Incidentally
Academic discourse marker used to connect ideas
Use it to smoothly add a related side-thought without disrupting the main conversation's flow.
In 15 Sekunden
- A polished way to introduce a side note or extra detail.
- Functions like a sophisticated version of 'by the way'.
- Best used at the start of a sentence followed by a comma.
Bedeutung
Think of it as a fancy way to say 'by the way.' You use it when you want to add a side note or a related piece of information that just came to mind.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6In a business meeting
Incidentally, the client mentioned they loved the new logo design.
Incidentally, the client mentioned they loved the new logo design.
Chatting with a neighbor
Incidentally, have you seen the new park they are building downtown?
Incidentally, have you seen the new park they are building downtown?
Sending a follow-up email
Incidentally, I have attached the budget report for your review.
Incidentally, I have attached the budget report for your review.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The term reflects a Western conversational style that values logical flow and 'polite' interruptions. It gained traction in the 18th and 19th centuries among the educated elite to signal a transition without being rude. Today, it is a hallmark of someone who is well-read and articulate.
The Comma Rule
Always put a comma after `Incidentally` when starting a sentence. It creates a natural pause that makes you sound more confident.
Don't Overuse It
If you use it five times in one conversation, you'll sound like a character from a Victorian novel. Save it for one or two key moments.
In 15 Sekunden
- A polished way to introduce a side note or extra detail.
- Functions like a sophisticated version of 'by the way'.
- Best used at the start of a sentence followed by a comma.
What It Means
Incidentally is your go-to word for adding extra details. It connects your main point to a secondary thought. It feels like a smooth bridge between topics. You aren't changing the subject completely. You are just adding a little 'bonus' information. It suggests that the new info is a happy accident of the current conversation.
How To Use It
You usually place incidentally at the very start of a sentence. Always follow it with a comma to give it a little breathing room. For example: Incidentally, I saw your sister yesterday. You can also tuck it into the middle of a sentence. This makes you sound very sophisticated. Just make sure it flows naturally with the rest of your thought.
When To Use It
Use it in a professional meeting to bring up a related project. It works great in emails when you forgot to mention one small detail. It is perfect for dinner parties when you want to sound smart but relaxed. Use it when the information is interesting but not the main event. It helps you avoid sounding abrupt when shifting topics slightly.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for life-or-death news. If your house is on fire, don't say, Incidentally, the kitchen is ablaze. It is too casual for high-stakes drama. Also, avoid using it if the new topic has zero connection to the old one. If you are talking about space travel, don't say incidentally to talk about your favorite cheese. That is just confusing!
Cultural Background
This word comes from the idea of an 'incident' or a happening. In English culture, especially in the UK and US, we love a good 'understatement.' Using incidentally makes you seem calm and in control. It shows you have so much information that you can just toss some out as an extra. It became popular in academic writing to link complex ideas gracefully.
Common Variations
The most common casual version is by the way. If you want to sound even more academic, try as an aside. In very formal writing, you might see parenthetically. If you are texting a friend, you might just use BTW. But incidentally remains the king of polite, intellectual transitions.
Nutzungshinweise
It sits in the 'Neutral to Formal' register. It is perfect for professional settings or when you want to appear articulate in social situations.
The Comma Rule
Always put a comma after `Incidentally` when starting a sentence. It creates a natural pause that makes you sound more confident.
Don't Overuse It
If you use it five times in one conversation, you'll sound like a character from a Victorian novel. Save it for one or two key moments.
The 'Soft' Interruption
In English culture, interrupting is often seen as rude. `Incidentally` is a 'soft' way to interrupt a topic with your own thought without offending anyone.
Beispiele
6Incidentally, the client mentioned they loved the new logo design.
Incidentally, the client mentioned they loved the new logo design.
Adds a positive side note to a professional discussion.
Incidentally, have you seen the new park they are building downtown?
Incidentally, have you seen the new park they are building downtown?
Transitions from small talk to a specific local topic.
Incidentally, I have attached the budget report for your review.
Incidentally, I have attached the budget report for your review.
A polite way to include an attachment mentioned earlier.
Incidentally, your dog seems to think my shoe is a chew toy.
Incidentally, your dog seems to think my shoe is a chew toy.
Uses a formal word to point out a funny, slightly annoying situation.
Incidentally, don't forget to bring that extra chair if you can.
Incidentally, don't forget to bring that extra chair if you can.
Adds a reminder without sounding too bossy.
Incidentally, that was the same restaurant where we first met.
Incidentally, that was the same restaurant where we first met.
Connects a current location to a meaningful past event.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the best word to complete the transition in this professional email.
We will meet at 5 PM. ___, I've invited the marketing team to join us.
`Incidentally` is perfect here because inviting the marketing team is a related side-detail to the meeting time.
Which word fits best in a casual conversation about a movie?
The acting was great. ___, did you know the lead actor is actually British?
You are adding an interesting fact about the actor that relates to the movie topic.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality Spectrum of 'By the Way' Phrases
Used in quick texts with close friends.
BTW...
Standard daily conversation.
By the way...
Balanced for work or social events.
Incidentally...
Academic papers or legal speech.
As an aside...
Where to use 'Incidentally'
Office Email
Incidentally, the files are ready.
Dinner Party
Incidentally, I loved that wine.
University Lecture
Incidentally, this theory was proven in 1920.
Catching up with a friend
Incidentally, I saw your ex today.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, they mean the same thing. However, incidentally is more formal and sounds more 'academic' than by the way.
You can, but it might seem a bit stiff. Use it if you want to sound slightly ironic or very organized, like Incidentally, don't forget the milk.
It comes from the word incident, meaning something that happens. It implies the information is happening alongside the main topic.
It is rare. You usually see it at the beginning or in the middle. Putting it at the end, like I saw him, incidentally, sounds very British.
Both! It is a standard word in the entire English-speaking world, though it might feel slightly more common in formal British speech.
Not exactly. While it relates to the word accidental, in conversation it means 'related to the topic' rather than 'unintentional'.
Yes, it is a great transition word for academic writing. It helps you introduce a supporting fact without losing the main thread of your argument.
Using it to introduce a completely unrelated topic. If you are talking about math and say Incidentally, I like cats, it feels very jarring.
No! Coincidentally means two things happened at the same time by chance. Incidentally just means you are adding extra info.
It is pronounced in-si-DEN-tuh-lee. The stress is on the third syllable.
Verwandte Redewendungen
By the way
The casual equivalent used in daily speech.
As an aside
Used to introduce a comment that is not part of the main subject.
Parenthetically
A very formal way to say you are adding a side note.
In passing
To mention something briefly while talking about something else.
Kommentare (0)
Zum Kommentieren AnmeldenStarte kostenlos mit dem Sprachenlernen
Kostenlos Loslegen