incidentally
incidentally — adverb
1. Said before a remark that is connected to the main topic but is less important —
Said before a remark that is connected to the main topic but is less important — used to add a related thought, ask a related question, or return to an earlier point in a conversation.
Eli and I are going to a concert. Incidentally, do you know if parking is free nearby?
discourse marker introducing a question on a related topic
Sales are up this quarter. Incidentally, I heard the marketing team is getting a bonus.
sentence-initial position linking to a related piece of news
The restaurant on Elm Street serves excellent pasta. Incidentally, they are opening a second location next spring.
Defne is looking for a flat near the university. Incidentally, her brother rents one two streets away.
The museum is closed on Mondays. Incidentally, it offers free admission on the first Saturday of every month.
- by the way
more informal and conversational; preferred in everyday speech
- as an aside
slightly more formal; often used in writing or prepared remarks
- speaking of which
used when the new remark is directly triggered by the previous topic
文法句型
Incidentally, + [question]
Incidentally, + [statement]
用法筆記
Typically placed at the start of a sentence or clause, followed by a comma. Frequently used in both conversation and informal writing to shift focus briefly without changing the subject entirely. Can also appear parenthetically in the middle of a sentence: 'The answer, incidentally, is yes.'
常見錯誤
2. Said before giving information that the listener or reader did not know before,
Said before giving information that the listener or reader did not know before, often with the effect of making the new fact appear less significant — as if it were merely a side detail rather than the main point.
Charlotte is an award-winning architect. Incidentally, she also teaches design classes at the local university.
introduces a noteworthy additional fact about a person
The Watanabes' kitchen renovation is nearly done. Incidentally, the plumber said the main pipe needs replacing.
The new job involves international travel. Incidentally, the company pays for all flights and hotels.
Andrés finished the marathon in under four hours. Incidentally, he only started running six months ago.
The building was designed by a Japanese studio. Incidentally, the same firm also won the contract for the new library.
- as an aside
very close in meaning; emphasises the offhand nature of the remark
- parenthetically
more formal and literary; suggests a deliberate written aside
- additionally
more neutral and factual; does not carry the downplaying tone
文法句型
Incidentally, + [new information / statement]
用法筆記
In this sense the speaker or writer is deliberately presenting the new information as if it were of secondary importance, even when the fact itself is significant. Common in formal reports, emails, and presentations where the speaker wants to add a key piece of information without seeming to interrupt the main argument.