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

Academia

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 am uncertain of the correct way to say Dodow.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As a side note, the study also helps referee a contentious political debate.

The Washington Post

* As a side note, if you buy these pies, then you're a mug.

The Guardian - Opinion

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

Oh, and as a side note, running back Arian Foster blew a block assignment on a blitz.

The New York Times - Sports

As a side note, her brother met his wife at Princeton, as did my brother and his wife.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a side note" to introduce supplementary information that, while relevant, doesn't disrupt the main flow of your argument. This helps maintain focus while still providing valuable context.

Common error

Avoid using "as a side note" too frequently, as it can make your writing seem disjointed or unfocused. If you find yourself constantly adding side notes, consider restructuring your content to integrate these points more seamlessly into the main argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a side note" functions as a transitional phrase, signaling the introduction of additional, often less critical, information. It's used to add context or related thoughts without disrupting the main argument, as illustrated in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a side note" is a versatile transitional phrase used to introduce supplementary information without derailing the main topic. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage in various contexts, particularly in news, media, and academic writing. While perfectly acceptable, it is useful to consider slightly more formal alternatives such as "incidentally" depending on your writing style, tone and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as an aside

Directly indicates that the following information is a digression from the main point.

by the way

Used to introduce a new topic or a piece of information that is slightly unrelated to the current discussion.

on a separate note

Introduces a different, though perhaps related, topic.

incidentally

Introduces a piece of information that is related but not essential to the main topic.

parenthetically

Introduces an idea that is added as an aside, similar to information contained within parentheses.

in passing

Indicates that something is mentioned briefly or casually.

tangentially

Mentions something that is related to the main topic but not directly part of it.

just a thought

Signals that what follows is a casual suggestion or observation.

speaking of which

Connects a new topic to something that was previously mentioned.

apropos

Introduces something that is relevant or appropriate to the current discussion, often unexpectedly.

FAQs

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

Use "as a side note" to introduce additional information that's related but not central to your main point. It's useful for providing context or mentioning something interesting without disrupting the flow of your argument.

What are some alternatives to "as a side note"?

You can use alternatives like "by the way", "incidentally", or "as an aside" to introduce supplemental information.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "as a side note"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "as a side note". It functions as a transitional phrase to introduce related, but not crucial, information.

When is it appropriate to use "as a side note" in formal writing?

While "as a side note" is acceptable, more formal alternatives like "parenthetically" or "incidentally" may be more suitable for academic or professional contexts.