an interesting aside

USAGE SUMMARY

"an interesting aside" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a comment or detail that is related but not essential to the main topic of conversation. For example, "We were discussing the rising cost of college tuition when an interesting aside was brought up—namely, that some universities are offering tuition-free programs to low-income students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

It may be an interesting aside to note the unusual "connection," but front-page placement?

The New York Times

In his "Pre-History," Clarke has an interesting aside concerning that launching.

The New Yorker

In an interesting aside, Pickard told Econoffs that she had recently held a meeting with an unnamed Nigerian minister in the minister's office.

The Guardian

In an interesting aside, Darling signalled he would finally get tough on utility companies who do not pass on lower fuel costs to their customers.

The Guardian

Major has an interesting aside about the presence of rent boys among the audience: even in the centre of London, the music hall was only a step away from the demi-monde.

The Guardian - Books

As an interesting aside: under the now defunct community development employment program (CDEP), Indigenous participants averaged an extra $100 income a week, but this was earned, not paid as "an incentive" by government.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

But aside form this being a vaguely interesting aside, it does rather pose a question for Spotify.

TechCrunch

And by the way, as a rather interesting aside, notice the geometric influence on how we read this.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And, as a potentially interesting aside, here's TIOBE's ranking of the most popular programming languages this month.

TechCrunch

The evolution of the Brooklyn hipster in 12 years' time will make for a far more interesting aside than praising women who, gasp, don't have nannies to look after their kids.

The Guardian - Film

One interesting aside: there is an excellent chance that Symbian will not make it through its conversion to openness alive.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic or formal writing, ensure the aside is relevant and adds value. Avoid using it for trivial or completely unrelated information.

Common error

Avoid peppering your writing with too many asides, as this can distract the reader from the main point and make your argument seem unfocused. Use asides sparingly and only when they significantly enhance the reader's understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an interesting aside" functions as an introductory phrase or discourse marker. As Ludwig AI corroborates, it signals the introduction of supplementary information that is related to the main topic but not essential to it. It serves to enrich the discussion with contextual details.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

25%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an interesting aside" is a versatile phrase used to introduce related but non-essential information, enriching discussions across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. Its frequency is very common, particularly in news and media, science, and academic settings. While it is generally suitable for neutral registers, its overuse should be avoided to maintain focus on the main topic. Alternatives such as "a noteworthy digression" or "a relevant tangent" can be used for variety. Remember to ensure that any aside is relevant and adds value to the overall context. The high source quality and expert rating further attest to its reliability as an expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a noteworthy digression

Focuses on the digressive nature of the comment, emphasizing its departure from the main subject.

a relevant tangent

Highlights the tangential nature and relevance of the additional information.

a curious footnote

Presents the information as a supplemental detail, like a footnote in writing.

an intriguing detail

Emphasizes the captivating aspect of the additional information.

a fascinating sidelight

Stresses the illuminating and secondary nature of the information.

incidentally

Briefly introduces the extra information in a casual way.

by the way

Casually introduces a related but not crucial piece of information.

on a related note

Indicates a connection to the main topic while introducing supplementary information.

as a point of interest

Suggests the information is worth noting due to its inherent interest.

for what it's worth

Introduces the information as possibly useful or interesting, though not necessarily vital.

FAQs

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

Use "an interesting aside" to introduce supplementary information that is related but not crucial to the main point. It adds color or context without disrupting the primary focus. For instance, "We discussed the company's financial performance; "an interesting aside" was the CEO's prior experience in a similar industry".

What are some alternatives to using "an interesting aside"?

Depending on the context, consider using alternatives such as "a noteworthy digression", "a relevant tangent", or "a curious footnote" to introduce related but non-essential information.

When is it appropriate to use "an interesting aside" in formal writing?

In formal writing, use "an interesting aside" sparingly and only when it adds significant value to the discussion. Ensure that the aside is relevant and enhances the reader's understanding rather than distracting from the main argument. Otherwise, avoid colloquial alternatives such as "by the way".

How does "an interesting aside" differ from a simple digression?

"An interesting aside" suggests that the digression has some relevance or value to the main topic, making it more than just a random departure. It implies that the information, while not central, is worth noting or considering, unlike a "a relevant tangent".