{"id":6206,"date":"2022-07-27T22:13:24","date_gmt":"2022-07-27T22:13:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/?p=6206"},"modified":"2022-07-27T22:13:24","modified_gmt":"2022-07-27T22:13:24","slug":"as-an-aside-meaning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/as-an-aside-meaning\/","title":{"rendered":"As An Aside \u2013 Meaning, Origin and Usage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Did someone just say \u2018as an aside\u2019<\/em> when in the middle of a conversation with you? Why did they say that, and what does it mean? This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.<\/p>\n

Meaning<\/h2>\n

The expression \u2018as an aside\u2019<\/em> is a way to describe indirect communications with others. It can also refer to discussions you want to keep private and away from others. As an aside can also refer to an opinion or information that you don\u2019t want other people to know.<\/strong><\/p>\n

However, the most common use of the term is to add a point to something previously said in the discussion. It can also refer to a film production technique where the actor speaks directly to the camera and audience.<\/p>\n

Example Usage<\/h2>\n

\u201cAs an aside, now that we\u2019re done with dinner, is anyone keen for a game of backgammon? I think we should have a game or two and relax after the meal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m heading to the office right now for the meeting. As an aside, did you hear about Jim\u2019s promotion? I can\u2019t believe they gave him the job. I think I deserved it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI love eating at this restaurant. As an aside, do you want to stop past the creamery on the way home for a pint of caramel fudge? That would be the best way to finish the meal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m about to start a new chapter of this book. As an aside, there\u2019s a football game at 6pm that I want to watch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs an aside, I\u2019m bored and I need something to do. Don\u2019t you need help with a project or something? I feel like I\u2019m doing nothing with my time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLook, I know you think you\u2019re in good form right now, but as an aside, I think you need another few warm-up fights before you get in the ring with the champ.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs an aside, I want to let you know that I think you\u2019re doing a great job. Keep up the good work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\" \"\"<\/p>\n

Origin<\/h2>\n

The expression \u2018as an aside\u2019 originates from literature and film. It\u2019s somewhat of a rhetorical term, and language experts are unsure when it first appears in English. There is no written record of when the phrase first appears, and no one claims to have coined the term.<\/p>\n

\u2018As an aside\u2019 has a similar meaning to \u2018beside that\u2019 or \u2018in addition.\u2019 While this meaning of the phrase is the most common application for it in conversation, as an aside also has a meaning in the film industry. However, it\u2019s unclear when the \u2018aside\u2019 technique developed in cinema, with some experts saying it started in the 1980s with the film. Ferris Buellers Day Off.\u2019<\/p>\n