What Does "incidentally" Mean?
- Grammatical function: "Incidentally" primarily functions as a discourse marker used to introduce a transition to a new, related, but secondary topic (similar to "by the way"). It can also function as an adverb of manner, expressing that something happened as a secondary or unplanned consequence of a primary action.
- Typical sentence position: It is highly flexible and can appear in the initial position (to pivot the conversation), medial position (as a parenthetical remark), or final position (as an afterthought).
- Register: It ranges from neutral to formal. While common in sophisticated conversation, it is frequently used in journalism and academic writing to add supplementary details without disrupting the main narrative flow.
How to Use It
- Syntactic patterns: When used as a sentence connector, it is often followed by a comma. In the middle of a sentence, it is typically set off by commas or placed between the subject and the verb.
- Punctuation rules: In the sentence-initial position, a comma is mandatory: "Incidentally, I saw your brother yesterday." In the medial position, it is usually parenthetical: "The project, incidentally, was a success."
- Grammatical flexibility: It can easily start a sentence or be moved to the end. However, it is rarely negated (one would not say "not incidentally" unless emphasizing that a secondary effect was actually intentional).
- What sounds unnatural or incorrect: Placing "incidentally" between a verb and its direct object can disrupt the sentence flow. Additionally, using it to mean "on purpose" is a semantic error.
Real-World Examples
These examples are sourced from incidentally on Ludwig.guru.
"One of the unexpected pleasures of this magical island, incidentally, is how more or less everyone has a passionate interest in the English Premiership." — The Guardian - Travel
"Incidentally, on how many networked TV comedy shows would 100% of the guests be female?" — The Guardian
"It could also be argued that the union campaign might have incidentally benefited the Liberal Democrats, who spent paltry sums compared with the two main parties." — The Guardian
"He had no doubts about breaking up his first great team and bringing on the Busby Babes - a sobriquet, incidentally, he disliked." — The Guardian - Sport
"It's also, and not incidentally, very funny." — The Guardian
Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/incidentally
Similar Phrases and Alternatives
| Phrase |
Context |
| by the way |
More informal; the standard conversational equivalent for introducing a side note. |
| as an aside |
Explicitly marks the information as separate from the main topic. |
| parenthetically |
Very formal; indicates the information is an extra detail or explanation. |
| coincidentally |
Used specifically when two events happen at the same time by chance. |
| fortuitously |
Formal; used when the secondary event is lucky or beneficial. |
Common Mistakes
- Confusion with 'accidentally': Learners often confuse it with accidentally, using it to describe an event happening by chance or mistake rather than as a tool for transitioning between ideas. While "incidentally" can mean "by the way," "accidentally" refers to a lack of intention.
- Overuse in formal reports: While acceptable in journalism, using it too frequently in strict academic papers can make the writing feel disorganized or "chatty."
- Missing Commas: Forgetting to set off the word with commas when it is used as a discourse marker can lead to temporary ambiguity for the reader.
Quick-Reference Summary
| Expression |
Function |
Register |
Typical Position |
| incidentally |
Transition/Side-note |
Neutral to Formal |
Initial, Medial, or Final |
FAQs
Where in a sentence can incidentally appear?
The expression incidentally is highly mobile and can appear in the sentence-initial, mid-clause, or sentence-final positions. When used at the start, it acts as a discourse marker to pivot to a new topic, whereas in the middle, it often functions as a parenthetical remark set off by commas.
What is the difference between incidentally and by the way?
While both phrases serve to introduce a side note, incidentally is generally considered more formal and is preferred in professional or written contexts. By the way is the standard informal choice for casual conversation and spoken English.
Can incidentally be used to mean something happened by accident?
No, this is a common error as learners often confuse it with accidentally, using it to describe an event happening by chance rather than as a tool for transitioning between ideas. While incidentally implies a secondary or unplanned connection, it does not mean a mistake was made, which is the primary meaning of accidentally.