THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
By the way
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
A phrase used to introduce an additional point or a new topic.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- By the way, did you receive the revised timetable?
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
________, did you receive the revised timetable?
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By the way — A phrase used to introduce an additional point or a new topic.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “By the way” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
A phrase used to introduce an additional point or a new topic.
Compare: By the way, did you receive the revised timetable?
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it naturally in conversation or a friendly message when adding something that is slightly separate from the main subject.
More examples in context
- The blue folder is yours, by the way.
- We enjoyed the exhibition. By the way, who designed the posters?
Usage note
It often appears at the start of a new point followed by a comma, but it can come at the end. Do not confuse it with on the way, meaning during a journey.
A short conversation
A: Thanks for helping us clear the room.
B: You are welcome. By the way, is this your notebook?
A: Yes, thank you for spotting it.
One more practice question
Which phrase naturally introduces an extra question after the main discussion?
A. On the way, what time does the café close?
B. By the way, what time does the café close?
Check your answer
B. By the way introduces an additional topic; on the way concerns a journey.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.