12+ Other Ways to Say “On Another Note” (Formal, Informal & Professional Alternatives)

Saying “on another note” too many times in one email or conversation gets repetitive fast. If you’ve ever caught yourself typing it three times in the same message, you’re not alone — I see this exact habit in student essays, client emails, and even meeting notes I’ve edited over the years.

This guide gives you 12+ natural alternatives to “on another note,” sorted by formality, so you always have the right word ready. You’ll get real examples, grammar notes on why each phrase works, and answers to the questions people actually search for.

By the end, you’ll know exactly when to use a formal transition like “turning to another matter” versus a casual one like “anyway” — and why picking the wrong one can make your writing sound stiff or too relaxed for the situation.

Why You Need Alternatives to “On Another Note”

“On another note” is a transitional phrase used to shift from one topic to an unrelated one, and repeating it often makes writing sound flat or robotic.

Grammatically, it works as a sentence adverbial — a phrase that sits at the start of a sentence and connects it loosely to what came before. It doesn’t need a comma rule beyond the standard introductory comma, but overusing any single transition breaks the natural rhythm of good writing.

Readers notice repetition even when they can’t name it. Swapping in different transitions keeps your emails, essays, and presentations sounding like a real person wrote them, not a template.

Formal Alternatives to “On Another Note”

Formal transitions work best in business emails, academic writing, reports, and any situation where you’re addressing someone you don’t know well.

On a Separate Note

This is the closest formal cousin to the original phrase, and it’s just as widely accepted in professional writing.

Example: “The Q3 numbers look strong. On a separate note, we still need to confirm the vendor contract by Friday.”

Use it when the new topic genuinely has nothing to do with the last one, but you still want a polished, buttoned-up tone.

In Other News

Borrowed from journalism, this phrase now shows up regularly in workplace emails and newsletters.

Example: “The migration to the new server finished ahead of schedule. In other news, HR is finalizing the holiday calendar.”

It works well when the second topic is lighter or less urgent than the first.

Turning to Another Matter

This one signals a deliberate, structured shift, which makes it a favorite in reports, legal writing, and formal meetings.

Example: “Turning to another matter, the board has approved the updated budget proposal.”

Moving on to a Different Point

I recommend this phrase to students writing essays because it clearly marks a new paragraph’s purpose without sounding abrupt.

Example: “Moving on to a different point, the study also found a link between sleep and memory retention.”

With That Said, I’d Like to Raise Another Issue

This longer option works when you want extra courtesy before introducing something the reader may not expect, such as a complaint or a request.

Example: “With that said, I’d like to raise another issue regarding the delivery timeline.”

Informal Alternatives to “On Another Note”

Casual alternatives fit texts, chats with coworkers you know well, and conversational writing like blog posts or personal essays.

Anyway

Short, common, and instantly recognizable, “anyway” is probably the most-used informal transition in spoken English.

Example: “The traffic was awful this morning. Anyway, did you catch the game last night?”

Native speakers use this constantly, but it can sound dismissive in writing if it follows bad news, so save it for neutral or casual topics.

By the Way

This phrase often introduces something small or an afterthought rather than a full topic change.

Example: “I finished the report early. By the way, do you know where the stapler went?”

Oh, Before I Forget

I like this one for texts and casual emails because it adds a friendly, human touch that “on another note” can’t match.

Example: “Oh, before I forget, can you send me the parking pass code?”

Random Thought, But

Popular in messaging apps and social posts, this phrase openly admits the topic shift instead of trying to smooth it over.

Example: “Random thought, but did we ever decide on a restaurant for Friday?”

Professional and Workplace Alternatives to “On Another Note”

These sit between formal and informal. They’re common in Slack messages, meetings, and internal emails where you want to sound competent without being stiff.

Shifting Gears

This phrase suggests energy and forward motion, which makes it a strong fit for meetings and presentations.

Example: “Sales are up 12% this quarter. Shifting gears, let’s talk about the new hiring plan.”

On a Related Note

Unlike “on another note,” this version signals that the next point actually connects to the last one, so use it only when there’s a real link.

Example: “The client loved the redesign. On a related note, they asked about extending the contract.”

To Touch on Another Item

Common in agendas and status updates, this phrase works well when moving through a checklist of topics.

Example: “To touch on another item, IT flagged a security update we need to schedule this week.”

Circling Back to a Different Topic

This phrase has become a staple of corporate communication, and while some people find it overused, it still reads as professional and clear.

Example: “Circling back to a different topic, marketing needs final approval on the new logo by Monday.”

How These Transitions Work Grammatically

Most alternatives to “on another note” function as introductory adverbial phrases, meaning they sit outside the main clause and set up a shift in topic.

That’s why nearly all of them take a comma right after the phrase: “Anyway, I have to go” or “On a related note, the budget was approved.” The comma marks the pause a speaker would naturally take.

One grammar point I flag often in client writing: don’t confuse “on another note” with “on a related note.” They mean opposite things. The first signals an unrelated topic; the second signals a connected one. Mixing them up confuses readers who are tracking the logic of your message.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overusing the same transition in one document, which flattens your tone
• Using “on a related note” for unrelated topics, which creates a false connection
• Starting every paragraph with a transition phrase, which feels mechanical
• Choosing informal phrases like “anyway” in formal reports, which undercuts your credibility
• Skipping the comma after the introductory phrase, which reads as a run-on

A simple fix: read your draft out loud. If a phrase feels repeated or out of place when spoken, it usually is.

Other Ways to Say “On Another Note” in Email

When writing emails, repeating the phrase “on another note” can make your message sound repetitive. Fortunately, there are many professional alternatives that help you transition smoothly to a new topic while keeping your email polished and easy to follow.

Here are some excellent alternatives:

• Moving on to another matter
• Additionally
• Furthermore
• Also
• In addition
• Turning to another topic
• While we’re discussing this
• Another point to mention
• I’d also like to mention
• On a different subject
• Speaking of which
• Before I forget
• One more thing
• I’d like to add
• Another important point

Choose your transition based on the tone of your email. Formal business emails usually benefit from phrases like “Additionally” or “Turning to another topic,” while casual workplace conversations may sound more natural with “One more thing” or “Before I forget.” Using different transition phrases improves readability and makes your communication sound more professional.

Other Ways to Say “On Another Note” Funny

Sometimes you want to change the subject in a light-hearted or humorous way. Funny alternatives can make conversations, text messages, or informal emails more engaging without sounding awkward.

Some amusing alternatives include:

• Speaking of random things…
• Plot twist!
• While my brain remembers…
• Here’s something completely different…
• Random thought…
• Changing gears…
• Switching channels…
• Meanwhile…
• Fun fact…
• Before my coffee wears off…
• Anyway, back to our regularly scheduled programming…
• Side quest activated…
• Here’s today’s surprise topic…
• Totally unrelated, but…
• Since we’re already talking…

These expressions work best in conversations with friends, colleagues you know well, or casual online discussions. Avoid using humorous transitions in formal business emails or academic writing where professionalism is expected.

“On Another Note” Synonym for Essay

Academic writing requires smooth transitions that connect ideas logically. While “on another note” is understandable, it often sounds too conversational for essays. More formal transition words help improve the flow of your writing.

Good essay alternatives include:

• Furthermore
• Moreover
• In addition
• Additionally
• Another important point
• Turning to another aspect
• With regard to
• Equally important
• It is also worth noting
• Another consideration is
• In a similar context
• By comparison
• Conversely
• On the other hand
• Moving to the next point

Using these transitions creates stronger connections between paragraphs and arguments. Instead of abruptly changing topics, your essay will guide readers naturally from one idea to the next, making your writing more coherent and professional.

Is “On Another Note” Formal?

The phrase “on another note” is considered semi-formal rather than fully formal. It is widely accepted in everyday communication, workplace emails, and friendly business correspondence, but it may sound slightly conversational in highly professional or academic documents.

For example, it’s perfectly acceptable in an email such as:

“On another note, I’d like to discuss next week’s meeting.”

However, if you’re writing a research paper, legal document, or executive report, consider more formal alternatives like:

• Furthermore
• Additionally
• Turning to another matter
• With regard to another issue
• Another point worth mentioning
• In addition

Understanding your audience is the key. Casual workplaces often welcome conversational transitions, while formal writing benefits from more structured language.

“On Another Note” Meaning

The expression “on another note” means changing the conversation to a different topic or introducing a new subject. It signals to the reader or listener that the current discussion is ending and another idea is about to begin.

People use this phrase in emails, conversations, presentations, and meetings to create a smooth transition between unrelated topics.

For example, someone might discuss a completed project and then say, “On another note, have you booked your annual leave?” This tells the listener that the speaker is moving away from the previous subject.

Because it creates a natural shift without sounding abrupt, the phrase has become common in both personal and professional communication.

“On Another Note” in a Sentence

Seeing a phrase used in context is one of the best ways to understand it. Here are several natural examples.

• On another note, I’d like to thank everyone for their hard work.
• On another note, have you reviewed the latest proposal?
• On another note, our office will be closed next Monday.
• On another note, congratulations on your promotion.
• On another note, I found an interesting article you might enjoy.
• On another note, let’s discuss next month’s budget.
• On another note, your presentation received excellent feedback.
• On another note, we should schedule another meeting soon.
• On another note, did you receive my previous email?
• On another note, I hope your family is doing well.

These examples demonstrate how the phrase naturally introduces a separate topic while maintaining a smooth flow in conversation or writing.

“On Another Note” Acronym

Unlike many business expressions, “on another note” does not have a recognised or widely accepted acronym in professional English.

While people occasionally create informal abbreviations in personal messaging, there is no standard abbreviation used in business communication, academic writing, or official documents.

Instead of searching for an acronym, it’s generally better to use the complete phrase or replace it with a shorter transition such as:

• Also
• Additionally
• Furthermore
• Another point
• One more thing

Writing the phrase in full ensures your message remains clear and easily understood by every reader.

“On That Note” Synonyms

Although “on that note” and “on another note” are similar, they serve different purposes. “On that note” usually refers to the point just discussed and often concludes or builds upon it, whereas “on another note” introduces a different topic.

Useful synonyms for “on that note” include:

• With that in mind
• Therefore
• Accordingly
• As a result
• Following that
• In light of that
• Given that
• Considering this
• Building on that
• In that case
• For that reason
• Consequently
• Thus
• Hence
• Keeping that in mind

Choosing the right transition strengthens the connection between your ideas and makes your writing easier to follow. Whether you’re writing an email, an essay, or giving a presentation, selecting the appropriate phrase helps communicate your message with clarity and confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I say instead of “on another note”?

You can replace “on another note” with phrases like “moving on,” “speaking of something else,” “changing the subject,” “incidentally,” or “by the way.” These alternatives help you transition naturally to a new topic while keeping your conversation or writing smooth and engaging.

What can I say instead of “on that note”?

Instead of “on that note,” you can use “with that in mind,” “following that,” “building on that,” “in that case,” or “that being said.” Each expression connects your next point to the previous idea while maintaining a professional and logical flow.

How to say on a side note professionally?

For a more professional tone, replace “on a side note” with “incidentally,” “as an aside,” “additionally,” “while we’re discussing this,” or “before I continue.” These expressions introduce extra information politely without interrupting the main discussion.

What does the phrase “on another note” mean?

“On another note” means you are changing the topic and introducing a different subject that is not directly connected to the current conversation. It acts as a smooth transition, helping listeners or readers follow the shift without confusion.

What to say instead of “on a similar note”?

Instead of “on a similar note,” you can say “similarly,” “along the same lines,” “in the same vein,” “likewise,” or “continuing this idea.” These alternatives indicate that your next point supports or relates closely to what was just discussed.

What is a synonym for on a different note?

Common synonyms for “on a different note” include “changing the subject,” “turning to another topic,” “meanwhile,” “speaking of something else,” “in another context,” and “switching gears.” These phrases make it easy to introduce a fresh idea while keeping your writing or conversation natural and well-organized.

Conclusion

Swapping out “on another note” for the right alternative isn’t just about sounding fancy. It’s about matching your tone to your audience, whether that’s a formal client email, a quick text to a friend, or a status update at work. Keep a few options from each category in your back pocket, and you’ll never fall back on the same tired phrase twice in one message.