By the way...
A2
Everyday Phrase
Neutral
Very Common
Meaning
A phrase used to introduce a new, often less important, topic.
When to use it
People say it to friends, family, classmates and colleagues when they add a question, comment or piece of news. It is neutral and common in everyday conversation. It is less suitable for introducing serious or urgent news because it can make the news sound less important.
Example Sentence
By the way, have you seen Anna?
Grammar & structure
By the way, + a statement or question.
✓ Correct
By the way, I like your new haircut.
By the way, do we need any milk?
Your book's in my bag, by the way.
✗ Incorrect
By the way of, is this your phone?
I have a by the way to ask you.
It usually comes at the start, but it can also come at the end. It sounds relaxed and introduces a change of topic.
How to reply
Similar expressions
Oh, and...
A more informal way to add another thought or piece of information.
That reminds me...
Use this when something in the conversation makes you remember another topic.
Don't confuse it with
on the way
— During a journey to a place.
By the way, I saw your brother on the way to work.
Common mistakes
✗ By the way of, are you coming tonight?
✓ By the way, are you coming tonight?
The phrase is "by the way", without "of" after it.
✗ Can you show me by the way to the station?
✓ By the way, can you show me the way to the station?
"The way" means the route. "By the way" introduces a new topic; it does not name a route.
Dialogue
Two colleagues are talking in the office kitchen.
Emma
Do you want some coffee?
Ben
Yes, please. Just a little milk.
Emma
Here you go. By the way, how's your new flat?
Ben
It's great! It's much closer to work.
Emma
Oh, that's handy. Can you walk here now?
Ben
Yes, it only takes ten minutes.
Complete the conversation
1. A: By the way, did you find your keys?
B: ___
2. A: Great, we've booked the tickets. Anything else?
B: ___
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