"On a side note" is a popular idiom that indicates a slight diversion from the main topic or a related comment. Its purpose is to allow the speaker or writer to share additional information that may not be directly related to the primary subject.
In short:
"On a side note" is an expression used to introduce a secondary or related thought during a conversation.
As an idiom, "on a side note" is often used in conversations or writings to signal a brief digression from the main subject. It is a way to share additional information, thoughts, or comments that may not be directly related to the primary topic being discussed.
There are several important aspects of this idiom:
Understanding the nuances of "on a side note" can help users better express their thoughts while maintaining the flow of the conversation or text.
The idiom "on a side note" likely originates from the practice of making notes or annotations in the margins of a manuscript or book. These notes, often referred to as marginalia, were typically used to provide supplementary information or personal thoughts related to the main text.
"At Leominster, every villein paid one pig in ten to the lord; on a side-note on folio 16b, one pig in seven is stated to be the rule throughout Sussex.”
- A New Historical Geography of England before 1600, H.C. Darby, 1976
As the practice of making marginal notes became more common, the phrase "on a side note" likely developed as a way to verbally indicate a similar function - providing additional, related information without disrupting the main discussion.
Here are some examples of the idiom "on a side note" used in various contexts:
As a common idiom, "on a side note" can also be found in movies, television shows, and literature.
Here are some examples:
There are several alternative expressions that can be used to convey a similar meaning as "on a side note":
"On a side note" is an idiom used to introduce a related or tangential comment or piece of information. It allows the speaker or writer to share additional details that may not be directly related to the main topic.
The idiom "on a side note" likely originates from the practice of making notes or annotations in the margins of a manuscript or book, called marginalia. These notes were used to provide supplementary information or personal thoughts related to the main text.
Yes, you can use "on a side note" in both formal and informal contexts. However, you might prefer to use alternatives like 'incidentally' or 'as an aside' in formal writing or speech.
Both "on a side note" and 'by the way' are used to introduce related or tangential information. However, 'by the way' is more informal and is often used to introduce a new topic or shift the focus of the conversation, while "on a side note" is generally used to provide supplementary information without completely changing the subject.
Yes, there are several synonyms for 'on a side note,' including 'by the way,' 'incidentally,' 'speaking of which,' 'as an aside,' 'on another note,' and 'on a related note.' These expressions can be used interchangeably to introduce related or tangential information.
"On a side note" is typically used at the beginning of a sentence or clause to introduce related or tangential information. However, it can also be used at the end of a sentence, particularly in informal conversations, or as a stylistic choice.
While "on a side note" can sometimes be used as a filler phrase, it primarily serves the purpose of introducing related or supplementary information. It helps to provide context or additional details without disrupting the main discussion.
In academic writing, it is generally preferable to use more formal alternatives to 'on a side note,' such as 'incidentally' or 'as an aside.' However, "on a side note" can still be used in less formal academic contexts or to provide a more conversational tone.
While "on a side note" can be used in a job interview, it is important to ensure that the additional information being shared is relevant and adds value to the conversation. In more formal interview settings, consider using alternatives such as 'incidentally' or 'as an aside.'
Yes, "on a side note" can be used in a presentation to provide additional context or details related to the main topic. It can help maintain the flow of the presentation and keep the audience engaged without straying too far from the primary subject matter.
In summary, the idiom "on a side note" is a popular expression used to introduce related or tangential information during a conversation or in writing. It allows the speaker or writer to share additional details or thoughts that may not be directly related to the main topic without disrupting the flow of the discussion.
Key aspects of the idiom "on a side note":
By understanding the nuances of "on a side note" and its various synonyms, users can effectively communicate their ideas and insights in a wide range of contexts.
