incidentally to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "incidentally to" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward in some contexts.
It can be used when introducing a related point or detail that is not the main focus of the discussion. Example: "Incidentally to our main topic, I wanted to mention the upcoming conference that might interest you."

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(He appeared, incidentally, to be very stoned).

The New York Times - Magazine

(Praise, incidentally, to Mazher Mahmood for that scoop).

The Guardian

Reproductive isolation may indeed come about incidentally to genetic divergence between separated populations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And it was reintroduced yesterday, incidentally, to try to reclaim it.

The New York Times

The gold price has risen today, incidentally, to $1,402 per ounce.

The Guardian - Business

(It is incredible incidentally, to hear the condescension of some commentators around this time).

The Guardian - Film

Might it be possible, incidentally, to block transmission of de haut en bas political homiletic?

The Guardian - Opinion

It is rarely good to be connected, however incidentally, to the awful business of a big murder case.

The New York Times

Another substance that provides protection against microbes incidentally to its primary cellular role is the blood protein transferrin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But it was also meant, not incidentally, to spark discomfort in another country in the European Union.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I'll pick one of ten winners on Monday at Noon Eastern and not, incidentally, to-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "incidentally to", ensure that the information being introduced is genuinely tangential and doesn't disrupt the main flow of your argument. Consider whether a simpler phrase like "by the way" might be more effective.

Common error

Avoid using "incidentally to" excessively in formal contexts, as it can make your writing sound stilted or overly verbose. Opt for more direct and concise alternatives when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incidentally to" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used as an adverbial to add a related but secondary piece of information. Ludwig AI examples show it introduces tangential details or context. However, be aware that its use can sometimes sound a bit forced.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "incidentally to" functions as a prepositional phrase used to introduce supplementary, non-essential information related to the main topic. While Ludwig AI shows it appears in a variety of contexts, ranging from news media to encyclopedias, it's crucial to use it judiciously. As Ludwig AI indicates, its overuse can make your writing sound stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "by the way" or "in passing" when appropriate, especially in less formal settings. The phrase is deemed acceptable in terms of grammar, but consider its impact on clarity and conciseness. While relatively frequent, especially in news and media, awareness of potentially more concise alternatives is beneficial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by the way

A more casual way to introduce a related but not essential point.

in passing

Suggests mentioning something briefly and casually.

as an aside

Highlights the information as a deviation from the main topic.

parenthetically

Implies adding information within parentheses, as a side note.

coincidentally

Emphasizes the accidental nature of the connection.

secondarily

Indicates something is of secondary importance or effect.

tangentially

Suggests a slight or indirect connection to the main topic.

as a side effect

Highlights an unintended or unexpected outcome.

peripherally

Indicates a connection that is not central or essential.

by the by

An archaic and somewhat whimsical way to introduce a side note.

FAQs

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

Use "incidentally to" when you want to introduce a related piece of information that is not the main focus. For example: "We discussed the budget, and, "incidentally to" that, we also planned the company picnic."

What can I say instead of "incidentally to"?

You can use alternatives like "by the way", "in passing", or "as an aside" depending on the context.

Is "incidentally to" formal or informal?

"Incidentally to" is generally considered more formal, but it can sometimes sound awkward. Simpler alternatives are often preferable.

What's the difference between "incidentally to" and "accidentally"?

"Incidentally to" means something is related but not essential, while "accidentally" means something happened unintentionally. For example, finding a document "incidentally to" a search is different from finding it accidentally.