best Use: Advice, feedback, thoughtful conversation.
Tone: Modest, reflective, diplomatic.
Example: For what it’s worth, I think the first version sounded stronger.

19. Not to change the subject, but

Meaning: Signals a topic shift directly.
Explanation: Use this when you want to acknowledge the pivot instead of pretending it happened magically.
Best Use: Conversation, meetings, spoken discussion.
Tone: Casual, honest, slightly self-aware.
Example: Not to change the subject, but have you booked the flights yet?

20. To add to that

Meaning: Builds on a point already made.
Explanation: This works better than by the way when the new comment supports the same idea instead of changing direction.
Best Use: Discussions, meetings, presentations.
Tone: Professional, collaborative, logical.
Example: To add to that, the support team reported the same issue.

21. As a quick note

Meaning: Introduces a brief extra point.
Explanation: This phrase sounds efficient and tidy. It fits situations where you want to stay concise.
Best Use: Email, internal updates, documentation.
Tone: Professional, concise, practical.
Example: As a quick note, Friday’s workshop will start thirty minutes later.

22. While we’re here

Meaning: Brings up something relevant before moving on.
Explanation: This phrase feels natural in group discussion and collaborative settings.
Best Use: Meetings, brainstorming, casual work conversation.
Tone: Casual, practical, collaborative.
Example: While we’re here, can we confirm who owns the next step?

23. Come to think of it

Meaning: Shows a thought just occurred to you.
Explanation: This feels more reflective than by the way and works best in speech.
Best Use: Casual talk, storytelling, friendly writing.
Tone: Casual, thoughtful, natural.
Example: Come to think of it, I never got a reply from them.

24. This might help

Meaning: Offers an extra useful detail.
Explanation: This is not a direct synonym, but it works when the “by the way” comment exists to help someone.
Best Use: Customer service, support, advice, teamwork.
Tone: Helpful, warm, practical.
Example: This might help: the app works better after a full restart.

25. Just a heads-up

Meaning: Gives advance notice.
Explanation: Use this when your extra point acts as a warning, reminder, or preparation.
Best Use: Team chat, text, workplace updates.
Tone: Casual, direct, helpful.
Example: Just a heads-up, the website may go down during maintenance tonight.

26. As a reminder

Meaning: Brings up information the other person should already know.
Explanation: This works best when you want to sound organized rather than spontaneous.
Best Use: Professional emails, announcements, project communication.
Tone: Professional, clear, firm.
Example: As a reminder, expense reports are due by the end of the week.

27. One quick thing

Meaning: Introduces a brief additional point.
Explanation: This sounds natural and conversational. It often feels friendlier than one more thing.
Best Use: Calls, chats, email, meetings.
Tone: Casual, practical, warm.
Example: One quick thing, do you still need the spreadsheet in PDF form?

28. Just to mention

Meaning: Brings up a point briefly.
Explanation: Use this when you want to slip in extra context without making it sound huge.
Best Use: Conversation, informal writing, quick follow-ups.
Tone: Casual, light, conversational.
Example: Just to mention, Anna already reviewed the first section.

29. It’s worth mentioning

Meaning: Signals that a detail matters enough to note.
Explanation: This sounds more intentional than by the way and gives the added point a bit more weight.
Best Use: Articles, presentations, professional writing.
Tone: Neutral, thoughtful, slightly formal.
Example: It’s worth mentioning that the cheaper option includes fewer features.

30. Apropos of that

Meaning: Introduces something relevant to what was just said.
Explanation: This works, but it sounds literary and a bit rare in everyday English. Use it only if it suits your voice.
Best Use: Writing, witty conversation, stylistic speech.
Tone: Formal, literary, sophisticated.
Example: Apropos of that, your earlier point about timing was exactly right.

31. Relatedly

Meaning: Adds a closely connected point.
Explanation: This is concise and useful in analytical writing, though it sounds less natural in speech.
Best Use: Academic writing, reports, thoughtful articles.
Tone: Formal, analytical, concise.
Example: Relatedly, user retention improved after the redesign.

32. By the same token

Meaning: Introduces a parallel or logically similar point.
Explanation: This works when your added comment follows the same reasoning pattern, not when it is just a random extra thought.
Best Use: Essays, analysis, formal discussion.
Tone: Formal, logical, structured.
Example: By the same token, we should review the second proposal before approving the first.

33. While I’m thinking of it

Meaning: Adds something before you forget.
Explanation: This feels very natural and slightly more conversational than before I forget.
Best Use: Calls, texts, casual email.
Tone: Casual, warm, natural.
Example: While I’m thinking of it, can you send me that link again?

34. I should mention

Meaning: Introduces something important enough to say directly.
Explanation: This works when the extra point deserves a bit more emphasis than a throwaway aside.
Best Use: Professional conversation, email, feedback.
Tone: Neutral, direct, thoughtful.
Example: I should mention that the client asked for a shorter version.

35. Just between us

Meaning: Adds a private or sensitive side comment.
Explanation: This only fits certain situations. It is less about topic transition and more about sharing something confidentially.
Best Use: Personal conversations, quiet side comments.
Tone: Private, informal, discreet.
Example: Just between us, I think they will choose the second candidate.

What “By the Way” Really Means

“By the way” introduces an extra thought, side point, reminder, or topic shift. Sometimes it adds useful context. Sometimes it slips in something the speaker forgot to mention earlier. Sometimes it changes direction entirely.

That flexibility explains why people use it so much. It is easy, familiar, and natural in speech. But that same flexibility also makes it a bit vague.

In casual conversation, “by the way” sounds completely normal. In professional settings, it can sound a little too loose if the point matters. If the information is important, a phrase like “on another note” or “I should mention” often sounds clearer and more intentional.

It is not dated. It is not rude. It is not wrong. It just does not always do enough heavy lifting on its own.

When to Use Each Alternative

Context changes everything. A phrase that sounds smooth in a text can sound sloppy in a business email. A phrase that works in a meeting can sound weirdly formal when you text your friend. English loves that kind of chaos.

In workplace conversation, use phrases that keep things organized. On another note, while I have you, as a quick note, and on a related note all help you sound structured and clear.

In professional emails, pick alternatives that show purpose instead of randomness. I should mention, as a reminder, it’s worth mentioning, and for your information work better when the added detail matters.

In casual texting or everyday speech, natural rhythm matters more than structure. Oh, and, that reminds me, before I forget, and while I’m thinking of it sound relaxed and human.

In supportive or warm conversations, the best choice often depends on how helpful or gentle you want to sound. Just so you know, this might help, and one quick thing feel softer than something blunt or formal.

In customer service or client-facing communication, clarity wins. Just a heads-up, as a reminder, for your information, and on a related note help people understand the update without guessing what you mean.

Formal and Professional Alternatives

If you need a polished replacement for “by the way,” start with these: on another note, on a related note, as a quick note, I should mention, and as a reminder.

These phrases work because they sound intentional. They tell the reader or listener that you are adding something relevant, not tossing in a random thought at the last second. That matters in business settings, where tone quietly shapes credibility.

Incidentally and as an aside also work in formal writing, but they sound more elevated. Use them when the tone already leans thoughtful or academic. In a normal workplace email, they can feel slightly dressed up for no reason.

For your information deserves a little caution. It works in neutral updates, but the tone can turn sharp very fast depending on context. If you want to stay safe, just so you know often lands better.

For interviews, academic writing, or client communication, clear transitions almost always beat casual ones. That is why on another note often sounds better than oh, and even when both technically work.

Casual, Warm, or More Natural Alternatives

For everyday use, you usually want phrases that sound like something an actual person would say out loud. Radical concept, I know.

The most natural casual options include before I forget, that reminds me, oh, and, while I’m thinking of it, and speaking of which. These feel easy and conversational because they mimic how people actually think and talk.

If you want a warmer tone, try just so you know, one quick thing, or this might help. These sound more personal and less mechanical. They work well with friends, family, coworkers you know well, and friendly client communication.

If you want something casual but still a little tidy, while we’re on the subject and since we’re talking about it strike a nice balance. They sound natural without sounding sloppy.

And yes, also remains underrated. It is simple, clear, and often better than trying too hard to sound clever.

What to Avoid and Why

Not every alternative works in normal conversation. Some sound too formal. Some sound outdated. Some just make people pause and wonder why you suddenly sound like a Victorian columnist.

Apropos of that can sound smart, but it also sounds unusually literary in everyday English. Use it only if that style genuinely fits your voice.

Relatedly works in essays and analysis, but it rarely sounds natural in speech. Most people do not say it casually, and for good reason.

For your information can come across as cold or passive-aggressive if the tone around it feels tense. Use it carefully, especially in email, where people love to read extra attitude into plain text.

By the same token sounds logical and formal, but it is not a clean substitute when you simply want to add a side comment. It only fits when the reasoning truly parallels the previous point.

Also, do not swap in a formal phrase just to sound smarter. That usually backfires. The best wording sounds right for the moment, not impressive for the sake of it.

Final Thoughts

The best alternative to “by the way” depends on tone, context, and relationship. If you want something professional, try on another note or I should mention. If you want something more natural, go with before I forget, that reminds me, or oh, and.

The goal is not to ban the phrase “by the way.” It is still useful. You just want more options so your writing and speech sound clearer, smoother, and more intentional when it counts.

If you’d like, I can also turn this into a Serious Eats-style review format article with top picks, FAQs, and “best alternatives by context” boxes.