Phrase of the day

Discover a new phrase each day to use in your English! These are special phrases and sayings that English speakers use all the time, but you don't often see these phrases in English course books or other study material. Visit daily to learn some popular English phrases on a regular basis.
14th January 2024

By the way

We use this expression to introduce a different topic or new idea which may be only partly related to what we were talking about.
Usage
Written: 
Yes
Spoken: 
Yes
Formal: 
Yes
Informal: 
Yes
Example 1
Is it Alicia's birthday next week?
Yes, it is. By the way, she's split up with her boyfriend, so don't say anything about him.
Example 2
See you on Saturday evening at 7.00, then.
Right. Oh, by the way, where's the best place to park?

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