by the bye

USAGE SUMMARY

"by the bye" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to introduce a comment or opinion which is not directly relevant to the subject being discussed. For example, "By the bye, did you know that today is National Ice Cream Sandwich Day?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

But that's by the bye.

The Economist

Still, that is by the bye.

The Guardian - Sport

By the bye, do you know what those crêpes reminded me of?

The New Yorker

Only much later, and almost by the bye, does he mention his extra-marital affair.

The Guardian - Sport

By the bye his philanthropy has done more to advance democracy in Eastern Europe than probably any government has.

The Guardian - Opinion

Perhaps rejuvenated by the bye week, Westbrook rushed for nearly as many yards as he had all season (194).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

By-the-bye, Russell Crowe is actually quite an accomplished cricketer.

The Guardian - Sport

By the time "Bye Bye Love" came round for the second time, I too felt "I'm a-gonna cry".

Independent

Photograph: Odd Andersen/AFP/Getty Images Updated at 9.38pm BST 9.27pm BST 23 min: Sloppy play from Rakitic in defence, who allows Neymar to jink his way around him down by the bye-line and then pull back a cross to the edge of the six-yard box.

The Guardian - Sport

By securing the bye, Shields said, the Rams are right where they need to be.

Los Angeles Times

But with the Mountain West Championship Game taking place the first Saturday in December, traditionally the day of UH's last home game, the only way to squeeze in an additional game is by removing the bye week, as we've seen this year.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by the bye" to introduce tangential remarks or questions that are not essential to the main discussion. This can add a touch of elegance or old-fashioned charm to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "by the bye" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Its somewhat formal tone can sound out of place or pretentious in relaxed settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by the bye" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifically as a discourse marker. According to Ludwig, it is employed to introduce tangential remarks or questions, often somewhat unrelated to the main topic at hand. This serves to signal a shift in focus or to add supplementary information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by the bye" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to introduce tangential remarks or questions, according to Ludwig. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, lending a formal and somewhat antiquated tone to the writing. While semantically similar alternatives like "by the way" exist, "by the bye" offers a unique stylistic choice. Remember to use it judiciously, as its formality can be out of place in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by the way

This option offers a more common and contemporary alternative, maintaining a similar function but with a more casual feel.

on a side note

This provides a modern and informal alternative, highlighting the tangential nature of the comment.

as an aside

This option underscores the digressive nature of the remark, emphasizing its departure from the main topic.

incidentally

This alternative focuses on the incidental nature of the comment, differing in tone and directness.

as a digression

This emphasizes the act of deviating from the main subject, adding a more formal and analytical tone.

in passing

This highlights the casual and brief manner in which the information is shared, providing a slightly different emphasis.

parenthetically

This suggests the information is supplementary and could be removed without affecting the core message, differing in structural implication.

apropos of nothing

This highlights the lack of connection to the preceding conversation, giving it a more whimsical feel.

talking of which

This phrase creates a more fluid transition, suggesting a connection that might not be immediately obvious. It's less abrupt.

while we're on the subject

This alternative is used when there is a loose connection to the prior topic and the user is trying to exploit that connection.

FAQs

How can I use "by the bye" in a sentence?

You can use "by the bye" to introduce an unrelated comment or question into a conversation or piece of writing. For example, "The presentation was well-received; by the bye, did anyone remember to order lunch?"

What's a more common alternative to "by the bye"?

A more common alternative is "by the way", which serves a similar purpose but is less formal.

Is "by the bye" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "by the bye" can be appropriate for formal writing, especially when aiming for a slightly antiquated or sophisticated tone. However, consider the context and audience, as it might come across as affected in some situations.

How does "by the bye" differ from "incidentally"?

"By the bye" and "incidentally" are similar, but "by the bye" is generally used to introduce a completely new topic, while "incidentally" can also be used to introduce a related but not essential point.