The phrase “by the way” is common in everyday English. People use it to introduce an additional thought, mention something they almost forgot, or shift briefly to another topic. However, in professional communication, it can sometimes sound too casual, abrupt, or conversational.
That is why many people search for a professional way to say “by the way” in emails, workplace conversations, client messages, networking communication, and customer service.
The good news is that you do not always need a direct synonym. The best replacement depends on what you want to communicate. You might want to introduce a related point, add important information, change the subject, provide a reminder, or mention something casually.
This guide covers 25+ professional, formal, polite, friendly, and email-ready alternatives to “by the way,” with practical examples and guidance on when to use each expression.
What Does “By the Way” Mean?
Literal Meaning
“By the way” introduces information that connects loosely to the main conversation but does not necessarily form part of the central topic.
For example:
By the way, the meeting has moved to Thursday.
The speaker first discusses one subject and then adds another piece of information.
Tone
“By the way” usually has a casual and conversational tone. It works naturally in:
- Everyday conversations
- Friendly emails
- Informal workplace chats
- Messages to colleagues
- Personal communication
However, it can sound less polished in formal business writing.
Purpose
You can use “by the way” to:
- Add a related detail
- Introduce a new point
- Give a reminder
- Change the subject
- Mention something you almost forgot
- Add supplementary information
Emotional Context
The phrase often feels relaxed and spontaneous. For example:
By the way, congratulations on the promotion!
This sounds friendly and natural.
In a formal email, however, you may prefer:
I would also like to congratulate you on your promotion.
The second version sounds more deliberate and professional.
When Should You Use a Professional Alternative?
Choosing a synonym for “by the way” depends on your audience and purpose.
1. In Professional Emails
Use alternatives such as:
- Additionally
- I would also like to mention
- On a related note
- Please also note
- As an additional point
Example:
Additionally, please review the updated timeline before Friday.
These expressions make business email phrases sound more organized.
2. In Workplace Communication
For colleagues, you can use slightly conversational alternatives:
On another note, how is the new project progressing?
Or:
One more thing: please remember to submit your report.
These options maintain a friendly tone without sounding overly casual.
3. With Clients
Client communication usually benefits from clarity and professionalism.
Instead of:
By the way, we changed the delivery date.
Use:
Please also note that the delivery date has changed.
This makes the information sound important rather than incidental.
4. In Networking
Networking communication often needs a balance between warmth and professionalism.
For example:
On a related note, I would be interested in hearing more about your upcoming project.
This feels natural without becoming too formal.
5. In Customer Service
Customer-facing communication should prioritize clarity.
Instead of:
By the way, your refund has been processed.
Use:
I would also like to confirm that your refund has been processed.
This sounds more professional and reassuring.
25+ Professional Ways to Say “By the Way”
Below are practical alternatives grouped by tone and situation.
Professional Alternatives
1. Additionally
Tone: Professional and concise
Best use: Business emails, reports, workplace communication
“Additionally” works well when you want to add information directly related to your main point.
Example:
Additionally, please send the revised proposal by Monday.
2. On a Related Note
Tone: Professional and conversational
Best use: Emails, meetings, networking
Use this when the new subject connects naturally with the previous topic.
Example:
On a related note, I would like to discuss next month’s campaign.
3. I Would Also Like to Mention
Tone: Polite and professional
Best use: Formal emails and client communication
This phrase clearly signals that you want to add another point.
Example:
I would also like to mention that the final report is now available.
4. I’d Also Like to Point Out
Tone: Professional and direct
Best use: Workplace discussions and business emails
Use it when the additional information deserves attention.
Example:
I’d also like to point out that the revised figures reflect the latest data.
5. Please Also Note
Tone: Formal and direct
Best use: Client emails, announcements, instructions
This works particularly well when the reader needs to pay attention to additional information.
Example:
Please also note that our office will remain closed on Monday.
6. As an Additional Point
Tone: Formal
Best use: Reports, presentations, formal emails
Example:
As an additional point, we should consider the impact on existing customers.
Formal Alternatives
7. Furthermore
Tone: Formal and polished
Best use: Reports, proposals, formal correspondence
“Furthermore” usually introduces information that strengthens the previous statement rather than a completely unrelated thought.
Example:
Furthermore, the proposed solution could reduce operating costs.
8. Moreover
Tone: Formal and authoritative
Best use: Reports, academic-style business writing
Example:
Moreover, the updated process will improve response times.
Use “moreover” when the next point adds weight to your argument.
9. In Addition
Tone: Neutral to formal
Best use: Business writing and professional emails
Example:
In addition, we will provide training for all new team members.
10. As a Further Point
Tone: Formal
Best use: Structured professional communication
Example:
As a further point, we should review the proposed budget before approval.
11. It Is Also Worth Mentioning
Tone: Polite and professional
Best use: Emails, reports, presentations
Example:
It is also worth mentioning that the client approved the first draft.
This phrase sounds less abrupt than “by the way.”
12. I Should Also Mention
Tone: Professional but approachable
Best use: Emails and workplace conversations
Example:
I should also mention that the training session has been rescheduled.
Friendly Professional Alternatives
13. One More Thing
Tone: Friendly and conversational
Best use: Colleagues, familiar clients, internal messages
Example:
One more thing: could you send me the latest version of the presentation?
It works well when the additional point is short and relevant.
14. On Another Note
Tone: Friendly and professional
Best use: Workplace emails and networking
Example:
On another note, congratulations on completing the project.
This is especially useful when changing topics.
15. Just to Add
Tone: Friendly and concise
Best use: Informal workplace communication
Example:
Just to add, the client was very pleased with the presentation.
16. Just to Mention
Tone: Casual-professional
Best use: Internal messages and friendly emails
Example:
Just to mention, the meeting room has been changed to Room 4.
17. While I Have You
Tone: Conversational
Best use: Familiar colleagues or business contacts
Example:
While I have you, could we also discuss next week’s schedule?
This phrase should generally stay in informal professional communication.
Email-Friendly Alternatives
18. I’d Also Like to Add
Tone: Polished and natural
Best use: Professional emails
Example:
I’d also like to add that we appreciate your continued support.
19. A Quick Additional Note
Tone: Professional and friendly
Best use: Short business emails
Example:
A quick additional note: the deadline has been extended until Friday.
20. One Additional Item
Tone: Professional and concise
Best use: Project emails and task updates
Example:
One additional item: please confirm the final headcount.
21. For Your Awareness
Tone: Formal and businesslike
Best use: Corporate communication
Example:
For your awareness, the updated policy will take effect next month.
22. For Your Information
Tone: Neutral and professional
Best use: Business emails and administrative communication
Example:
For your information, I have attached the updated schedule.
Workplace-Specific Alternatives
23. One More Point
Tone: Professional and direct
Best use: Meetings, presentations, team discussions
Example:
One more point: we need to finalize the budget before Thursday.
24. Before I Forget
Tone: Casual and natural
Best use: Familiar colleagues
Example:
Before I forget, please send me the invoice when you have a chance.
This is not ideal for highly formal correspondence.
25. Before We Move On
Tone: Professional
Best use: Meetings and presentations
Example:
Before we move on, I would like to address one final issue.
26. Turning to Another Point
Tone: Formal and structured
Best use: Meetings, presentations, reports
Example:
Turning to another point, we should review the staffing requirements.
27. Separately
Tone: Concise and professional
Best use: Emails and corporate communication
Example:
Separately, I will send the revised contract for your review.
28. As a Separate Matter
Tone: Formal
Best use: Legal, corporate, or highly structured communication
Example:
As a separate matter, we should discuss the upcoming renewal.
29. Another Item to Consider
Tone: Professional and thoughtful
Best use: Recommendations and project discussions
Example:
Another item to consider is the impact on our existing workflow.
30. I’d Like to Draw Your Attention to One More Point
Tone: Formal and authoritative
Best use: Important business communication
Example:
I’d like to draw your attention to one more point regarding the revised agreement.
Quick Comparison Table
| Alternative | Tone | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Additionally | Professional | Business emails |
| On a related note | Professional-friendly | Related topics |
| I would also like to mention | Polite | Client emails |
| Please also note | Formal | Important information |
| Furthermore | Formal | Reports and proposals |
| Moreover | Formal | Arguments and reports |
| In addition | Neutral-formal | General business writing |
| It is also worth mentioning | Polite | Emails and presentations |
| I should also mention | Professional | Workplace communication |
| One more thing | Friendly | Colleagues |
| On another note | Friendly-professional | Topic changes |
| Just to add | Casual-professional | Internal messages |
| A quick additional note | Email-friendly | Short emails |
| For your information | Professional | Updates |
| For your awareness | Formal | Corporate communication |
| One more point | Direct | Meetings |
| Before I forget | Casual | Familiar colleagues |
| Before we move on | Professional | Meetings |
| Turning to another point | Formal | Presentations |
| Separately | Concise | Business emails |
| As a separate matter | Formal | Corporate communication |
| Another item to consider | Professional | Planning |
| I’d also like to add | Polite | Emails |
| I’d also like to point out | Direct | Important details |
| As an additional point | Formal | Reports |
| One additional item | Professional | Project updates |
| I’d like to draw your attention to one more point | Formal | Important matters |
Professional Email Examples
1. Client Email
Instead of:
By the way, we have changed the delivery date.
Write:
Please also note that the delivery date has changed to September 5.
This sounds clear and avoids making important information seem like an afterthought.
2. Email to a Manager
Instead of:
By the way, I finished the report.
Try:
I’d also like to mention that I have completed the report.
This sounds respectful without becoming overly formal.
3. Email to a Colleague
Instead of:
By the way, don’t forget about tomorrow’s meeting.
Try:
One more thing: please remember that we have our meeting tomorrow at 10 a.m.
The tone remains friendly but professional.
4. Customer Service Email
Instead of:
By the way, your replacement has shipped.
Use:
I’d also like to confirm that your replacement order has been shipped.
This creates a more polished customer experience.
5. Networking Email
Instead of:
By the way, I’d love to hear about your new company.
Use:
On a related note, I’d be interested to learn more about your new company.
This sounds natural and professional.
6. Meeting Follow-Up
Instead of:
By the way, we need to discuss the budget.
Write:
One additional point we should discuss is the project budget.
This makes the new topic sound deliberate and organized.
Common Mistakes When Replacing “By the Way”
1. Choosing an Alternative That Is Too Formal
Not every conversation requires “furthermore,” “moreover,” or “as a separate matter.”
For example, writing:
Furthermore, please remember to bring your laptop tomorrow.
may sound unnecessarily formal when messaging a close colleague.
A better option:
One more thing: please remember to bring your laptop tomorrow.
2. Using “Additionally” for a Completely Unrelated Topic
“Additionally” works best when the information connects logically with the previous statement.
If you suddenly change subjects, use:
On another note…
or
Separately…
3. Making Important Information Sound Unimportant
“By the way” can unintentionally make important information sound like an afterthought.
Instead of:
By the way, your contract expires tomorrow.
Use:
Please also note that your contract expires tomorrow.
The second version communicates the importance more clearly.
4. Overusing Formal Transitions
Professional communication does not mean using formal vocabulary in every sentence.
A natural email can use:
Also, I wanted to mention…
rather than:
Furthermore, I wish to draw your attention to…
The first option often sounds more human.
5. Ignoring Email Etiquette
When writing a business email, consider:
- Your relationship with the recipient
- The importance of the information
- Whether the topic connects to the previous sentence
- Whether the email requires a formal or conversational tone
- Whether the additional point needs emphasis
Good email etiquette focuses on clarity rather than complicated vocabulary.
15+ Related Expressions
| Expression | Meaning | Example |
| Also | Adds information | Also, please review the attachment. |
| In addition | Adds another point | In addition, we need approval. |
| Additionally | Adds information | Additionally, we need your feedback. |
| Furthermore | Adds supporting information | Furthermore, the plan reduces costs. |
| Moreover | Adds emphasis | Moreover, it improves efficiency. |
| On another note | Changes topic | On another note, congratulations! |
| On a related note | Introduces a connected point | On a related note, let’s discuss the timeline. |
| Separately | Introduces an independent issue | Separately, I will contact the supplier. |
| One more thing | Adds a final point | One more thing: please sign the form. |
| One more point | Adds a discussion point | One more point deserves attention. |
| Please also note | Highlights information | Please also note the revised deadline. |
| I should mention | Adds information | I should mention that the client agreed. |
| I would also like to mention | Polite addition | I would also like to mention our new policy. |
| It is worth mentioning | Highlights a detail | It is worth mentioning that demand increased. |
| Before I forget | Adds a remembered detail | Before I forget, please send the receipt. |
| As an additional point | Formal addition | As an additional point, we need more data. |
| Turning to another point | Changes topic formally | Turning to another point, let’s discuss staffing. |
| For your information | Provides useful information | For your information, the office closes at 4 p.m. |
“By the Way” vs. Professional Alternatives
| Phrase | Formality | Tone | Best Use |
| By the way | Low | Casual | Informal conversations |
| One more thing | Low-medium | Friendly | Colleagues |
| On another note | Medium | Friendly | Topic changes |
| On a related note | Medium | Professional | Connected topics |
| Additionally | Medium-high | Professional | Emails |
| In addition | Medium-high | Neutral | Business writing |
| I should also mention | Medium | Polite | Workplace emails |
| I would also like to mention | High | Polite | Client communication |
| Please also note | High | Direct | Important information |
| It is worth mentioning | Medium-high | Thoughtful | Reports and emails |
| Furthermore | High | Formal | Formal writing |
| Moreover | High | Formal | Arguments and reports |
| Separately | Medium-high | Direct | Different issues |
| As a separate matter | High | Formal | Corporate communication |
Cultural and Professional Usage
US English
In American workplace communication, “by the way” appears frequently in casual emails, instant messages, and conversations.
However, professional writers often choose:
- Additionally
- Also
- On a related note
- Please also note
- I’d also like to mention
The best choice depends on the relationship and context.
UK English
British professional communication also uses “by the way,” particularly in informal conversation. In formal business writing, expressions such as “in addition,” “furthermore,” and “on a related note” may sound more polished.
The key difference is not a strict US-versus-UK rule. Formality depends more on the situation than the variety of English.
Corporate Communication
Corporate communication generally favors language that makes relationships between ideas clear.
For example:
Additionally, the team will review the updated policy.
is more precise than:
By the way, the team will review the updated policy.
Customer Service
Customer-facing communication should avoid making important details sound accidental.
Prefer:
Please also note that your appointment has been moved to Tuesday.
over:
By the way, your appointment has been moved.
Networking
Networking requires warmth and professionalism.
Good choices include:
On a related note…
I’d also like to mention…
One additional point…
These phrases create a smoother transition without sounding stiff.
How to Choose the Right Alternative
A simple rule can help you choose the right formal alternative to “by the way.”
If you are adding related information:
Use “Additionally” or “In addition.”
If you are changing subjects:
Use “On another note” or “Separately.”
If you are adding an important detail:
Use “Please also note.”
If you are writing to a client:
Use “I would also like to mention” or “Please also note.”
If you are writing to a colleague:
Use “One more thing” or “On another note.”
If you are writing a formal report:
Use “Furthermore,” “Moreover,” or “In addition.”
If you want a natural email transition:
Use “I’d also like to add” or “On a related note.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a professional way to say “by the way”?
Some of the best professional alternatives include “Additionally,” “On a related note,” “I would also like to mention,” “Please also note,” and “In addition.” Choose based on whether you are adding information or changing the subject.
2. What is a formal alternative to “by the way”?
For formal communication, use “Furthermore,” “Moreover,” “In addition,” “As an additional point,” or “It is also worth mentioning.”
3. Can I use “by the way” in a business email?
Yes. “By the way” is not grammatically incorrect or inherently unprofessional. It works best in friendly, informal, or conversational business emails. For formal messages, a more precise transition may sound better.
4. What is the best synonym for “by the way”?
There is no single perfect synonym. “Additionally” works well when adding information, while “on another note” works better when changing topics.
5. How do I say “by the way” politely?
Try:
I’d also like to mention…
On a related note…
Please also note…
These expressions sound polite without being unnecessarily formal.
6. What can I say instead of “by the way” to a client?
Use “I would also like to mention,” “Please also note,” “Additionally,” or “I’d also like to point out.”
7. What is a casual professional alternative?
“One more thing” and “On another note” are excellent choices for friendly workplace communication.
8. Is “furthermore” the same as “by the way”?
Not exactly. “Furthermore” normally adds information that supports or develops the previous point. “By the way” can introduce a loosely connected or completely different thought.
9. Is “on another note” professional?
Yes. “On another note” works well in professional emails when you want to shift to a different subject while maintaining a conversational tone.
10. How can I avoid sounding too formal?
Use simple phrases such as “Also,” “One more thing,” “On another note,” or “I’d also like to add.” Professional communication should sound clear and natural rather than unnecessarily complicated.
Final Summary
The best professional ways to say “by the way” depend on your purpose, audience, and level of formality. For general business emails, “Additionally,” “On a related note,” and “I’d also like to mention” offer a strong balance between clarity and professionalism. For formal writing, choose “Furthermore,” “Moreover,” or “In addition.” For colleagues and friendly workplace conversations, “One more thing” and “On another note” feel more natural. For clients and customers, “Please also note” clearly highlights important information. Good professional communication is not about replacing every casual phrase with a formal one; it is about choosing language that fits the relationship, message, and context.
