The idiom "as an aside" refers to a remark or comment that is not directly related to the main topic of discussion. People often use it to provide additional information or context, which is not essential for understanding the main point being discussed. 

In short:

"As an aside" means to make a remark or comment that is not directly related to the main topic of discussion, often providing extra information or context.

What Does "As an Aside" Mean?

When a speaker wants to mention something not directly relevant to the main topic being discussed, they use the idiom "as an aside." This phrase finds use in both formal and informal contexts and often provides additional information, though not essential to understanding the main point.

• Providing extra information or context
• Mentioning something not directly related to the main topic
• Used in both formal and informal settings

Where Does "As an Aside" Come From?

The phrase "as an aside" comes from the theatrical term "aside," which has its origins in the 16th century. In theatre, an aside is a short speech or comment made by an actor that is intended to be heard by the audience but not by the other characters in the play. The word "aside" itself is derived from the Middle English "on side," meaning "to one side" or "out of the way."

Historical Example

"I have thought best to take the whole speech as an aside..."

—George Chapman, The Plays and Poems of George Chapman, 1910

The use of "as an aside" in everyday language has evolved from its original theatrical context to mean any remark or comment that is not directly relevant to the main topic of discussion.

10 Examples of "As an Aside" in Sentences

• As an aside, I should mention that the store will be closed tomorrow for renovations.
• He made a point about the company's financial success and, as an aside, mentioned their commitment to sustainability.
• During the lecture, the professor discussed the main principles of economics and, as an aside, shared a personal anecdote about his first job.
• As an aside, she mentioned that she had just returned from a vacation in Hawaii.
• The author discussed the primary themes of the book and, as an aside, mentioned the influence of a particular historical event.
• During the interview, the candidate talked about her experience and qualifications and, as an aside, mentioned her volunteer work.
• As an aside, I'd like to thank everyone for attending this event.
• The presenter gave an overview of the project and, as an aside, discussed a related initiative.
• As an aside, she noted that the recipe can easily be adapted for vegetarians.
• During the meeting, he discussed the department's goals and, as an aside, mentioned an upcoming team-building event.

Examples of "As an Aside" in Pop Culture

• "As an aside, it is also worth noting that these new investments are often indistinguishable from those that would happen anyway under normal economic development," is a line from the 2017 travel and conservation guidebook by Michael M. Gunther.
• "And he adds, as an aside, that it wouldn't do any good to tell Jim that the Duke and Dauphin were frauds, especially since they weren't too far removed from the real kind" is a quote from the non-fiction book Television as an Instrument of Terror by George Sternlieb.

Other Ways to Say "As an Aside"

There are several other ways to express the meaning of "as an aside" in English.

Some of these alternatives include:

• By the way
• Incidentally
• On a side note
• Off the subject
• On another matter
• On a related note
• Speaking of which
• Tangentially
• Unrelatedly

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "As an Aside":

• What does "as an aside" mean?

"As an aside" means to make a remark or comment that is not directly related to the main topic of discussion, often providing extra information or context.

• Where does the idiom "as an aside" come from?

The idiom "as an aside" comes from the theatrical term "aside," which has its origins in the 16th century. It was originally used to describe a short speech or comment made by an actor, intended for the audience but not the other characters in the play.

• How can I use "as an aside" in a sentence?

You can use "as an aside" in a sentence to introduce a remark or comment that is not directly relevant to the main topic being discussed, such as, "As an aside, I wanted to mention that the store will be closed tomorrow."

• Are there any synonyms for "as an aside"?

Some synonyms for "as an aside" include by the way, incidentally, on a side note, off the subject, on another matter, on a related note, speaking of which, tangentially, and unrelatedly.

• Is the phrase appropriate in both formal and informal settings?

Yes, "as an aside" can be used in both formal and informal settings, depending on the context and the desired tone.

• What are some common phrases that use "as an aside"?

Some common phrases that use "as an aside" include "as a brief aside," "as a quick aside," "as a small aside," and "as an interesting aside."

• Are there any regional differences in the use of "as an aside"?

There are no significant regional differences in the use of "as an aside" between American and British English. Both dialects use the phrase in similar ways and contexts.

• Can one use "as an aside" in a negative context?

"As an aside" can be used in a negative context if the information being shared is potentially unfavorable or controversial. For example, "As an aside, I heard that the company's profits have been declining."

• How do I know when to use "as an aside" in a conversation?

Use "as an aside" when you want to share a remark or comment that is not directly related to the main topic of discussion but may be relevant or interesting to the audience. It can be a helpful way to provide additional context or information without disrupting the flow of the conversation.

• Does the idiom work with different verb tenses?

Yes, "as an aside" can be used with different verb tenses, but the phrase itself does not change. The verb tense in the sentence will depend on the context and the surrounding information. For example, "As an aside, she mentioned that she had seen the movie," or "As an aside, he will be attending the conference next week."

Summary and Conclusion

To sum things up, the idiom "as an aside" is a useful expression for introducing a remark or comment that is not directly related to the main topic of discussion. It often provides additional context or information that may be of interest to the audience. The phrase originates from the theatrical term "aside" and is suitable for use in both formal and informal settings. By understanding the meaning and appropriate usage of 'as an aside,' you can seamlessly incorporate this phrase into your conversations, making them more engaging and informative.