adverb

by the way

by thuh WAY

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By the way (adverb) means used to introduce a remark that is not part of the main subject, or to add a piece of information as an aside. Example: “By the way, your parcel arrived this morning.”

adverb

Used to introduce a remark that is not part of the main subject, or to add a piece of information as an aside.

"By the way, your parcel arrived this morning."

"He mentioned, by the way, that he'd already handed in his notice."

Used to raise something that is in fact important, while framing it casually.

"By the way, we need that report by five."

"Oh, and by the way, you're on the rota this weekend."

How to use by the way

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA way of adding something that isn't the main point you were making.

When to use it

Neutral and extremely common in speech and informal writing. It usually starts a sentence but can sit mid-sentence between commas. Abbreviated to BTW in messaging and email.

Memory tip

Do not confuse 'by the way' with 'in the way'. 'By the way' introduces an aside; 'in the way' means blocking something.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

by the by anyway → incidentally → in the way

Common pairings

oh, by the way just by the way by the way, did you

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____, your parcel arrived this morning.

Etymology

First appeared in the 10th century with literal meaning "by the side of the road", from Old English weġ (which became "way") meaning "road". Soon afterward (circa 1000) it came to mean "during one's journey". The figurative meaning developed in the mid-16th century, with the first instance of the modern meaning being from 1614.

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

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incidentally in passing as an aside apropos

Related words

about possibly passing essentially btw inevitably incidentally allowable

Rhymes for by the way

ay may day say ray hay lay pay jay way yay nay

See all rhymes for by the way →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between 'by the way' and 'anyway'?

'By the way' introduces a new, unrelated point as an aside. 'Anyway' does the opposite — it closes a digression and returns to the main subject, or dismisses what was just said.

What does BTW stand for?

It stands for 'by the way' and is used in texts, chat and informal email. It works in exactly the same positions as the full phrase.

Is 'by the way' rude?

Not in itself, but it is sometimes used to slip in a criticism or a demand while making it sound minor. Tone and what follows decide how it lands.

What is the meaning of by the way?

"by the way" (adverb) means used to introduce a remark that is not part of the main subject, or to add a piece of information as an aside.

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about possibly passing essentially btw inevitably incidentally allowable