on a side note

USAGE SUMMARY

"on a side note" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to introduce an additional, separate thought that is related to the topic you are discussing. For example, "I enjoy leading team meetings; on a side note, I also find it helpful to document meeting notes for reference afterwards."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

- Mona 5. "Pompeii" (LW-3) - Bastille 4. "Best Day Of My Life" (LW-2) - American Authors (* Watch the band perform this track on A-Sides this month!) 3. "Comrade" (LW-4)- Volcano Choir 2. "Bitter Rivals" - Sleigh Bells 1. "Reflektor"(LW-4) - Arcade Fire.

Huffington Post

On one side, Christmas is a time of community, of sharing, of reflection on the tenderness of the incarnation of Christ into our broken world.

Huffington Post

She felt emboldened and confident by the attention Saturday, until the popularity contest ended on a side court yesterday, when Tu crisply eliminated her.

The New York Times - Sports

Clay first started working on NewsBlur as a side project three years ago.

TechCrunch

Nanoparticles range in size from 1 nanometer (nm) on a side up to 1000 nm or more, though much nanoscience research focuses on special acquired properties of small nanoparticles below 100 nm [ 48].

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

"Alex Russell had a massive influence on the side last year and we're absolutely delighted," boss Adie Britton told the club website. .

BBC

Martinez threw 130 pitches in Game 1. "We'll check on Pedro when it's time for him to throw on the side tomorrow and make a judgment from there," Manager GRADY Little said.

The New York Times - Sports

To the Editor: Regarding "A Touch of France on the Side" (June 13) by Katherine Ashenburg: We found the charming little archipelago of St.-Pierre, Miquelon and Langlade a welcome relief for all of the senses.

The New York Times - Travel

Since you're having a lumpectomy on the left side next week, I'm going in and taking out the concern on the right.

Huffington Post

The Bagger is apparently a bit on the owly side today.

The New York Times

Dame Daphne Sheldrick has never been involved in sending orphaned elephants to zoos ("Take a walk on the wild side", August 18th).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a side note" to introduce related, but non-essential, information without disrupting the flow of your main argument. Ensure the side note genuinely adds value.

Common error

Avoid using "on a side note" excessively, as it can make your writing seem disorganized or unfocused. If you find yourself using it frequently, consider whether the side notes should be integrated into the main text or omitted entirely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a side note" functions as a transitional phrase or discourse marker. It's used to introduce additional information that is related but not central to the main point. Ludwig AI shows that it correctly identifies it as a functional phrase.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on a side note" serves as a transitional element, introducing supplementary information related to the main subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, though its suitability can vary depending on the formality of the context. Alternatives such as "incidentally" or "as an aside" may be more appropriate for formal writing. Remember to avoid overuse to maintain clarity and focus. It’s best used when the side note adds value without disrupting the core message. Due to the limited information available, the phrase is considered to be missing from common usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as an aside

Highlights that the following information is a digression.

by the way

Indicates a shift to a slightly different topic, often casually.

incidentally

This single word is a more concise way to introduce something related but not central.

I might add

Introduces an additional piece of information or opinion.

parenthetically

Introduces information that could be placed in parentheses.

just a quick thought

Lightly introduces an additional idea.

in passing

Briefly mentioning something related.

on a tangent

Indicates a more significant departure from the main subject.

speaking of which

Connects the current topic to a previously mentioned one.

apropos of that

Formally links the current statement to the previous one.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "on a side note" in a sentence?

Use "on a side note" to introduce supplementary or tangential information that is related to the main topic but doesn't fit directly into the primary line of reasoning. It's best used when the extra information provides helpful context or an interesting diversion without derailing the overall message.

Are there more formal alternatives to "on a side note"?

Yes, in more formal writing, you might consider using phrases like "incidentally", "as an aside", or "parenthetically" to introduce related but not essential information.

When is it inappropriate to use "on a side note"?

Avoid using "on a side note" when the information you're adding is crucial to the main point or argument. It's also best not to use it in very formal contexts where a more direct and integrated approach would be expected.

What's the difference between "on a side note" and "by the way"?

"On a side note" is typically used to introduce information that's related to the current topic but not essential, whereas "by the way" often signals a complete change of subject, although it can also introduce a related thought. "On a side note" implies a closer connection to the main subject than "by the way".