Definition

1. Adverb:
   • Used to introduce a remark that is not directly related to the main topic of conversation: It signals that the speaker is adding a piece of information or a comment that is secondary or an aside.
   • In a way that happens by chance or as a minor consequence: Describes something that occurs not as the primary intention but as a secondary or accidental result.

Usage Examples

• As a sentence adverb to introduce a related or unrelated point:
  • The main course was excellent. Incidentally, the chef trained in Paris.
  • We need to finalize the budget. Incidentally, have you seen the latest sales report?
• To describe something occurring as a minor or secondary effect:
  • The new policy reduced costs; it only incidentally improved employee morale.
  • The software was designed for data analysis, but it incidentally serves as a useful educational tool.

Advanced Usage

• "By the way" vs. "Incidentally": While both can introduce an aside, "incidentally" can sound slightly more formal or academic. "By the way" is more common in casual speech.
  • Formal/Report Writing: "The study focused on economic factors. Incidentally, it also revealed interesting social trends."
• Position in a sentence: It is most commonly placed at the beginning of a sentence or clause, separated by a comma. It can also be placed in the middle, set off by commas.
  • He mentioned, incidentally, that he would be leaving early.

Variants and Related Words

• Incidental (Adjective): Happening as a minor accompaniment or by chance.
  • The trip had some incidental benefits, like improving my language skills.
• Incidence (Noun): The occurrence, rate, or frequency of something.
  • There is a high incidence of the disease in that region.

Synonyms

• By the way: Used to introduce a new topic or remark.
• Parenthetically: Expressed as a parenthesis or aside.
• En passant (French, used in English): In passing; by the way.
• Accidentally: By chance; unintentionally (specifically for the "by chance" meaning).

Related Phrases

• As an aside: A remark that is not directly relevant to the main discussion.
  • He mentioned, as an aside, that the meeting was postponed.

Idioms

• Not directly related, but...: A phrase with a similar function to introduce tangential information.
  • The lecture was about history. Not directly related, but the speaker told a funny anecdote about his travels.

Adverb

1. of a minor or subordinate nature
   • these magnificent achievements were only incidentally influenced by Oriental models
2. introducing a different topic; in point of fact
   • incidentally, I won't go to the party