• "By way of introduction" simply means "as an introduction" or "to introduce myself".
Free ChatGPT-Powered Grammar Checker | Engram
Use Engram’s free grammar checker, powered by ChatGPT, to fix your grammar, spelling, punctuation, and word usage errors

We all know the awkward shuffle, the hesitant smile, the mumbled greeting - the dreaded introduction. It's a crucial first step in any interaction, yet it can feel like navigating a linguistic minefield. Enter the phrase "by way of introduction."

"By way of introduction" is a phrase often used at the beginning of a conversation or speech to let the other person know you're about to share some information about yourself.  It can be followed by your name, profession, a shared interest, or anything else you think is relevant to the situation.

For example...

By way of introduction, I'm Sarah, and I'm the new marketing manager here.
By way of introduction, I'm a big fan of your work on climate change. My name is Alex.
By way of introduction, I'm new to the neighborhood. Can you tell me your favorite hidden gem?
By way of + Introduction

By way of

1. As a means of; used to indicate the method, manner, or purpose of something.

Example: He sent me a bouquet of flowers by way of apology.

2. Functioning as; serving as.

Example: The old barn can now be used by way of a community center.

3. As a kind of; resembling or similar to.

Example: The movie was by way of a modern fairytale.

4. Incidentally; in passing.

Example: By way of illustration, consider the case of the butterfly effect.

Introduction

An introduction is a preliminary section or opening part of a speech, essay, book, meeting, event, or any other form of communication. It serves to provide essential information, context, or background to the audience, readers, or participants, introducing them to the main topic, purpose, or speaker.

How to Correctly Use the Phrase "By Way of Introduction"

When to use "by way of introduction"

In a Formal Setting:

  • Example: By way of introduction, let me provide you with a brief overview of my professional background and expertise in the field of marketing.

In Written Communication:

  • Example: In this report, I will, by way of introduction, outline the key objectives of the project and the methodology employed to achieve them.

When Meeting Someone New:

  • Example: By way of introduction, I am John Smith, and I lead the development team at XYZ Corporation. It's a pleasure to meet you.

Setting the Stage for a Presentation:

  • Example: By way of introduction, I'd like to share some industry trends that have significantly influenced our approach to product development in recent years.

Providing Context in a Conversation:

  • Example: By way of introduction, our company has been at the forefront of innovation, consistently adapting to market changes to deliver cutting-edge solutions.

In Academic Writing:

  • Example: By way of introduction, the research paper aims to explore the correlation between socioeconomic factors and educational outcomes in urban communities.

When Explaining a Concept:

  • Example: By way of introduction, let me illustrate the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics that form the basis of our research.

Introducing a New Topic in a Speech:

  • Example: By way of introduction, I'd like to shift our focus to a critical aspect of environmental sustainability that demands our attention.

Examining the graph, we can see that the use of the phrase "by way of introduction" has decreased since the 1800s, but experienced a slight increase since the 2000s.

How to Correctly Use the Phrase "By Way of Introduction"
💡
Helpful tips

• Remember to follow up the introduction with relevant and engaging information to maintain the interest of your audience or reader. This phrase serves as a segue into the main points you want to convey.

• Although used less frequently, one can also use the phrase "by way of an introduction."  

• By way of introduction might sound prententious or too formal, so do not overuse the phrase.

Phrases similar to by way of introduction

As an Introduction:

  • Example: As an introduction, let me share a bit about my background and how it relates to our current project.

To Begin:

  • Example: To begin, I'd like to provide some context on the challenges our team has been addressing.

Starting Off:

  • Example: Starting off, I want to highlight the key objectives we aim to achieve in the coming quarter.

Commencing with:

  • Example: Commencing with an overview of industry trends, we can better understand the context of our market positioning.

Opening Remarks:

  • Example: Opening remarks will include a brief overview of the company's history and its impact on the industry.

To Kick Things Off:

  • Example: To kick things off, let me give you a glimpse into the innovative strategies that have shaped our success.

By way of Background:

  • Example: By way of background, let me delve into the historical evolution of this scientific theory.

Preliminary Information:

  • Example: Preliminary information will set the stage for a comprehensive understanding of the project's scope.

To Preface:

  • Example: To preface our discussion, I'd like to touch upon the core principles guiding our decision-making process.

Introduction aside:

  • Example: Introduction aside, let's delve into the details of our upcoming initiatives.

Want to sound like a native speaker?

Engram’s AI-powered grammar checker makes your English sound like a native speaker’s, suggesting natural English expressions on top of fixing grammar, spelling, punctuation, word order, and vocabulary.

Free ChatGPT-Powered Grammar Checker | Engram
Use Engram’s free grammar checker, powered by ChatGPT, to fix your grammar, spelling, punctuation, and word usage errors
How to Correctly Use the Phrase "By Way of Introduction"


References:

12 Other Ways to Say “By Way of Introduction” in an Email - WordSelector
It’s About Choosing The Right Words
How to Correctly Use the Phrase "By Way of Introduction"