“On a different note” is a handy phrase we often use to transition conversations or writing toward a new topic, especially when wanting to shift focus without being abrupt. But there are many other ways to convey the same idea with more variety, creativity, or empathy, depending on the context.
In this article, we’ll explore 30 thoughtful alternatives to saying “on a different note”. These options will help you transition smoothly and effectively, whether in casual chats, professional emails, or heartfelt messages.
What Does “On a Different Note” Mean?
The phrase “on a different note” is used as a conversational or written segue to introduce a new topic, often unrelated to the one previously discussed. It’s a polite and versatile way to redirect attention while maintaining a sense of flow and continuity.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “On a Different Note”?
Yes, it is polite and professional to say “on a different note”, but it may feel repetitive or uninspired in frequent use. Using varied phrases can add warmth, creativity, or precision to your communication while maintaining professionalism.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using “On a Different Note”
Advantages
- Smooth transitions: It helps connect disparate topics seamlessly.
- Politeness: Keeps the conversation from feeling abrupt or disjointed.
- Versatility: Works in casual, formal, and professional contexts.
Disadvantages
- Overuse: May become predictable or lose impact when used too often.
- Generic tone: Lacks emotional depth or nuance in specific scenarios.
On a Different Note Of Synonyms;
- Speaking of which
- On a separate topic
- Changing gears
- Pivoting to…
- That reminds me…
- Shifting focus
- While we’re at it
- By the way
- On a related subject
- Speaking of…
- Switching topics
- In other news
- Another thing…
- Incidentally
- In a similar vein
- Let’s talk about…
- Now, turning to…
- Not to digress, but…
- Bringing this up…
- Apropos of nothing
- On a lighter note
- On a serious note
- Just to mention…
- On another note entirely
- While I think about it
- Circling back to…
- Diving into another matter
- Before I forget…
- Stepping aside for a moment
- As a quick aside
1. Speaking of Which
Meaning: Refers to something just mentioned to pivot the conversation.
Definition: A casual segue often used to introduce a related or tangential topic.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase connects the previous topic to the new one naturally, suggesting some continuity.
Scenario Example: “I love the book you recommended! Speaking of which, have you read anything by that author recently?”
Best Use: Casual or informal conversations.
Tone: Friendly, conversational.
2. On a Separate Topic
Meaning: Indicates a shift to a completely unrelated subject.
Definition: A clear declaration of a topic change, particularly in formal settings.
Detailed Explanation: Ideal for professional communications to separate discussions effectively.
Scenario Example: “On a separate topic, I wanted to discuss the upcoming budget meeting.”
Best Use: Formal settings or professional emails.
Tone: Professional, structured.
3. Changing Gears
Meaning: Refers to switching focus or direction.
Definition: A metaphorical expression suggesting a shift in momentum or energy.
Detailed Explanation: Adds a touch of dynamism or creativity to transitions.
Scenario Example: “Changing gears, let’s talk about next quarter’s goals.”
Best Use: Semi-formal to informal contexts.
Tone: Energetic, casual.
4. Pivoting to…
Meaning: Smoothly redirecting the conversation to another point.
Definition: Suggests a deliberate and thoughtful shift in focus.
Detailed Explanation: Often used in strategic or professional discussions.
Scenario Example: “Pivoting to our next topic, let’s review the customer feedback.”
Best Use: Formal meetings or business contexts.
Tone: Strategic, formal.
5. That Reminds Me…
Meaning: Signals a related thought or topic that just came to mind.
Definition: A natural and conversational way to introduce a new idea.
Detailed Explanation: Adds a personal, relatable touch to transitions.
Scenario Example: “That reminds me, we need to send out invitations for the event next week.”
Best Use: Personal or informal settings.
Tone: Casual, relatable.
6. Shifting Focus
Meaning: Redirecting attention to another subject.
Definition: A direct and neutral phrase for transitioning topics.
Detailed Explanation: Works well in professional or structured discussions.
Scenario Example: “Shifting focus, let’s address the team’s concerns about the timeline.”
Best Use: Ideal for meetings or presentations.
Tone: Neutral, professional.
7. While We’re at It
Meaning: Taking the opportunity to bring up a related matter.
Definition: Suggests efficiency in covering multiple points in one discussion.
Detailed Explanation: Implies an easy, flowing transition between topics.
Scenario Example: “While we’re at it, can we finalize the agenda for tomorrow’s call?”
Best Use: Casual or team-oriented discussions.
Tone: Informal, practical.
8. By the Way
Meaning: A casual way to introduce an additional or unrelated point.
Definition: Signals a shift in focus without implying urgency.
Detailed Explanation: Keeps the conversation light and conversational.
Scenario Example: “By the way, did you see the updated designs I sent yesterday?”
Best Use: Casual conversations or low-stakes transitions.
Tone: Friendly, informal.
9. On a Related Subject
Meaning: Indicates a transition to a topic that has some connection to the previous one.
Definition: Suggests continuity between two ideas while introducing a new angle.
Detailed Explanation: Useful for connecting seemingly different topics by emphasizing their relation.
Scenario Example: “On a related subject, let’s discuss how these trends impact our sales strategy.”
Best Use: Ideal for professional or semi-formal discussions.
Tone: Professional, smooth.
10. Speaking Of…
Meaning: Redirects attention to something relevant to the ongoing conversation.
Definition: A casual phrase to link a current topic to another point.
Detailed Explanation: Often used in conversations to introduce an anecdote or new topic smoothly.
Scenario Example: “Speaking of holidays, have you decided where you’re going this year?”
Best Use: Casual or personal discussions.
Tone: Friendly, conversational.
11. Switching Topics
Meaning: Indicates an intentional change of subject.
Definition: A straightforward way to signal a shift in discussion.
Detailed Explanation: Helps maintain clarity when transitioning to a different topic.
Scenario Example: “Switching topics, I wanted to update you on the marketing campaign results.”
Best Use: Professional settings or meetings.
Tone: Neutral, direct.
12. In Other News
Meaning: Often used to humorously or casually shift to a new topic.
Definition: Suggests a change of focus, typically in lighthearted contexts.
Detailed Explanation: Adds a conversational or playful tone to transitions.
Scenario Example: “In other news, did you hear about the upcoming company retreat?”
Best Use: Informal or semi-formal settings.
Tone: Playful, conversational.
13. Another Thing…
Meaning: Introduces a new idea or point of discussion.
Definition: A simple and direct way to shift topics.
Detailed Explanation: Works well for casual or conversational transitions.
Scenario Example: “Another thing, we need to finalize the designs by next week.”
Best Use: Informal or personal conversations.
Tone: Friendly, casual.
14. Incidentally
Meaning: Bring up a new point that may be tangentially related to the current one.
Definition: A formal or semi-formal way to introduce a different subject.
Detailed Explanation: Implies the new topic as a side note or additional thought.
Scenario Example: “Incidentally, did you manage to connect with the vendor we discussed?”
Best Use: Suitable for formal or polite conversations.
Tone: Formal, considerate.
15. In a Similar Vein
Meaning: Introduces a topic related to the one just discussed.
Definition: Suggests a smooth and logical continuation of ideas.
Detailed Explanation: Highlights a connection between the previous and upcoming subjects.
Scenario Example: “In a similar vein, we should also address how this affects our customer support.”
Best Use: Professional or academic discussions.
Tone: Professional, structured.
16. Let’s Talk About…
Meaning: A direct invitation to discuss a new topic.
Definition: Clear and concise phrasing for a transition.
Detailed Explanation: Removes ambiguity by explicitly stating the next focus.
Scenario Example: “Let’s talk about the next steps for our launch event.”
Best Use: Formal or informal settings, depending on the tone.
Tone: Direct, confident.
17. Now, Turning To…
Meaning: Guides the audience or conversation toward a new subject.
Definition: A structured and formal way to shift topics.
Detailed Explanation: Often used in presentations or speeches for seamless transitions.
Scenario Example: “Now, turning to our upcoming project milestones…”
Best Use: Ideal for formal presentations or professional meetings.
Tone: Formal, polished.
18. Not to Digress, But…
Meaning: Acknowledges a shift in the topic while keeping the tone light.
Definition: A polite way to introduce a new subject without sounding abrupt.
Detailed Explanation: Works well in conversations where the new topic feels like an aside.
Scenario Example: “Not to digress, but have you seen the latest report on industry trends?”
Best Use: Casual or semi-formal discussions.
Tone: Polite, conversational.
19. Bringing This Up…
Meaning: Suggest the speaker is introducing a topic they feel is relevant.
Definition: A proactive phrase to highlight the importance of the new subject.
Detailed Explanation: Signal’s intention and relevance behind the topic shift.
Scenario Example: “Bringing this up reminds me that we need to finalize next quarter’s budget.”
Best Use: Semi-formal discussions or team meetings.
Tone: Direct, intentional.
20. Apropos of Nothing
Meaning: Used humorously or casually to shift to an unrelated topic.
Definition: A playful acknowledgment that the new subject is unrelated to the current one.
Detailed Explanation: Adds personality and charm to casual transitions.
Scenario Example: “Apropos of nothing, did you see the new café that opened downtown?”
Best Use: Informal conversations.
Tone: Playful, lighthearted.
21. On a Lighter Note
Meaning: Introduces a more cheerful or less serious topic to balance the tone.
Definition: Signals a shift to a less intense or more lighthearted subject.
Detailed Explanation: Often used to relieve tension or end a discussion on a positive note.
Scenario Example: “On a lighter note, did you hear about the surprise party they’re planning?”
Best Use: Casual or semi-formal discussions, especially after serious topics.
Tone: Uplifting, cheerful.
22. On a Serious Note
Meaning: Transitions to a more serious or important topic.
Definition: Suggests a need for focus or gravity in the conversation.
Detailed Explanation: Useful when preparing the listener for a shift in tone or content.
Scenario Example: “On a serious note, we need to address the feedback from our last review.”
Best Use: Professional or personal settings requiring sensitivity.
Tone: Thoughtful, formal.
23. Just to Mention…
Meaning: Adds a casual point or observation to the conversation.
Definition: Suggests the topic is a quick addition or thought.
Detailed Explanation: Often used to add context or share brief, relevant information.
Scenario Example: “Just to mention, the meeting schedule has been updated.”
Best Use: Informal or semi-formal discussions.
Tone: Informal, conversational.
24. On Another Note Entirely
Meaning: Indicates a clear shift to a completely unrelated topic.
Definition: A more formal or emphatic way to introduce a new subject.
Detailed Explanation: Emphasizes the distinct difference between the two topics.
Scenario Example: “On another note entirely, I’d like to discuss our long-term goals.”
Best Use: Formal or professional settings.
Tone: Polite, clear.
25. While I Think of It
Meaning: Introduces a point that has come to mind suddenly.
Definition: Suggests urgency or timeliness in bringing up the topic.
Detailed Explanation: Often used in casual or informal settings to share immediate thoughts.
Scenario Example: “While I think of it, don’t forget to send me the updated file.”
Best Use: Casual or semi-formal discussions.
Tone: Spontaneous, informal.
26. Circling Back To…
Meaning: Revisits or ties back to an earlier topic or related point.
Definition: Suggests a return to a previously discussed matter.
Detailed Explanation: Often used in professional contexts to refocus discussions.
Scenario Example: “Circling back to the agenda, let’s finalize our priorities for the quarter.”
Best Use: Professional meetings or structured conversations.
Tone: Professional, structured.
27. Diving Into Another Matter
Meaning: Suggests an intentional shift to a new topic.
Definition: A formal way to transition to a different subject, signaling importance.
Detailed Explanation: Implies the next topic requires focus or depth.
Scenario Example: “Diving into another matter, we need to review the compliance reports.”
Best Use: Formal discussions or presentations.
Tone: Professional, focused.
28. Before I Forget…
Meaning: Acknowledges a thought that needs to be shared before it slips the mind.
Definition: Adds a sense of immediacy and relevance to the new topic.
Detailed Explanation: Used in informal or semi-formal contexts to interject a timely point.
Scenario Example: “Before I forget, the supplier confirmed the shipment schedule.”
Best Use: Casual or semi-formal conversations.
Tone: Friendly, timely.
29. Stepping Aside for a Moment
Meaning: Temporarily redirects the conversation to a different subject.
Definition: Suggests a brief detour before returning to the main discussion.
Detailed Explanation: Useful for thoughtful or sensitive transitions in formal settings.
Scenario Example: “Stepping aside for a moment, I wanted to highlight the team’s recent achievements.”
Best Use: Professional discussions requiring tact.
Tone: Polite, respectful.
30. As a Quick Aside
Meaning: Introduces a tangential or less central topic briefly.
Definition: Suggests the new topic is important but not the primary focus.
Detailed Explanation: Adds variety and flexibility to transitions.
Scenario Example: “As a quick aside, let’s confirm the guest list for the conference.”
Best Use: Professional or casual discussions.
Tone: Friendly, efficient.
Conclusion
Having 30 alternative phrases for “on a different note” gives you the freedom to adjust your transitions for tone, purpose, and audience. These options ensure your communication feels natural, engaging, and thoughtful while avoiding repetition.
