by the way

Meaning

This conversational phrase is used to introduce a new topic, ask a question that is not directly related to the current conversation, or add a quick piece of extra information. It is highly common in spoken English and informal writing.

Examples

• I'm heading to the grocery store. By the way, do we need milk?

  I'm heading to the grocery store. By the way, do we need milk?

• Your presentation was great! By the way, where did you get those slides?

  Your presentation was great! By the way, where did you get those slides?

• By the way, I ran into your sister yesterday at the mall.

  By the way, I ran into your sister yesterday at the mall.

• We should book the flight soon. By the way, did you check the weather?

  We should book the flight soon. By the way, did you check the weather?

• I'm almost finished with the report. By the way, when is the deadline?

  I'm almost finished with the report. By the way, when is the deadline?

Common Mistakes

• ✗ In the way, did you hear about the new manager?

  ✓ By the way, did you hear about the new manager?

  The correct preposition is 'by'. 'In the way' means physically blocking something.

• ✗ I want to tell you something. On the way, did you call him?

  ✓ I want to tell you something. By the way, did you call him?

  'On the way' refers to physical movement towards a destination. To change the conversation topic, use 'by the way'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I loved the food. ___, what was the name of that restaurant?

  💡 Transition to a new but related question.

  Show answer

  by the way

• ___, did you remember to feed the cat this morning?

  💡 Introduce an extra thought.

  Show answer

  by the way