slightly off topic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slightly off topic" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that a point or comment is not directly related to the main subject being discussed. Example: "While I appreciate your insights on the project, I think your last point was slightly off topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

And, slightly off topic but what is your favourite television show?

The Guardian

Slightly off topic, but loosely tied in by way of Jets' wayward ambitions; ultra-optimistic midfielder Ruben Zadkovich has now tallied a league high 23 shots without scoring.

The Guardian - Sport

- Because I am sensitive to the smell of nuts, I immediately can smell if someone near me had nuts recently to eat -- I will move away from them because the smell is very bothersome to me. - Slightly off topic: I have been on a plane when someone beside me started eating nuts.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In a way, all of this marketing overkill is slightly off-topic, because AOL and MSN aren't really the same thing.

The New York Times - Tech

Naomi Boak Manhattan "Forgive me if this is slightly off-topic, since it wasn't a New York Times review, but I felt it was a related anecdote worth sharing.

The New York Times

"Protest!" Sheadon said, along with something inaudible, followed by "daddy's job" and, going slightly off-topic, "Can I have a cheeseburger?" There were not many children taking part in the Statehouse rallies.

The New York Times

You know, and this is slightly off-topic, I have to admit I am amazed by Apple's capabilities to keep new products under the wraps.

TechCrunch

Belkin Condoms For Your New iPods Sascha You know, and this is slightly off-topic, I have to admit I am amazed by Apple's capabilities to keep new products under the wraps.

TechCrunch

Slightly off-topic, but likely worth a look to anyone with a vested interest in how the global economy fares (which means pretty much everyone reading this blog): Millward Brown Optimor has compared the financial performance of its list of most valuable brands – you know, the one that pegs Google to be the most valuable at a whopping $100 billion – with the S&P 500 as a whole.

TechCrunch

Sometimes new ideas will come while working on another story – questions you asked yourself while researching or from slightly off-topic comments made by people you interview.

WikiHow

Slightly off".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slightly off topic" to gently steer a conversation back to the main subject without being overly critical or dismissive.

Common error

Avoid using "slightly off topic" too frequently, as it can disrupt the flow of conversation. Instead, try to integrate related points or transition smoothly back to the main topic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slightly off topic" functions as a disclaimer or introductory phrase to indicate that a comment, question, or statement is not directly related to the primary subject matter. This helps to manage expectations and maintain focus, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slightly off topic" is a useful phrase for acknowledging and managing minor deviations from a central subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and serves to introduce related but not strictly relevant information. While it is most common in news, media and informal communications, its use should be moderated to avoid disrupting the conversational flow. Alternative phrases such as "somewhat irrelevant" or "tangentially related" can provide variety and nuance, depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

straying slightly from the topic

Similar to the original, but with a slightly more formal tone.

somewhat irrelevant

Emphasizes the lack of relevance to the current discussion more directly.

digressing briefly

Highlights a temporary departure from the main subject.

marginally pertinent

Highlights a weak connection or indirect relevance.

tangentially related

Suggests a connection that is indirect or incidental.

a bit beside the point

Indicates a departure from the core issue being discussed.

not entirely on subject

States directly that the topic deviates to some extent.

deviating a little

Focuses on the act of straying from the main topic.

wandering from the focus

Emphasizes that the discussion is straying away from the central point.

getting sidetracked a little

Implies a loss of focus due to an interesting but unrelated detail.

FAQs

How can I use "slightly off topic" in a sentence?

You can use "slightly off topic" to acknowledge that a comment or question is not directly related to the main subject. For example: "Slightly off topic, did anyone see the game last night?"

What does "slightly off topic" mean?

The phrase "slightly off topic" means that something is not directly related to the subject being discussed, but may still be somewhat relevant or interesting.

Is it rude to say "slightly off topic"?

It is generally not rude to say "slightly off topic" if used politely. It's a way to acknowledge that you're changing the subject, or that your contribution isn't directly related, while still being respectful. However, be mindful of the context and avoid using it excessively.

What can I say instead of "slightly off topic"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat irrelevant", "tangentially related", or "a bit beside the point" depending on the context.