How to say “by the way” like a native speaker
Use this to introduce an extra thought or a change of topic. It is natural in conversation and informal messages.
All phrases · Small talk
Hear “by the way” in real speech
Clip 1 · Learn English with Bob the Canadian
Let's Learn English! Topic: What is That Thing? 📢📼🧲 (Lesson Only) · 8:46
About this video
Bob the Canadian teaches the English names of everyday objects he noticed over several days. His examples include curtain rods, hanging baskets and rain barrels.
In context
One of the things that a coach needs.I'm not a coach, by the way.
One of the thing a coach.
Clip 2 · Adam Grant
The surprising habits of original thinkers | Adam Grant | TED · 10:19
About this video
Adam Grant discusses the habits of people who develop original ideas. He begins with a student's business proposal and later compares businesses that enter a market first with those that improve on an existing idea.
In context
Yes.They also stay in their jobs 15 percent longer, by the way.
Why? It's not a technical advantage.
Clip 3 · Simon Sinek
How Great Leaders Inspire Action | Simon Sinek | TED · 17:07
About this video
Simon Sinek explores why some leaders and organisations inspire people to act. He introduces examples involving Apple and Martin Luther King and compares the resources available to people pursuing ambitious ideas.
In context
We followed, not for him, but for ourselves.By the way, he gave the "I have a dream" speech, not the "I have a plan" speech.
Listen to politicians now, with their comprehensive 12-point plans.
When to use “by the way”
- Adding news before ending a call: “By the way, I found your umbrella.”
- Changing the topic at lunch: “By the way, are you coming on Saturday?”
Possible connected-speech patterns in “by the way”
“The” is usually weak before “way”. Let the three words flow together, with the main beat on “way”.
Related phrases
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A slow line to begin with: listen to how “don’t need to” runs together, then say it at the speaker’s pace.
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