“On another note” signals a change of subject. Alternatives such as “on a different note,” “moving on,” “shifting gears,” and “on a separate matter” vary in formality and in how sharply they move away from the previous topic.
Best Transitions by Type of Topic Change
- On a different note
- Moving on
- Changing the subject
- Shifting gears
- Turning to something else
- On a separate matter
- Separately
- On a separate note
- Turning to another matter
- Moving to another topic
- By the way
- On a related note
On a different note
The closest direct alternative and suitable in both speech and writing.
Example: On a different note, have you booked the venue yet?
Moving on
A concise transition when you are finished with one topic and ready for the next.
Example: Moving on, we need to review next month’s budget.
Changing the subject
Very clear and conversational when the topic shift is deliberate.
Example: Changing the subject, how did your interview go?
Shifting gears
Informal but common in meetings and presentations when moving to a different area.
Example: Shifting gears, let’s look at the customer feedback.
Turning to something else
Neutral wording for moving away from the current subject.
Example: Turning to something else, we still need to confirm the deadline.
On a separate matter
Professional and useful in emails, reports, and meetings for an unrelated point.
Example: On a separate matter, your contract is due for renewal next month.
Separately
Concise and particularly useful in business emails when introducing another issue.
Example: Separately, I wanted to ask about the revised invoice.
On a separate note
A natural variation of the original phrase for an unrelated or loosely related point.
Example: On a separate note, congratulations on the promotion.
Turning to another matter
Formal wording that suits minutes, reports, and professional correspondence.
Example: Turning to another matter, the committee also discussed staffing.
Moving to another topic
Explicit and neutral, especially in structured discussions or presentations.
Example: Moving to another topic, let’s review the survey results.
By the way
Casual and useful for an aside or a topic that comes to mind rather than a formal transition.
Example: By the way, did Alex send you the final version?
On a related note
Use this only when the new point is connected to what came before, not when it is truly unrelated.
Example: On a related note, the training budget has also been increased.
Related Note vs. Another Note
“On a related note” keeps the conversation within the same broad subject, while “on another note” usually signals a clearer shift. If the new point is completely separate, “on a separate matter” is especially clear in professional writing.