First off.

[0749] On another note..

🎲 For what it's worth.
English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • Used to smoothly change the subject to something unrelated or significantly different from the current topic of conversation.
  • Signals a deliberate shift in topic.

Origin

  • Evokes the metaphor of musical notes or written notes (like points in a meeting agenda).
  • Moving on [to] another note means moving to a different item or theme.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Changing the subject...
  • By the way... (Can signal a topic shift, often less formally)
  • Incidentally...
  • Moving on... (Can shift topic, but often implies progress within related subjects rather than a completely new one)
  • Separately...

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Changing gears here...
  • Totally random, but...
  • Anyway... (Can function similarly to change subject)

Milder/Standard:

  • Changing the subject...
  • Incidentally...
  • By the way...
  • Moving on to a different topic...

Situational Appropriateness

  • Appropriate for both informal and semi-formal conversations (like meetings, discussions).
  • Provides a clear and polite way to change the subject without being too abrupt.
  • Useful when needing to cover multiple unrelated points in a single conversation.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Ensure the topic shift isn't *too* jarring or used to awkwardly avoid a difficult subject, which can sometimes be transparent.
  • It clearly signals a move away from the previous topic.

Examples

  • Okay, so we've covered the budget. On another note, how was your vacation?
  • The project deadline is approaching fast... On another note, did you see that documentary last night?
  • It's been great catching up about work. On another note, I wanted to ask for your advice on something personal.

Dialogue

Colleague A: ...so I think we should finalize the report by Friday.

Colleague B: Agreed. That sounds like a good plan. On another note, are you going to the company barbecue next month?

Colleague A: Oh, I hadn't heard about it! When is it?

Colleague B: It's on the 15th.

Social Media Examples

  • Email: Thanks for sending those files over. On another note, I was wondering if you're available for a quick chat next week?
  • Blog Post Section Break: ...and that concludes our review of the software's features. On another note, let's talk about pricing.
  • Tweet: Finished my workout! 💪 On another note, discovered a great new podcast today about historical mysteries. #fitness #podcasts

Response Patterns

  • Acknowledgment of the topic shift: Okay?, Sure., Alright.
  • Engagement with the new topic: Oh, it was fantastic!, No, what was it about?, Of course, what's up?

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

  • The speaker introduces the new topic.
  • The listener responds directly to this new topic.
  • The conversation proceeds on the new subject. The old subject is usually considered closed for the moment.

Conversation Starter

  • No. It's used mid-conversation to transition between topics.

Intonation

  • Usually said with a clear, transitional tone.
  • Stress might be on another or note: On aNOTHER note... or On another NOTE....
  • Often followed by a brief pause before introducing the new subject.

Generation Differences

  • Used commonly across most adult generations.

Regional Variations

  • Standard and widely understood in all major English-speaking regions.
First off.
🎲 For what it's worth.