As a side note

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "As a side note" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce additional information or a comment that is not the main focus of the discussion. Example: "The project deadline is next week. As a side note, we should also consider the budget constraints moving forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As a side note, trusts are no longer the province of the very rich.

The New York Times

As a side note, he had been running the park without insurance.

The New Yorker

As a side note, we have very strict rules regarding birthday cakes.

The New Yorker

As a side note, I miss the brilliant MagSafe connector that Apple pioneered on previous laptops.

Independent

As a side note, you can also plot key moments in cultural devolution through Banks's books.

The New York Times - Books

As a side note, Burton and Taylor is the last of BBC4's generally great slate of dramas.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

As a side note, shouldn't people who say lol instead of laughing, write it as lolol to describe laughing?

The Guardian

(As a side note: Where the hell are all the goddam dry-erase markers?) We find ourselves at a crossroads.

The New Yorker

As a side note to all this, some anecdotal evidence.

TechCrunch

As a side note, they have some of the best smelling hotel lotion ever.

BBC

As a side note, Siri auto detection between devices in close proximity is great.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing "As a side note" as it can distract the reader. Ensure that the additional information is valuable and contributes to the overall understanding.

Common error

Don't use "As a side note" to introduce critical information that should be integrated directly into the main argument. This can make important details seem like afterthoughts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "As a side note" functions as a discourse marker, serving to introduce supplemental information that is related, but not central, to the main topic. Ludwig examples show its use across various domains, to add additional context or incidental remarks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "As a side note" is a commonly used phrase that serves as a discourse marker to introduce supplementary or tangential information. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, though it also appears in scientific and business communications. While versatile, it should be used judiciously, reserving it for details that enrich the overall content without overshadowing the primary message. Related phrases like "incidentally" or "by the way" can be used as alternatives, depending on the context and desired level of formality. Overall, "As a side note" is a useful tool for adding depth to writing, but its effectiveness hinges on strategic and thoughtful implementation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

As an aside

Directly indicates a departure from the main topic, similar in function but slightly more emphatic.

Incidentally

Indicates a related but not essential point is being introduced; it is a more concise alternative.

On a related note

Indicates the upcoming information is connected but not central; it is more explicit about the connection.

By the way

Signals a shift to a somewhat unrelated topic or a piece of additional information; it's more informal.

Parenthetically

Introduces a remark that explains or qualifies something; it is more formal and specifically indicates an insertion.

In passing

Indicates mentioning something briefly and casually; it's less direct and implies less importance.

Tangentially

Highlights the connection is indirect; suitable if the link to the main topic is weak.

Apropos of that

Signifies a relevant connection to the prior point, often used to smoothly introduce related information; more formal and sophisticated.

For the record

Introduces information intended for documentation or clarification; it has a slightly different implication of providing factual detail.

Just a thought

Presents a casual idea or suggestion that may or may not be fully developed; it's much more tentative.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "As a side note" in a sentence?

Use "As a side note" to introduce supplemental information or an interesting but non-essential detail to the main topic. It should add context without disrupting the primary focus. For example: "The meeting will cover project updates. "As an aside", remember to submit your timesheets by Friday."

What phrases can I use instead of "As a side note"?

Alternatives include "by the way", "incidentally", "as an aside", or "on a related note", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "As a side note" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, in highly formal writing, consider more sophisticated alternatives like "parenthetically" or "apropos of that" to maintain a professional tone. The appropriateness depends on the specific context and audience.

When should I avoid using "As a side note"?

Avoid using "As a side note" if the information you are introducing is crucial to the main point. Essential details should be integrated directly into the primary discussion, not presented as secondary information. "In passing", presenting crucial facts can diminish their importance.