No comment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "No comment" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone does not wish to provide a response or opinion on a particular matter, often in a formal or official context. Example: "When asked about the ongoing investigation, the spokesperson simply replied, 'No comment.'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

("No comment," said a spokesman).

The New York Times

Brooks Brothers Statement "No comment.

The New York Times

Maribeu Glasscock (No comment).

The New York Times

(DC) No comment.

The New York Times

"No comment, no comment".

The Guardian - Film

"No comment...

The Washington Post

"No comment," she said.

The New York Times

"No comment about that.

The New York Times - Sports

"No comment," one said.

The New York Times

"No comment," he said.

The New Yorker

No comment, he says.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Maintain a consistent tone. If you use "No comment", avoid providing indirect hints or additional information that could contradict your initial refusal to comment.

Common error

Avoid using "No comment" simply to evade difficult questions, as this can damage trust and credibility. Only use it when there's a legitimate reason for not providing information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "No comment" functions as an interjection or a declarative statement used to explicitly refuse to provide any further information or opinion on a particular matter. As seen in Ludwig, it is a direct way to decline answering a question, often in formal or official contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "No comment" is a prevalent and grammatically correct way to decline answering a question, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its primary function is to withhold information, often in professional or neutral contexts. It is very common in news and media, serving to avoid making statements that could be misconstrued or create legal issues. When using "No comment", it is crucial to do so judiciously, avoiding evasiveness. Alternative phrases include "I decline to answer" and "I'm not at liberty to say". This concise expression provides a clear and direct way to refuse to comment, making it a valuable tool in various communicative settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I decline to answer

A formal way of refusing to respond.

I'm not at liberty to say

Indicates a restriction preventing disclosure.

I cannot disclose that information

A more formal and explicit refusal.

I'm unable to respond to that

A polite way of declining comment.

That's confidential

Reasons withholding information due to its sensitivity.

That's off the record

Indicates the information should not be publicly reported.

I'm not prepared to discuss that

Suggests a current unwillingness to comment.

I'd rather not say

Expresses a personal preference not to comment.

I have no statement at this time

Implying that statement may follow at a later moment.

Information withheld

A concise statement indicating a lack of disclosure.

FAQs

How can I use "No comment" in a sentence?

You can use "No comment" as a direct response to a question when you wish to decline answering. For example, "When asked about the allegations, the spokesperson said, "No comment."

What are some alternatives to saying "No comment"?

Alternatives include "I decline to answer", "I'm not at liberty to say", or "I cannot disclose that information", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "No comment" or remain silent?

Saying "No comment" is generally better than remaining silent, as it acknowledges the question without providing an answer. Silence can sometimes be misinterpreted as agreement or guilt.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "No comment"?

It's appropriate to use "No comment" when answering could compromise an ongoing investigation, violate confidentiality agreements, or create legal liabilities.