Use BTW to add a passing thought, detail or question — something extra rather than the main point of the message. People write it in chats, social media and informal emails; in a formal letter or an essay, use also instead, and in IELTS Speaking say by the way in full.
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btw, + statement; oh, btw…
- btw, I found a great café near the office, let's go there on Friday.
- The flight was delayed for two hours. btw, they gave everyone free snacks.
- btw, don't forget your umbrella, it's supposed to rain later.
What changed
First versionDear Mr Ivanov, thank you for sending the contract. Btw, our office will be closed on Monday.
RevisionDear Mr Ivanov, thank you for sending the contract. Also, our office will be closed on Monday.
BTW is a chat abbreviation, and formal letters avoid such shorthand. Here it's replaced with also, which introduces the extra piece of news just as well but sounds neutral.
Unlike btw, anyway doesn't add a detail — it closes off what was just being discussed so you can get back to the main point, change the subject or wrap up: We got lost for an hour. Anyway, we found the hotel in the end.
Your turn
See you at the station at ten. Oh, ___, did you ever find your passport?
Show the answer
btw — The main point of the message is meeting at the station, and the question about the passport is just a passing addition — that's exactly what btw introduces. Tbh is for a frank opinion, and there's no opinion here, only a question.
Write to a friend saying where and when you're meeting, then use btw to add a passing detail or question.
We're meeting at 7 near the metro. btw, I invited Sam too, hope that's fine.
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