it was incidentally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was incidentally" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a point that is not the main focus of the discussion but is relevant to the topic at hand. Example: "It was incidentally noted that the project deadline was moved up by two weeks during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

It was, incidentally, the right foot with which Ramsey, still only 20 years of age, fired his shot.

The New York Times - Sports

Although it was incidentally frightening, it was also systematically reassuring: it shouldn't have worked; it had stopped working; and yet it worked — vandalized, brutalized, a canvas and a pissoir, it reliably took you wherever you wanted to go.

The New Yorker

And it was, incidentally, a trifle odd for L.K. Advani, the BJP's leading hard-liner and the former deputy prime minister, to have been part of the boycott planned if she became prime minister.

The Economist

Although it was incidentally frightening, it was also systematically reassuring: it shouldn't have worked; it had stopped working; and yet it worked vandalized, brutalized, a canvas and a pissoir, it reliably took you wherever you wanted to go.

The New Yorker

Back in 1990, Binder wrote a fine and underrated film called "Coupe de Ville," about three bickering brothers; it was, incidentally, almost womanless, but it proved that he had an ear for the snap and swerve of argument — still well tuned in "Reign Over Me," and matched by the eye of Russ Alsobrook, his director of photography.

The New Yorker

And it was incidentally exasperating to see that film's star Isabelle Huppert overlooked for the best actress award — along with Kristen Stewart, Ruth Negga and Sonia Braga — in favour of Jaclyn Jose as the Manila drug-dealer in Brillante Mendoza's Ma'Rosa.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

It is, incidentally, the kind of "private relief bill" that some politicians wanted for Elian Gonzalez.

The New York Times

"Only sometimes, and as it were incidentally, does Trilling speak of liberalism as a position in American politics," Kirsch observes.

The New York Times - Books

(It is incidentally possible that Van Sant and screenwriter Chris Sparling were inspired by Naomi Kawase's contemplative film The Mourning Forest, in the Cannes competition in 2007).

The Guardian - Film

(And it is incidentally here, I suspect, in this combination of talent and torment, that Stoppard's screenplay allows for a tiny, residual acknowledgement of the Turing legend).

The Guardian

It is incidentally odd that a sequence in the Spanish part of the movie appears to be shot in a different, colour-enriched stock.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was incidentally" to introduce a related but non-essential detail that adds context or nuance to your main point. Make sure the main point remains clear and isn't overshadowed by the incidental information.

Common error

Avoid using "it was incidentally" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your prose sound cluttered and unfocused. If you find yourself using it often, consider whether the incidental information is truly necessary or if it distracts from your main argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was incidentally" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause or sentence to introduce a related but non-essential piece of information. It softens the introduction of the additional detail, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was incidentally" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce supplementary information. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its relatively uncommon frequency suggests it should be used judiciously to avoid cluttering your writing. It is most often found in news, science and wiki sources. Alternatives like "by the way" or "incidentally" can be considered based on context. When using "it was incidentally", ensure that the incidental detail does not overshadow your main point and remains relevant to the overall topic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incidentally, it was

This alternative reverses the order of the words while maintaining the meaning.

it was by the way

This alternative is a more conversational way to introduce incidental information.

it was mentioned in passing

This alternative implies the information was brought up briefly and not emphasized.

it was noted in addition

This alternative emphasizes that the information is supplemental and adds to the main point.

it was remarked parenthetically

This alternative suggests the information was inserted as a side comment.

it was alluded to briefly

This alternative indicates the information was hinted at but not fully explained.

it was touched upon lightly

This alternative conveys that the information was addressed without delving into detail.

it was brought up casually

This alternative implies the information was introduced in an informal or relaxed manner.

it was observed as an aside

This alternative suggests the information was presented as a digression.

it was also

This alternative is a very direct and simple way of adding additional information.

FAQs

How can I use "it was incidentally" in a sentence?

Use "it was incidentally" to introduce a related but non-essential detail. For instance, "The main topic was marketing, but "it was incidentally" mentioned that the budget had been increased."

What are some alternatives to "it was incidentally"?

Alternatives include "by the way", "incidentally", or "it was also", depending on the context.

Is "it was incidentally" formal or informal?

"It was incidentally" leans towards a neutral to slightly formal register. It's suitable for most writing contexts but can be replaced with more casual alternatives like "by the way" in informal settings.

What's the difference between "it was incidentally" and "incidentally"?

"It was incidentally" is a phrase that includes the verb "to be", creating a clause that can be integrated into a sentence, while "incidentally" is an adverb that can directly modify a verb or clause. For example, "It was incidentally noted that the deadline was moved." vs. "Incidentally, the deadline was moved."