10 Formal Ways to Say “By the Way”

“By the way” is a common phrase, but it might feel too casual for work emails or formal discussions.

This article lists 10 alternatives that fit better in a professional setting. Each suggested phrase keeps your messages polite, clear, and appropriate for the workplace.

Is It Formal to Say “By the Way”?

The phrase “by the way” is generally considered to be informal rather than formal. It is, however, polite and widely used in casual conversations and informal writing. This phrase is perfect for adding extra information or making a side comment that might not be directly related to the main topic.

Using “by the way” is most suitable for conversations with friends, casual acquaintances, or in semi-formal email communications. It’s less appropriate for strict business communications, academic writing, or professional settings, where a more formal tone is required. For digital communication, such as emails or messaging apps, it works well to introduce a slightly off-topic thought.

Here’s an example:

Hi Martha,

I wanted to ask if you're available to meet up for lunch next week to discuss the upcoming project.

By the way, I saw the photos from your recent trip to Italy on Instagram - they looked amazing!

Best regards,
Emily

Pros:

• Makes the conversation seem friendly and approachable.
• Helpful for transitioning to a new but related topic.
• Easy to use in a wide range of informal or semi-formal situations.

Cons:

• May not be suitable for very formal or professional settings.
• Could potentially distract from the main topic of conversation or communication.
• Overuse might weaken the coherence of communication.

One might want to use an alternative phrase or synonyms when looking to maintain a very formal tone in their communication.

10 Other Ways to Say “By the Way”

When aiming for a more professional vibe in your emails or messages, consider these formal alternatives to “by the way”:

1. In addition
2. Furthermore
3. As an aside
4. Incidentally
5. Moreover
6. Equally important
7. Additionally
8. It may also be noted
9. To further illustrate
10. Speaking of which

1. In addition

This alternative has a slightly more formal tone compared to “by the way” and is widely accepted in professional communications. It suggests that the information following is supplementary to what has already been said.

We recommend “in addition” when you’re adding to a previously mentioned point, especially in written reports or emails where clarity is key. It’s suited for conversations with colleagues, in client emails, and in official documents.

Here’s an example:

Dear Thomas,

Thank you for sending over the initial draft of the report. I’ve reviewed it and found the analysis thorough.

In addition, could you also include a section on market trends?

Best,
Sophia

2. Furthermore

“Furthermore” is another formal and polite synonym that emphasizes the addition of authoritative information. It’s often used to strengthen a point that’s already been made.

This word is best when you want to solidify your arguments in a formal presentation or email. It works well with superiors, in academic settings, or in formal documents where the strength of your position is crucial.

Example:

Hello Dr. Simmons,

I've completed the research on the new project.

Furthermore, I have identified several potential partners who could contribute to our success.

Regards,
Eric

3. As an aside

Utilizing “as an aside” introduces a slightly less central but still relevant piece of information. It’s comparable to “by the way” but with a formal touch.

When you’re diverging slightly from the main topic but the information is still related, this phrase suits. Ideal for professional emails where you’re providing additional insights or context that isn’t central to the main discussion.

Here’s an example:

Dear Janet,

The team has agreed on the proposed changes to the marketing strategy.

As an aside, I wanted to mention that the budget review is scheduled for next week.

Warm regards,
Luke

4. Incidentally

“Incidentally” is a formal way to introduce information that might not be directly related to the subject at hand but is still worth mentioning.

This alternative works great when you aim to introduce additional, somewhat tangential information to a conversation or email. It’s highly suitable for professional settings where you’re addressing colleagues or clients.

Email sample:

Dear Carlos,

I appreciate your quick response to the queries about the upcoming conference.

Incidentally, I also wanted to ask if you've booked the venue for the client meeting.

Best,
Hannah

5. Moreover

“Moreover” is a formal alternative that is used to add emphasis to a point that has already been made, making it stronger.

It’s particularly effective in written presentations, formal speeches, and emails that are persuasive in nature. We recommend “moreover” when you’re trying to make a strong argument or emphasis in professional correspondence with higher-ups or stakeholders.

Example:

Hello Alex,

The initial feedback from users has been overwhelmingly positive.

Moreover, the data shows a significant increase in user engagement since the update.

Kind regards,
Terry

6. Equally important

This phrase stresses that the upcoming information holds the same level of importance as what was previously discussed. It’s slightly more formal and focuses on equal weighting of points.

Use “equally important” in discussions or emails where balancing multiple critical points is necessary. It’s suited for communications with team members or when presenting to clients and stakeholders, ensuring that all points are seen as crucial.

Here’s an example:

Dear Team,

We've seen a consistent performance in our sales this quarter.

Equally important, customer satisfaction scores have never been higher.

Cheers,
Fiona

7. Additionally

“Additionally” is a formal synonym for “by the way” that adds extra information to what has been previously stated, without implying it is an afterthought.

This alternative is better suited for professional email exchanges where the additional information is vital. It’s perfect for communicating with clients, in team updates, or in formal reports where completeness of information is key.

Email example:

Hi Monica,

I've scheduled our team meeting for next Thursday at 2 PM.

Additionally, please prepare an update on your current projects.

Regards,
Derek

8. It may also be noted

This phrase introduces additional information in a formal manner and emphasizes its relevance without insisting on its centrality to the discussion.

Suitable for legal, academic, or technical settings where additional details need to be presented in a careful and measured tone. It’s great for emails to professors, legal correspondents, or in research papers.

Example:

Dear Committee,

The recent policy changes have been well received across the board.

It may also be noted that employee feedback has been particularly positive regarding work-life balance initiatives.

Best,
Natalie

9. To further illustrate

Using “to further illustrate” signifies you’re about to provide more evidence or examples to back up a point. This phrase is formal and enhances the clarity of your argument or message.

This expression is best employed when you’re deepening the explanation of a point already made. It’s excellent for professional presentations, detailed reports, or in-depth email exchanges, especially with colleagues or academic peers.

Here’s an example:

Dear Team,

As evidenced by our Q1 results, our new marketing strategy is proving effective.

To further illustrate, the engagement rates on our social platforms have doubled.

Kind regards,
Greg

10. Speaking of which

“Speaking of which” is a formal yet smooth transition that connects related topics. It’s slightly more informal than the other alternatives but remains polite and appropriate for most work environments.

This phrase is ideal for shifting topics smoothly in a conversation or email, especially useful in meetings or lengthy correspondences. It fits well when communicating with colleagues or in multi-subject emails where you want to maintain a connected flow between points.

Example:

Hello Rebecca,

I enjoyed our discussion on project timelines today.

Speaking of which, have you had a chance to review the resource allocation plan?

Best,
Jeremy

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right words in a professional setting is crucial. The alternatives to “by the way” provided here help you maintain a formal tone while still conveying additional information. Whether you’re writing an email, presenting in a meeting, or drafting a report, these phrases will serve you well.