Mastering the Phrase “As an Aside”: Usage, Grammar, and Alternatives

The phrase “as an aside” often pops up in conversations and writing, but its usage can sometimes be confusing. It’s essential to understand not just how to use this phrase correctly but also when it’s appropriate and what alternatives might be more suitable.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about “as an aside,” from its definition to its grammatical role and alternatives.

Understanding the Phrase “As an Aside”

The phrase “as an aside” functions as an idiomatic expression used to introduce additional information that is somewhat tangential to the main topic. This extra information is not central to the primary discussion but offers valuable context or a supplementary point.

Origin and Function

The term “aside” comes from the Old French word “à côté,” meaning “to the side.” In modern English, it denotes a brief digression or supplementary comment. When used in writing or speech, “as an aside” indicates that the speaker or writer is about to introduce something that, while related, is not the core subject of discussion.

For example:

• Main Sentence: “The team’s new project is ahead of schedule.”
• As an Aside: “As an aside, the team’s earlier projects were also completed ahead of time.”

Here, “as an aside” signals that the additional information about previous projects, while relevant, is secondary to the main point about the current project.

The Usage of “As an Aside” in American English

In American English, “as an aside” is used both in written and spoken forms to provide supplementary remarks. This phrase is more common in formal contexts like academic writing, professional reports, and public speaking.

Formal vs. Informal Contexts

• Formal Contexts: In academic papers or professional documents, “as an aside” can introduce additional information or personal observations that enhance the main argument but are not crucial to it.
• Informal Contexts: In everyday conversation, the phrase is used to add offhand remarks or personal anecdotes that are related but not central to the main conversation.

Regional Variations

While “as an aside” is generally understood across English-speaking regions, its usage might vary slightly. For instance, British English might prefer alternative expressions like “incidentally” or “by the way.”

Examples and Contexts of Using “As an Aside”

To grasp how “as an aside” works in different settings, consider these examples:

Academic Writing

• Example: “The research highlights several key factors influencing climate change. As an aside, the author notes the impact of urbanization on local weather patterns.”
• Context: Here, the phrase introduces a relevant yet supplementary detail that supports the main research findings.

Professional Reports

• Example: “Our quarterly earnings exceeded expectations. As an aside, our new marketing strategy has already shown promising early results.”
• Context: The additional detail about the marketing strategy is relevant but not the main focus of the report.

Casual Conversation

• Example: “I’ve been working on a new project lately. As an aside, did you hear about the new coffee shop opening downtown?”
• Context: In casual talk, this use of “as an aside” introduces an unrelated topic to maintain engagement or shift the conversation.

The Adverbial Nature of the Phrase “As an Aside”

Grammatical Role

In grammatical terms, “as an aside” functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies the main sentence by providing additional information that is not integral to the primary message.

Sentence Structure

Using “as an aside” typically involves placing it after the main sentence or clause, often set off by commas or parentheses:

• Example: “The committee approved the proposal. As an aside, the members also discussed potential funding sources.”

Visual Aid: Sentence Structure

Main Clause	Adverbial Phrase
“The new software is efficient.”	“As an aside, the previous version had several bugs.”

Correct Grammar and Punctuation When Using “As an Aside”

Punctuation Rules

When using “as an aside,” correct punctuation is crucial for clarity. Here’s how to handle it:

• Commas: Use commas before and after “as an aside” when it’s inserted into a sentence.
  • Example: “The workshop was well-attended. As an aside, the keynote speaker was particularly engaging.”
• Parentheses: Alternatively, you can use parentheses for a more informal or less intrusive insertion.
  • Example: “The event was a success (as an aside, the weather was perfect).”

Common Mistakes

• Overuse: Avoid overusing “as an aside” to prevent diluting the focus of your main points.
• Misplacement: Ensure that the phrase does not disrupt the flow of the sentence or create confusion.

Appropriate Settings for the Phrase “As an Aside”

When to Use

• Formal Settings: Suitable for academic papers, professional documents, and public speeches where additional information is valuable but not central.
• Casual Settings: Can be used in conversations and informal writing to add extra points or interesting tidbits.

When to Avoid

• Overuse: Using “as an aside” too frequently can make writing or speech seem disjointed.
• Irrelevant Information: Avoid using it for irrelevant or trivial information that does not enhance the main point.

Alternative Expressions to “As an Aside”

If “as an aside” feels repetitive or if you’re looking for variety, consider these alternatives:

• “By the way”: Often used in casual conversation to introduce a new topic or detail.
  • Example: “I just finished the report. By the way, did you see the new updates on the project?”
• “Incidentally”: Suitable for formal writing and speech to introduce additional information.
  • Example: “The findings are groundbreaking. Incidentally, they align with recent studies in the field.”
• “On a related note”: Can be used to connect additional information with the main topic.
  • Example: “The team’s strategy was successful. On a related note, their approach to marketing also yielded impressive results.”

Comparison Table

Phrase	Use Case	Formally Appropriate	Informally Appropriate
“As an aside”	Additional, tangential	Yes	No
“By the way”	New or tangential info	No	Yes
“Incidentally”	Supplementary detail	Yes	No
“On a related note”	Connected information	Yes	Sometimes

Conclusion

Understanding and using the phrase “as an aside” correctly can enhance your writing and speaking by adding valuable context or commentary.

By mastering its usage, grammatical role, and appropriate settings, you can effectively communicate supplementary points without derailing your main message. Explore alternative expressions to keep your language varied and engaging, ensuring your audience stays connected with your content.

References and Further Reading

• Merriam-Webster Dictionary: As an Aside
• Grammar Girl: Parentheses and Commas
• Purdue OWL: Adverbial Phrases

Feel free to revisit this guide anytime you need a refresher on using “as an aside” effectively. Happy writing!