as an aside

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as an aside" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to a comment or statement made in passing that is related to the topic or conversation, but not the main focus. For example, "We were discussing his career plans, when, as an aside, he mentioned that he was also interested in learning to play the piano."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Just as an aside".

The New York Times

As an aside, Walker's timing was interesting.

The New York Times

And as an aside, poor Mo.

The Guardian

He pauses and then adds as an aside.

The Guardian

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

The New York Times

Ms. Bair treats this almost as an aside.

The New York Times - Books

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

The Guardian - Sport

As an aside Dennett quizzed me, "Audio photo?

The Guardian

"He still believes," she whispered as an aside.

The New York Times

(Just as an aside: he has certainly convinced me).

The New York Times

"It was just as an aside," he says.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as an aside" to introduce information that is relevant but not central to your main argument. It helps to add color or context without disrupting the flow.

Common error

Avoid using "as an aside" too frequently, as it can make your writing seem disorganized or unfocused. Reserve it for truly relevant digressions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as an aside" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying the verb in the main clause by introducing a tangential or supplementary remark. Ludwig examples demonstrate this usage across diverse contexts, confirming its role in providing additional, non-essential information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as an aside" is a versatile phrase used to introduce tangential or supplementary information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various writing styles. Predominantly found in news and media, its purpose is to signal a digression, adding color without disrupting the primary focus. While it's crucial to avoid overuse, mastering its application will enhance writing by providing context and additional information effectively. Remember alternative phrases, such as "incidentally", offer nuanced substitutes for specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incidentally

Focuses on the casual, almost accidental nature of the additional information.

on a side note

Clearly indicates a shift to a related but distinct topic.

by the way

A more conversational way to introduce a tangential remark.

as a digression

Explicitly identifies the comment as a temporary departure from the main subject.

tangentially

Highlights the indirect connection to the main topic.

parenthetically

Highlights that the comment is structurally separate from the main point.

just a quick note

Signals a brief and possibly less important piece of information.

in passing

Emphasizes the brief and non-emphatic manner in which the information is presented.

in parenthesis

Suggests the information is supplementary and could be omitted without affecting the core message.

by the by

An archaic expression similar to "by the way", indicating a digression.

FAQs

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

"As an aside" is used to introduce a related but not essential point. For example, "We discussed the budget, and, as an aside, mentioned the upcoming company picnic."

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

Alternatives include "incidentally", "by the way", or "on a side note", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "as an aside"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "as an aside". It functions as an introductory phrase setting off a tangential comment.

How formal is the phrase "as an aside"?

The phrase "as an aside" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.