incidentally
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
you use this when you want to add a quick piece of information that is not the main topic.
used as a sentence connector to introduce a remark that is not directly related to the main subject of discussion.
Simple“We had a great time at the party — incidentally, did you see what Sarah was wearing?”
In context“The report provides a comprehensive overview of the fiscal year; incidentally, it also highlights several areas where the department could reduce waste.”
UsageUsually placed at the beginning of a sentence or clause to signal a change in topic.
Synonymsby the wayparenthetically - 02 C1 Advanced
happening as a small part of something else, or by accident.
occurring as a minor consequence or accompaniment to a primary activity or event.
Simple“The two scientists discovered the new chemical incidentally while they were looking for something else.”
In context“The data was collected incidentally during the primary study, yet it proved to be the most significant finding of the entire research project.”
UsageOften follows the verb it modifies.
SynonymsAntonyms
From incidental + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.