One definition of the word incidental is “minor or subordinate,” but there's nothing minor or subordinate about the effect of an incidental motion. The other definition of incidental is “occurring at the same time or as a result.” That's what incidental motions really do — they occur at the same time or as a result of a main motion.

Incidental motions are equal — there is no incidental motion more important or less important than another. The following is a list of the types of incidental motions you may encounter:

Point of order

Appeal

Division of the assembly

Request for permission to withdraw/modify a motion

Objection to consideration of a question

Request to be excused from a duty

Requests and inquiries

Division of the question

Suspend the rules

As you can see, all of the above incidental motions are very important. A meeting couldn't be conducted without them. An incidental motion is powerful when you consider that there must be action on it before the business of the meeting continues.

When should you make an incidental motion? That's easy — right away, while the main motion is being considered. Perhaps you see a problem with the main motion. You might want to withdraw it or modify it. Don't wait for objections to it. Act and take care of it before the matter goes to debate and then a vote. Do you feel the chair ruled incorrectly? Make an appeal.