an aside

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an aside" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a remark or comment that is not part of the main discussion, often intended for the audience rather than the characters in a narrative. Example: "In her speech, she made an aside about the importance of community service, which resonated with many in the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

But that's an aside.

The Economist

(Is an aside permitted?

The New York Times

"Just as an aside".

The New York Times

Jimmy Demaret: an aside.

The Guardian - Sport

Is this important or an aside?

The Economist

As an aside, Walker's timing was interesting.

The New York Times

It was an aside, a tangent.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Suárez makes an interesting aside in the discussion.

SEP

A pyramid can never symbolize a parenthetical aside.

The New Yorker

Oh, and a curious aside.

The New York Times

She peeled off for a quick aside.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an aside" to provide context or additional information that enriches the main narrative without disrupting its flow. For example: "The protagonist, an experienced detective, paused; as an aside, he mentioned his love for jazz music."

Common error

Avoid letting asides overshadow the central topic. An aside should supplement, not supplant, the core message. Ensure it remains brief and relevant to prevent reader distraction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an aside" functions as a discourse marker, signaling a temporary departure from the main topic to offer supplementary information, commentary, or a related thought. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it introduces an element that is not central to the primary discussion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an aside" serves as a useful linguistic tool for briefly diverging from the main topic to offer additional information or context. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse sources, particularly in news and media. To use effectively, keep asides concise, relevant, and ensure they don't overshadow the central theme. As highlighted in the writing guidance, avoid misusing asides as the main focus to maintain clarity and reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a digression

Focuses specifically on the act of deviating from the main subject.

a side note

Highlights the supplementary nature of the comment.

an incidental remark

Emphasizes the casual and unplanned nature of the comment.

a passing comment

Underscores the brevity and fleeting quality of the remark.

a tangential point

Highlights how the comment is related to the main topic but not central.

an obiter dictum

A more formal and legal term for a judge's incidental expression of opinion.

a parenthetical observation

Like a parenthetical remark, but emphasizes that it's an observation or noting of something.

a supplementary statement

Highlights its function of adding extra information to something.

a subordinate clause

Changes perspective to that of a subordinate part of the sentence rather than a statement.

a non sequitur

Indicates a statement that does not logically follow the previous one.

FAQs

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

Incorporate "an aside" to introduce related but non-essential details, offering additional insight or context without disrupting the main narrative. It should be brief and relevant. For example, "The company's profits soared; as an aside, the CEO mentioned the team's dedication".

What phrases are similar to "an aside"?

Alternatives to "an aside" include "a digression", "a side note", or "a passing comment". Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of the supplementary information.

Is it acceptable to use "an aside" in formal writing?

Yes, using "an aside" is acceptable in formal writing, but it should be used sparingly and with purpose. Ensure the aside adds value and doesn't detract from the overall clarity and professionalism of the text. Using a more formal term like "obiter dictum" may also be appropriate.

How can I ensure my "asides" remain relevant and don't confuse the reader?

Keep asides concise and directly related to the main point. Avoid lengthy or convoluted tangents that might lose the reader's attention. Before including one, ask yourself if it genuinely enhances understanding or provides valuable context.