but incidentally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but incidentally" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a remark that is not directly related to the main topic but is worth mentioning. Example: "The project was a success, but incidentally, we also discovered a new method that could save time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Her character emerges emphatically but incidentally.

The Guardian

"Some of it does, but incidentally.

The New York Times - Arts

But incidentally, according to Mr Poole and Mr Lewis, Russ Feingold was actually much, much more left-wing than Bernie Sanders or anybody else in the Senate.

The Economist

The case was not any symptoms but incidentally serum CA19-9 elevation.

Surgical Case Reports

When not directly investigated by lung ultrasound but incidentally detected during TTE, pleural effusion is usually present in a significant amount.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

To counter this threat, the player or a computer faction builds "The Voice of Alpha Centauri" secret project, which artificially links Planet's distributed nervous system into the human Datalinks, delaying Planet's metamorphosis into full self-awareness but incidentally increasing its ultimate intelligence substantially by giving it access to all of humanity's accumulated knowledge.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Nonfiction, but only incidentally.

The New York Times - Books

And, yes, access to the Internet -- but almost incidentally and usually carefully choreographed.

The New York Times

Most of the programmes on BBC2 are better for colour, but only incidentally.

The Guardian

And where the original novel was compelling but only incidentally amusing, Self's adaptation is brutal and sometimes hysterical.

The Guardian - Books

Lunches got eaten but only incidentally; the point was talk and laughter, which latter became immoderate by dessert time.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but incidentally" to introduce information that is related to the main topic but not essential to the core argument. This is especially useful when providing context or background information that readers might find helpful but isn't directly pertinent.

Common error

Avoid using "but incidentally" too frequently within a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing seem disjointed or unfocused. Instead, vary your transitional phrases to maintain a smooth and coherent flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but incidentally" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, linking a contrasting element to a related, secondary piece of information. As Ludwig AI points out, this introduces remarks not directly related to the main topic, as showcased in the examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but incidentally" is a conjunctive phrase used to introduce related but non-essential information, often with a hint of contrast. It's grammatically sound, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, and suitable for various contexts, although more common in news, science, and encyclopedic writing. While not extremely frequent, it serves a useful purpose in adding context without disrupting the main flow. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid making your writing seem disjointed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however, as a side note

This alternative uses "however" to indicate a contrast, while "as a side note" explicitly marks the information as secondary.

yet, by the way

"Yet" introduces a contrast, and "by the way" signals a shift to an ancillary point.

though, parenthetically speaking

"Though" indicates concession, and "parenthetically speaking" suggests the information is a brief digression.

although, in passing

"Although" marks a contrast, while "in passing" signifies a brief mention.

nonetheless, as an aside

"Nonetheless" implies a contrast, and "as an aside" explicitly indicates a digression.

still, on a secondary note

"Still" introduces a contrast, and "on a secondary note" clarifies the information's importance.

but also

Focuses on adding information rather than contrasting it.

however, secondarily

Uses "however" to introduce contrast, while "secondarily" indicates the lesser importance of the information.

that being said, on the flip side

"That being said" signals a transition, and "on the flip side" presents a contrasting but related point.

with that said, additionally

"With that said" introduces a transition, while "additionally" adds a related detail.

FAQs

How can I use "but incidentally" in a sentence?

Use "but incidentally" to introduce a related but non-essential piece of information. For example: "The main point is valid, but incidentally, there are other factors to consider."

What phrases are similar to "but incidentally"?

You can use phrases like "by the way", "as an aside", or "in passing" to introduce related but less important information.

Is it always necessary to use "but incidentally"?

No, it's not always necessary. Consider whether the additional information is relevant and useful to your audience. If the information is too tangential, it may be best to omit it or integrate it more directly into the main discussion.

What is the difference between "but incidentally" and "incidentally"?

"But incidentally" is used to connect the incidental information with the main idea in a sentence while also suggesting a contrast, whereas "incidentally" is more commonly used to introduce a completely unrelated piece of information or a side note.