I digress

USAGE SUMMARY

"I digress" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use the phrase when you are straying off of your current topic in the conversation or writing. For example, "I wanted to talk about how I think about the new policy, but I digress. Let's get back to the agenda."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

I digress.

University of California, Berkeley

Can I digress, too?

The New York Times

But I digress.

Cornell University

I digress though.

The Guardian - Opinion

And yet, I digress.

The New Yorker

Could I digress?

The Guardian

I digress, I digress.

TechCrunch

Anyway, I digress.

BBC

Breathe...) I digress.

Science Magazine

Anyways, I digress.

BBC

But wait, I digress.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context before using "I digress". It's most appropriate when the digression adds value or context, but isn't essential to the main point.

Common error

Avoid using "I digress" to justify including completely unrelated information. Ensure the digression, however brief, still contributes something to the overall discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I digress" functions as a discourse marker, explicitly signaling a temporary departure from the main topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It acts as a transitional element, guiding the reader or listener.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

17%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I digress" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to signal a temporary departure from the main topic, as validated by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media, academic, and scientific contexts, it serves to manage topic shifts and maintain clarity in communication. While related phrases like "that's beside the point" or "digressing slightly" offer similar functionality, "I digress" explicitly acknowledges the deviation. Remember to use it sparingly to prevent your writing or speech from becoming unfocused and ensure that the digression adds value to the overall context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Digressing slightly

Acknowledges a small departure from the central theme.

But I wander off topic

This phrase explicitly acknowledges a drift from the subject matter.

As an aside

This phrase introduces a brief, related but divergent thought.

That's beside the point

This phrase shifts the focus away by deeming previous statements irrelevant.

Getting off track here

Identifies a deviation and implies a need to refocus.

Tangent aside

Signals a return from a related but separate line of thought.

Let me drift for a moment

This phrases clearly expresses an intention to briefly stray from the current topic.

Straying from the point

Highlights a departure from the main argument.

Changing the subject slightly

This phrase acknowledges the intention to move away from the current topic and suggests a minor change of the subject.

Moving away from that for a second

Indicates a temporary pause in the main discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "I digress" in a sentence?

You can use "I digress" to signal that you are moving away from the main topic temporarily. For example, "I wanted to discuss the budget, but "I digress". Let's get back to the agenda."

What are some alternatives to saying "I digress"?

Alternatives include "that's beside the point", "as an aside", or "digressing slightly" depending on the context and level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use "I digress" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "I digress" when you want to acknowledge that you're moving away from the main topic but still want to include the side point for context or interest. It's less appropriate in very formal or concise writing.

What's the difference between "I digress" and "I ramble"?

"I digress" indicates a temporary and often intentional departure from the main topic, with the implication that you will return. "I ramble" suggests a more uncontrolled and less focused wandering from the subject, without a clear intent to return.