In everyday French conversation, you often need to move from one topic to a related one, or add a point that supports what you just said. Two common expressions help you do this smoothly: au fait and d'ailleurs. In this workshop, you will hear them in a short dialogue, understand what they mean, and practise using them in your own speaking. You will play both roles, so you can try the expressions from different sides of the conversation.
Two expressions for shifting or adding
The first expression is «Au fait», which means 'by the way'. You use it to introduce a new but related topic, or an afterthought. It often comes at the beginning of a sentence. The second expression is «D'ailleurs», which means 'besides' or 'for that matter'. You use it to add a point that supports or extends what you just said, or to shift to a related subject. Both expressions are common in conversation and help your speech sound natural. Listen to how they appear in the dialogue below.
Hearing them in a dialogue
In this short exchange, two people are talking about a project. One person asks about the project, and the other answers and then changes the topic. Listen carefully to where the expressions appear. The first speaker asks: «Tu as fini le projet pour demain ?». The second speaker answers and then uses the first expression: «Oui, presque. Au fait, tu as parlé à Sophie récemment ?». The first speaker responds: «Non, pourquoi ? Elle a des nouvelles ?». Then the second speaker uses the second expression to add information: «Oui, d'ailleurs elle déménage à Lyon le mois prochain.». Notice how «Au fait» introduces a related question, and «D'ailleurs» adds a supporting detail about the same person.
Using them in your own speaking
When you speak, try to use «Au fait» when you want to bring up a new but connected idea. For example, after talking about work, you might say «Au fait» and then ask about a colleague. Use «D'ailleurs» when you want to add a reason or extra fact that supports your previous statement. For instance, after saying someone has news, you could add «D'ailleurs» and then give more information. Practise saying these expressions aloud, paying attention to the pronunciation: «Au fait» is pronounced 'oh feh', and «D'ailleurs» is pronounced 'dah-yuhr'. The more you use them, the more natural they will feel.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
Au fait
By the way
oh feh
D'ailleurs
Besides; for that matter; by the way
dah-yuhr
À propos
By the way; speaking of which
ah pro-poh
Tiens, j'y pense
Oh, that reminds me
tyen, zhee pahns
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
Tu as fini le projet pour demain ?
Did you finish the project for tomorrow?Oui, presque. Au fait, tu as parlé à Sophie récemment ?
Yes, almost. By the way, have you talked to Sophie recently?Non, pourquoi ? Elle a des nouvelles ?
No, why? Does she have news?Oui, d'ailleurs elle déménage à Lyon le mois prochain.
Yes, besides, she's moving to Lyon next month.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided exchange: answer and shift topic
You will play the role of speaker B. Speaker A asks you a question. You answer briefly, then use «Au fait» to introduce a related question about Sophie.
Your task: Listen to speaker A say «Tu as fini le projet pour demain ?». Then respond with a short answer like 'Oui, presque' and add «Au fait» followed by a question about Sophie. You can use the question from the dialogue: «Oui, presque. Au fait, tu as parlé à Sophie récemment ?». Say your response aloud.
Reply comprehension: choose the right expression
You will hear a statement and then a follow-up. Decide whether the follow-up uses «Au fait» or «D'ailleurs» to add information or shift topic.
Your task: Listen to speaker A say «Non, pourquoi ? Elle a des nouvelles ?». Then listen to speaker B's reply: «Oui, d'ailleurs elle déménage à Lyon le mois prochain.». Which expression does speaker B use? Is it «Au fait» or «D'ailleurs»? Say your answer aloud. Then explain in English why that expression fits: does it introduce a new topic or add a supporting point?
Recall and role-play: use both expressions
You will now recall the dialogue and play both roles. Speaker A asks about the project, speaker B answers and shifts topic, speaker A responds, and speaker B adds information.
Your task: First, play speaker A and say «Tu as fini le projet pour demain ?». Then play speaker B and say «Oui, presque. Au fait, tu as parlé à Sophie récemment ?». Then play speaker A and say «Non, pourquoi ? Elle a des nouvelles ?». Finally, play speaker B and say «Oui, d'ailleurs elle déménage à Lyon le mois prochain.». Try to do this without looking at the text. If you forget a line, check the dialogue above and repeat.
Common questions
What is the difference between au fait and d'ailleurs?
«Au fait» means 'by the way' and is used to introduce a new but related topic or an afterthought. «D'ailleurs» means 'besides' or 'for that matter' and is used to add a point that supports or extends what you just said, or to shift to a related subject. In the dialogue, «Au fait» introduces a question about Sophie, while «D'ailleurs» adds the detail that she is moving to Lyon.
Can I use these expressions at the beginning of a sentence?
Yes, both «Au fait» and «D'ailleurs» commonly appear at the beginning of a sentence when you want to shift topic or add information. In the dialogue, «Au fait» starts the sentence «Oui, presque. Au fait, tu as parlé à Sophie récemment ?», and «D'ailleurs» starts the sentence «Oui, d'ailleurs elle déménage à Lyon le mois prochain.». You can also place them after a short pause in informal speech.
Sources and further reading
- french: change conversation topicChecked September 2026
Practice real time conversations on Yapr for faster learning.
Take today's French into a conversation with a Yapr AI tutor. Speak, make mistakes, and try again.
Practice on Yapr