side note

USAGE SUMMARY

"side note" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to include a brief comment or an additional thought related to the main topic. For example, "The decision seemed to be the right one at the time; side note, we now know it was a mistake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Side note: How the world has changed.

The Economist

Here is a side note on Sheehey.

The New York Times

"Rick Ross is the side note, really.

The Guardian - Music

"On a side note, I must admit my guilt.

The Guardian - Sport

(Side note: tights not good look on pear-shaped bodies).

The New Yorker

(Side note: "Pound-for-pound collagen is stronger than steel").

The New Yorker

But that was a side note to Gonzalez's remarkable season.

The New York Times

The eating itself is a side note, really.

The New York Times

(Side note: Ammon Bundy himself has benefited from federal munificence.

Independent

Side note: Both companies need better websites.

TechCrunch

Side Note #2: Each era gets the villain it deserves.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "side note" to introduce additional information that is related but not essential to the main point. It's a great way to add context or offer a brief clarification without disrupting the flow of your writing.

Common error

While "side note" is useful, overusing it can make your writing seem disjointed. If you find yourself frequently using "side note", consider integrating the information more smoothly into the main text or using alternative transitional phrases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "side note" functions as a discourse marker, primarily used to introduce a brief, supplementary comment or observation that is related to the main topic but not essential to its core message. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid phrase. The examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to add context or incidental information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "side note" is a commonly used discourse marker to introduce supplementary information related to the main topic. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is grammatically correct and versatile. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, maintaining a generally neutral register. While effective for adding context, overuse should be avoided to maintain a cohesive writing style. Alternatives like "incidentally" or "as an aside" can be used to diversify your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incidental remark

This alternative replaces "note" with "remark", emphasizing the casual and unplanned nature of the comment.

tangential comment

This alternative highlights the comment's deviation from the main subject.

passing observation

This alternative emphasizes the brief and non-central nature of the comment.

brief digression

This alternative specifies that the comment is a temporary departure from the main topic.

minor point

This alternative stresses the relative unimportance of the comment.

by the way

A common idiom used to introduce a related but not essential piece of information.

as an aside

This alternative indicates that the comment is separate from the main flow of conversation.

incidentally

This adverb suggests the comment is casually introduced.

parenthetically speaking

Emphasizes that the remark is like an insertion in parenthesis, adding extra information but not changing the core meaning.

for the record

Introduces information that clarifies the main point without necessarily supporting the overall narrative.

FAQs

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

You can use "side note" to introduce an additional piece of information related to the main topic. For example, "The project was completed on time; side note, the team worked overtime to achieve this."

What are some alternatives to using "side note"?

You can use alternatives such as "incidentally", "as an aside", or "by the way" depending on the context.

Is "side note" formal or informal?

"Side note" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. It is appropriate for most writing contexts but may be too casual for highly formal or academic papers. In those cases, consider more formal alternatives.

When should I avoid using "side note"?

Avoid using "side note" when the information you're introducing is crucial to understanding the main point. In such cases, integrate the information directly into the main text. Overuse can also make your writing seem disorganized.