The Ukrainian language has many fixed expressions, the correct spelling of which often raises doubts, writes Industrialne Zaporizhzhia. One of the most common questions is what is the correct spelling: by the way or by the way? Is there a difference between these options, and how to use this expression correctly? Let's figure it out.
Correct form: by the way
The only correct form in Ukrainian is by the way — it is an adverbial phrase, which is written separately. It means “in time”, “accurately”, “with appropriate meaning”, or is used to introduce additional information into a sentence.
Examples:
- This question was raised very by the way.
- By the way, how is your new job?
- She said, by the way, that she is also planning to move.
Also read Thursday or Thursday in Ukrainian.
Why is “dorechi” a mistake?
The form dorechi is incorrect and is not used in Ukrainian. It arises due to a false analogy with other adverbs that are written together (for example, “dorechno”). However, the expression do rechi is not a single word, but consists of the preposition do and the noun things in the genitive case.
What does “by the way” mean?
The expression by the way can have several meanings:
- As a synonym for “timely”, “appropriate”
- His words were said very by the way.
- Your gift turned out to be just by the way!
- As an interjection to change the topic or provide additional information
- By the way, have you seen the new movie yet?
- We talked about traveling, by the way, and have you already bought the tickets?
How to remember the correct spelling?
- If you can substitute a synonym “vchastno”, “rodechno”, then the correct spelling is by the way.
- Always remember that this expression consists of two separate words: “до” + “речи”.
- Avoid the Russification “dorechi” – there is no such word in the Ukrainian language.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
❌ By the way, I wanted to ask you about work. (incorrect)
✅ By the way, I wanted to ask you about work. (correct)
❌ This information will be very useful. (incorrect)
✅ This information will be very useful. (correct)
The correct spelling is by the way (separately). This has become an expression used to mean “in time” or as an interjection to change the subject. The form dorechi is grammatically incorrect and does not comply with the norms of the Ukrainian language. So remember: dorechi is correct, dorechi is not!
Read also vyzhat, vyzhetzhat or vyzhetzhat: how to spell the word correctly?
