25 Other Ways to Say “BTW” (With Examples)

When chatting online or sending emails, I often use BTW, which is short for by the way, to introduce a new or additional piece of information in text, messages, social media, or emails. It helps me digress from a current topic to add a side note naturally and informally, keeping the conversation flowing without breaking the main point. I love how this abbreviation fits in written context, whether writing about something that relates to the subject I’m discussing or highlighting something not central to the discussion.

For instance, when planning a holiday in Florida, I hope to recommend a good hotel–BTW, this tip came from a friend’s experience. In my emails or text messages, I mention tips that relate to the topic, making the conversation feel friendly and casual. Sharing small pieces of information with this handy tool keeps communication clear, smooth, and enjoyable.

What Does “BTW” Mean?

BTW is short for “by the way.” It is an abbreviation used to introduce new or additional information in a conversation, usually informal in text messages, emails, or social media. Its purpose is to digress slightly from the main topic to add a side note without disrupting the flow of communication.

When to Use “BTW”

Use BTW when you want to share extra information without making it the main point of the conversation. It works best in conversations that are informal, friendly, or text-based.

Is It Professional/Polite to Say “BTW”?

In professional contexts, BTW can sometimes seem too casual. Consider alternatives like “for your information” or “just to let you know” to maintain a polite tone while delivering additional information.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Quick, informal, keeps messages casual, easy to type.
Cons: Can feel unprofessional in formal settings, and overuse may appear careless.

Just to Let You Know

Definition & Meaning: Used to share additional information casually without making it the main focus.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase gently introduces information relevant to the topic or context, usually informal or semi-formal.

Example: “Just to let you know, the meeting has been rescheduled to 3 PM.”

Best Use: Casual emails, chats with colleagues, or friendly notes.
Worst Use: Formal reports or official announcements.
Tone: Friendly, considerate, informative.

For Your Information

Definition & Meaning: A neutral and polite way to share facts or updates with someone.
Detailed Explanation: Often abbreviated as FYI, it signals that the information is important but not urgent, and can be used in both professional and informal contexts.

Example: “For your information, the software update will occur this weekend.”

Best Use: Professional emails, team updates, non-critical information.
Worst Use: Casual texts with friends-it may feel overly formal.
Tone: Polite, neutral, professional.

By the Way

Definition & Meaning: The original phrase behind BTW, used to insert an extra thought or detail into a conversation.
Detailed Explanation: Can be used in text, social media, or spoken conversations to smoothly introduce a side note.

Example: “I enjoyed our lunch. By the way, have you finished the report?”

Best Use: Informal conversations, friendly emails, social messages.
Worst Use: Formal or academic writing.
Tone: Casual, friendly, light.

Just a Heads-Up

Definition & Meaning: A casual way to warn or inform someone about something they might not know.
Detailed Explanation: Works well in emails or messages where the goal is to alert someone politely without creating alarm.

Example: “Just a heads-up, the deadline for submissions was moved to Thursday.”

Best Use: Friendly professional communication, team notifications.
Worst Use: Legal, official, or very formal contexts.
Tone: Friendly, informative, cautionary.

In Case You Didn’t Know

Definition & Meaning: Introduces information the listener might not be aware of, casually or politely.
Detailed Explanation: Works in conversations or messages to offer additional context without seeming pushy.

Example: “In case you didn’t know, the office will be closed on Friday.”

Best Use: Casual team updates, friendly messages.
Worst Use: Formal reports or sensitive topics.
Tone: Informative, casual, polite.

Just So You Know

Definition & Meaning: Used to provide extra information casually, often to clarify or alert someone.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase is informal and works in text messages, emails, or conversations, letting the recipient know something without urgency.
Example: “Just so you know, the printer is out of paper.”
Best Use: Casual notifications or team updates.
Worst Use: Formal or official announcements.
Tone: Friendly, informative, light.

Thought I’d Mention

Definition & Meaning: Introduces a minor point or reminder in a conversation.
Detailed Explanation: It signals a personal touch by showing the speaker thought about including the information.
Example: “Thought I’d mention, the meeting room has changed.”
Best Use: Friendly emails, small reminders.
Worst Use: Formal reports or serious official communication.
Tone: Thoughtful, casual, warm.

For Your Awareness

Definition & Meaning: Professional phrasing to give someone knowledge of something relevant.
Detailed Explanation: Suitable for work emails or updates, this keeps the tone polite and neutral.
Example: “For your awareness, the server will be down this weekend.”
Best Use: Team emails, professional notifications.
Worst Use: Casual chats-it may sound stiff.
Tone: Polite, neutral, professional.

By Way of Information

Definition & Meaning: A formal alternative to BTW, introducing additional info.
Detailed Explanation: Works in emails or reports where a slightly formal tone is needed.
Example: “By way of information, the client requested a revised proposal.”
Best Use: Professional, formal updates.
Worst Use: Casual messaging with friends.
Tone: Formal, informative.

In Passing

Definition & Meaning: Adds minor or secondary information while focusing on the main topic.
Detailed Explanation: Often used in conversations or emails to insert extra information without taking the spotlight.
Example: “I noticed the numbers are improving, and in passing, the marketing team met their target.”
Best Use: Casual professional updates.
Worst Use: Formal documentation.
Tone: Subtle, conversational.

Just Wanted to Say

Definition & Meaning: Precedes additional information in a friendly, conversational manner.
Detailed Explanation: Creates a personal touch, making extra info feel deliberate and caring.
Example: “Just wanted to say, great job on the presentation today.”
Best Use: Casual emails, friendly communication.
Worst Use: Official memos.
Tone: Warm, friendly, casual.

FYI

Definition & Meaning: Short for For Your Information, widely used in professional contexts.
Detailed Explanation: Signals that the recipient should know something but may not need to act immediately.
Example: “FYI, the contract deadline has been extended.”
Best Use: Work emails, professional updates.
Worst Use: Informal conversations with friends-it can feel robotic.
Tone: Neutral, professional.

I Should Mention

Definition & Meaning: Gently introduces extra information the speaker thinks is relevant.
Detailed Explanation: Can be used in emails, chats, or verbal discussions to signal consideration.
Example: “I should mention, the office will be closed on Friday.”
Best Use: Friendly work emails, casual updates.
Worst Use: Highly formal documents.
Tone: Thoughtful, polite, casual.

Oh, By the Way

Definition & Meaning: Slightly more casual and conversational than plain BTW.
Detailed Explanation: Often used in speech or chat to interject new info naturally.
Example: “Oh, by the way, I found your missing files.”
Best Use: Informal emails or chat messages.
Worst Use: Professional reports or serious communication.
Tone: Light, friendly, conversational.

Just a Note

Definition & Meaning: Introduces additional or supplementary info politely.
Detailed Explanation: Works in emails and written communication to highlight something minor.
Example: “Just a note, the meeting time has changed.”
Best Use: Professional or semi-formal emails.
Worst Use: Very casual messages-it may feel stiff.
Tone: Polite, informative, neutral.

Quick Update

Definition & Meaning: Signals brief and important additional info.
Detailed Explanation: Perfect for emails or texts where brevity is valued.
Example: “Quick update, the software patch is complete.”
Best Use: Team emails, professional chats.
Worst Use: Long-form or personal letters-it may feel abrupt.
Tone: Concise, professional, clear.

Just to Mention

Definition & Meaning: Adds extra information without changing the main point.
Detailed Explanation: Gentle and neutral, good for subtle emphasis.
Example: “Just to mention, the files have been archived.”
Best Use: Friendly emails, casual updates.
Worst Use: Formal legal communication.
Tone: Neutral, polite, subtle.

For Your Consideration

Definition & Meaning: Polite and formal, it introduces information for evaluation.
Detailed Explanation: Suitable for proposals, suggestions, or professional communication.
Example: “For your consideration, I’ve attached the updated report.”
Best Use: Professional, polite emails.
Worst Use: Casual chats-it may seem too formal.
Tone: Polite, formal, professional.

Thought You’d Like to Know

Definition & Meaning: Informal, friendly way to introduce additional info.
Detailed Explanation: Creates empathy and shows the speaker cares about sharing the info.
Example: “Thought you’d like to know, the tickets are confirmed.”
Best Use: Friendly emails, texts, casual notifications.
Worst Use: Formal reports.
Tone: Friendly, caring, conversational.

For Reference

Definition & Meaning: Used to provide information the recipient may need to refer back to later.
Detailed Explanation: Often used in professional emails, reports, or documentation.
Example: “For reference, the previous quarter’s sales data is attached.”
Best Use: Professional emails, supporting documents.
Worst Use: Casual texting-it may seem stiff.
Tone: Neutral, professional, informative.

By Way of Update

Definition & Meaning: Introduces additional information formally.
Detailed Explanation: Commonly used in work emails or project communications to update recipients politely.
Example: “By way of update, the timeline has shifted by one week.”
Best Use: Work emails, status updates.
Worst Use: Informal chats with friends.
Tone: Professional, neutral.

Just to Keep You in the Loop

Definition & Meaning: An Informal way to provide additional info to keep someone informed.
Detailed Explanation: A Friendly phrase often used in team chats or emails.
Example: “Just to keep you in the loop, the client approved the design.”
Best Use: Team emails, casual work updates.
Worst Use: Highly formal communication.
Tone: Friendly, informal, conversational.

Let Me Add

Definition & Meaning: Adds minor points or extra information.
Detailed Explanation: Smoothly introduces supplementary info in a conversation or email.
Example: “Let me add, we need to check the inventory before shipping.”
Best Use: Casual work emails, chats, discussions.
Worst Use: Formal legal or academic documents.
Tone: Friendly, neutral, informative.

For Your Attention

Definition & Meaning: Polite and professional, draws attention to important info.
Detailed Explanation: Appropriate in professional emails when highlighting updates or actions.
Example: “For your attention, the client requested an earlier delivery.”
Best Use: Formal emails, professional communication.
Worst Use: Casual texts or messages.
Tone: Professional, polite, clear.

In Case You Missed It

Definition & Meaning: Highlights info that may have been overlooked.
Detailed Explanation: Often used in emails, newsletters, or casual messages to gently remind someone of a point.
Example: “In case you missed it, the meeting agenda was shared yesterday.”
Best Use: Friendly updates, informal notifications.
Worst Use: Very formal communications.
Tone: Casual, informative, friendly.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right way to say BTW can transform a casual remark into a meaningful, thoughtful message. Whether you’re sending a quick text, writing an email, or engaging on social media, choosing the right alternative allows you to convey care, empathy, and consideration. Each of the 25 alternatives explored-from “Just to Let You Know” to “In Case You Missed It”-offers a unique tone, purpose, and level of formality. Using these options strategically helps you maintain conversational flow, highlight side notes without disrupting the main discussion, and show that you value your audience’s attention.

Personally, I’ve found that small changes in phrasing-like swapping BTW for “Just so you know” or “For your information”-can make your messages feel warmer, more engaging, and professional when needed. It’s also a reminder that language is not just about communication but about connection. Over time, consistently choosing the right phrasing can enhance your digital etiquette, strengthen relationships, and make even brief messages feel thoughtful. Ultimately, understanding your audience, context, and tone is key. The next time you want to share an extra thought, try using one of these alternatives to BTW, and you’ll notice the difference in clarity, friendliness, and overall engagement.

FAQs

What does BTW mean?

BTW stands for “by the way” and is used to introduce additional information in casual conversations, texts, or emails.

Is BTW formal?

No, BTW is informal. In professional contexts, use alternatives like “For your information” or “Just to let you know.”

Can I use BTW in emails?

Yes, in casual or friendly emails. For formal emails, use polite alternatives to maintain professionalism.

What is a polite alternative to BTW?

Options include “For your awareness,” “Just to let you know,” or “For your consideration,” depending on context.

Is BTW used in spoken language?

Yes, it can be spoken as “by the way” in informal conversations to add extra points casually.

When should I avoid BTW?

Avoid BTW in formal reports, legal communication, or serious professional documentation.

Can BTW improve message clarity?

Yes, it helps insert side notes without disrupting the main topic, keeping communication smooth and concise.

Are all BTW alternatives interchangeable?

Not always. Some are casual (“Just so you know”), while others are formal (“For your consideration”). Choose based on context.

How does tone affect the use of BTW?

Tone determines appropriateness. Casual, friendly, or conversational tones suit BTW; formal tones require alternatives.

Does BTW convey empathy?

Indirectly, yes. Using thoughtful alternatives like “Thought you’d like to know” can make messages feel caring.

Can BTW be used in social media posts?

Absolutely. It works in posts, comments, and messages to provide additional info casually.

What’s the difference between BTW and FYI?

BTW is casual, while FYI is neutral and often professional, mainly for informative purposes.

Can BTW be humorous?

Yes, casual use in texts or chats can add humor, especially when sharing unexpected info or side notes.

How many ways are there to say BTW?

There are countless ways; this guide explores 25 practical alternatives, each with tone, context, and example usage.

Does using BTW make communication more efficient?

Yes, it signals extra info clearly without rewriting the main message, improving conversational efficiency and clarity.