Withhold comment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Withhold comment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is choosing not to provide a statement or opinion on a particular matter. Example: "The spokesperson decided to withhold comment on the ongoing investigation to avoid influencing the outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

A league official said the N.F.L. would withhold comment until after the hearing.

The New York Times - Sports

The United States and Pakistan routinely withhold comment on suspected drone attacks.

The New York Times

The Navy said it would withhold comment on the settlement until the terms were made public.

The New York Times

"We are looking at the report, and we'll withhold comment until we've reviewed it," said Tom Kelly, a spokesman.

The New York Times

Mark Thorn, an I.N.S. spokesman, said the agency policy was to withhold comment on "proposed or passed legislation".

The New York Times

Human rights activists said they would withhold comment on the report until after they had time to review it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

CBS News and CNN officials withheld comment.

The New York Times

The Frankfurt exchange withheld comment.

The New York Times

Fidel withheld comment for six weeks.

The New Yorker

Officials from the three states withheld comment on the proposal.

The New York Times

Archives|PINCHOT DISAPPOINTED.; Withholds Comment on Rejection Plan by Owners.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "withhold comment" when you want to indicate a formal decision to not provide information, often in response to a question or request for a statement. For example, in legal or official contexts, it's useful to "withhold comment" until more information is available.

Common error

Avoid using "withhold comment" in casual conversation; it sounds overly formal. Instead, use phrases like "I'd rather not say" or "I can't talk about that right now."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "withhold comment" functions as a declaration of silence on a specific subject. It is used to indicate a deliberate decision not to offer an opinion or statement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently employed in contexts where discretion is required.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "withhold comment" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that indicates a decision not to provide an opinion or statement. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for formal and professional contexts, often used in news and media, business, and official communications. While it's a standard phrase, be mindful of the tone it sets and consider using less formal alternatives like "decline to comment" or "refrain from commenting" in more casual settings. Remember to avoid overusing it in informal conversations as it can sound overly formal. By following these guidelines, you can use "withhold comment" effectively and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Decline to comment

Direct refusal to provide any statement.

Refrain from commenting

A more formal way of saying not to comment.

Remain silent

Choosing not to speak about a particular issue.

Offer no statement

Providing no official information on the matter.

Keep quiet

Informal way of not disclosing information.

Stay mum

A colloquial way to say not revealing any details.

Not divulge information

Choosing not to disclose information.

Suppress information

Intentionally preventing information from being known.

Hold back information

Deliberately not sharing details.

Avoid discussing

Purposefully steering clear of the topic.

FAQs

What does "withhold comment" mean?

The phrase "withhold comment" means to decline to give an opinion or statement on a particular matter, often temporarily or until more information is available.

When is it appropriate to use "withhold comment"?

It is appropriate to use "withhold comment" in formal situations, such as when a spokesperson for an organization is asked about a sensitive issue, or when someone wants to avoid making a statement that could be misconstrued.

What are some alternatives to "withhold comment"?

You can use alternatives like "decline to comment", "refrain from commenting", or "remain silent" depending on the context.

Is it better to "withhold comment" or provide a "no comment" statement?

Both "withhold comment" and "no comment" serve a similar purpose, but "withhold comment" may sound slightly more formal and considered. The choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.