As an aside

You usually drop this at the beginning of a sentence. It works as a transition or a 'discourse marker.' It prepares the listener's brain for a change in priority. You say your main point, add the aside, and then return to the main point. In writing, you might see it used to introduce a parenthetical thought. It’s perfect for when you remember a detail that isn't essential but is too good to leave out. Just don't let your aside become a whole new speech! We’ve all had that friend who takes a 'detour' and ends up in another country. Keep it brief, like a quick TikTok clip between longer YouTube segments. It’s about balance.

This phrase is the 'smart-casual' of the English language. It’s perfectly at home in a C-suite boardroom or a University lecture. However, you can also use it while grabbing coffee with a friend if you want to sound slightly more articulate. It is definitely more formal than by the way or anyway. If by the way is a t-shirt, as an aside is a crisp button-down shirt. It’s common in podcasts, professional emails, and long-form essays. You won't usually hear it in a rowdy sports bar or a frantic 911 call. Use it when you want to appear thoughtful and composed. It shows you are in control of your narrative. It’s a very 'C1 level' move.

Imagine you are in a Zoom meeting discussing the quarterly budget. You say, "The marketing spend is up 10%. As an aside, the new designer we hired is doing a fantastic job." See? You’ve given a compliment without distracting from the numbers. Or think about a travel vlogger in Tokyo. They might say, "The ramen here is incredible. As an aside, make sure you bring cash because many shops don't take cards." It’s a helpful tip tucked inside a review. On social media, you might see it in a long Instagram caption where someone is sharing a deep life lesson but adds a quick note about their outfit. It’s the ultimate multi-tasking phrase for the modern world. Even Netflix subtitles are full of these during character monologues.

Use it when a thought pops into your head that is relevant but 'extra.' It’s great for adding 'fun facts' during a presentation. Use it in professional emails to mention something that doesn't deserve its own paragraph. It’s perfect for job interviews when you want to mention a secondary skill. "I'm proficient in Python. As an aside, I also enjoy teaching basics to beginners." It makes you seem well-rounded. Use it when you want to soften a transition. It’s also useful for correcting yourself gently without making it a big deal. Basically, if it’s a 'nice to know' rather than a 'need to know,' it’s aside-time.

Don't use it for life-or-death information. You wouldn't say, "The building is on fire. As an aside, the exit is behind you." That’s too casual for a crisis! Avoid it if your 'aside' is actually the most important part of the conversation. If you have a big secret to tell, don't bury it in an aside. Also, don't use it every two minutes. If everything is an aside, then nothing is the main point. It will make you sound scattered and unfocused. Avoid using it in very short text messages where space is limited; btw is much better there. Finally, don't use it if you are already in a very informal setting where sounding 'academic' might seem pretentious.

Learners often forget the an. It sounds like 'Asaside' when natives speak fast. Take a breath and pronounce that an clearly. Another mistake is using it to introduce a total change of subject. If you are talking about cats and suddenly want to talk about the moon, an aside isn't enough of a bridge. You need a bigger boat for that transition! Keep the aside related to the main topic, even if it's just a loose connection.

On a side note is the most common twin. It’s a bit more casual and very popular in North American English. Incidentally is the high-brow, slightly more formal version. You’ll hear it in BBC documentaries. By the way is the universal, everyday version. If you are writing a very formal paper, you might use It is worth noting that. In texting, people just use BTW. Some people say While I'm on the subject, which is a bit more wordy. Speaking of which is used when the aside is triggered by a specific word someone just said. Each one has a slightly different 'weight,' so choose your flavor carefully!

Is as an aside formal? Yes, it is generally considered formal or professional. It works well in business and academic contexts. Can I use it in a text? You can, but it might seem a bit 'extra.' Use btw for quick messages to friends. What is the difference between this and by the way? As an aside feels more deliberate and structured. By the way feels more like a random thought. Does it always need a comma? Yes, in writing, you should always put a comma after it. It’s an introductory phrase. Is it common in British English? Yes, it is used widely in both British and American English. It’s a global standard for clear communication.