As an aside

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "As an aside" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a comment or remark that is not directly related to the main topic but is still relevant or interesting. Example: "The project is progressing well. As an aside, I wanted to mention that we received positive feedback from the client."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As an aside, Walker's timing was interesting.

The New York Times

(As an aside, we are renters, not owners, in Maine).

The New York Times

As an aside, the in-goal areas are absurdly shallow.

The Guardian - Sport

As an aside Dennett quizzed me, "Audio photo?

The Guardian

As an aside, another one of the Coalition's plans is in tatters: to reduce net immigration.

Independent

(As an aside, note the canny use of "drugs" rather than "prescription medication").

The New York Times

As an aside, fresh ricotta's cousin, ricotta salata, is worth checking out too.

The New York Times

As an aside, I would like to address my struggle with getting financial aid.

The New York Times

As an aside, I would like to know his views on electoral reform.

Independent

As an aside, take a gander at my inbox.

TechCrunch

As an aside, I've known Desai for a decade.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "As an aside" to introduce information that is relevant but not essential to the main argument, enriching the reader's understanding without disrupting the core message.

Common error

Avoid using "As an aside" too frequently, as it can make your writing seem disorganized or distract the reader from the central theme. Use it sparingly for maximum impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "As an aside" functions as a discourse marker, signaling a shift to a related but tangential point. It serves to introduce information that is not essential to the main argument but may be of interest or provide additional context. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "As an aside" is a versatile phrase used to introduce supplementary information or tangential points without disrupting the main flow of writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used, particularly in News & Media and Science contexts. While maintaining a neutral formality, "As an aside" serves to enrich the reader's understanding by offering relevant but non-essential details. It is important to avoid overuse to prevent distraction. Alternatives such as "by the way" and "incidentally" offer similar functionality with slight variations in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

By the way

A more informal way to introduce a related but not directly relevant point.

In passing

Suggests a brief and almost casual mention of something.

Incidentally

Highlights the coincidental or unexpected nature of the additional information.

Parenthetically

Implies the information is contained within a parenthesis, less direct approach to introduce extra information.

Just a quick point

Emphasizes the brevity and secondary importance of the information.

On a separate note

Clearly indicates a shift to a different topic, while still being related.

Speaking of which

Connects the aside to something previously mentioned, providing context.

Tangentially

Suggests the information is only loosely connected to the main subject.

On a slightly different subject

Signals a clear, but potentially brief, departure from the current topic.

In other news

Less direct; indicates the following information is generally new or unrelated, but interesting.

FAQs

How can I use "As an aside" in a sentence?

"As an aside" is typically used to introduce supplementary information or a related thought that diverges slightly from the main topic. For example, "The project is progressing well. As an aside, we also secured additional funding."

What are some alternatives to "As an aside"?

Alternatives include "by the way", "incidentally", or "in passing". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality desired.

Is it always necessary to use a comma after "As an aside"?

Yes, it is generally necessary to use a comma after "As an aside" when it introduces a clause or phrase that interrupts the main sentence. For example, "As an aside, I wanted to mention that...".

What's the difference between "As an aside" and "In parenthesis"?

"As an aside" introduces related but non-essential information, while phrases introduced "in parenthesis" provide additional details or explanations that could be removed without altering the core meaning of the sentence. "As an aside" often connects to the main point more directly than a parenthetical statement.