a careless statement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a careless statement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a remark that is made without thought or attention, often leading to misunderstandings or negative consequences. Example: "His response was just a careless statement that offended many people in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This is museum probably not what they are referring to when they make such a careless statement.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A seemingly careless statement to a French Web site by an executive at Nokia, Microsoft's close partner in phones, indicates that Nokia will have a Windows 8 tablet in June.

The New York Times

"It's a fairly careless statement from the new chairman," said Hoggard.

BBC

Careless statements are not even close to what a good leader would say.

Huffington Post

It is hard to blame those angered by some of Kapuscinski's more careless statements about Africa.

The New York Times - Books

He received a letter from something called Memorial Extension Commission, Inc. pointing out that a number of warm-hearted people, including Washington & Lincoln, were commemorated by cold marble shafts, and implying that careless statements like Capt.

The New Yorker

"They made careless statements that proved to be false (and they deserved much of the criticism they got)," Leonhardt writes.

Huffington Post

The president's careless statements have only amplified that impression, including remarks that "we don't have a strategy yet" for dealing with ISIS and our goal is to reduce Islamic extremism to "a manageable problem".

Huffington Post

I am surprised and saddened that a thoughtful public intellectual like Mr. Krugman would write such a careless and unfair statement at a moment of critical potential in national politics.

The New York Times

That's a careless miss.

The Guardian - Sport

"There's a careless authority.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When criticizing someone's words, use "a careless statement" to point out the lack of thought behind them, rather than attacking the person directly.

Common error

Avoid assuming malicious intent behind "a careless statement". It often indicates a lack of forethought rather than deliberate harm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a careless statement" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "careless" modifies the noun "statement". It describes the quality of the statement, indicating it was made without sufficient thought or consideration. Ludwig AI highlights its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

25%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a careless statement" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a remark made without sufficient thought or consideration. Ludwig AI analysis reveals that this phrase is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, often used to critique or evaluate someone's words. While the phrase itself carries a neutral tone, the implication is usually negative, suggesting a lack of responsibility or foresight. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the context and avoid assuming malicious intent, as the statement may simply be the result of haste or oversight. Alternatives such as "a thoughtless remark" or "an imprudent comment" can offer subtle shifts in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a thoughtless remark

Focuses on the lack of consideration behind the statement.

an imprudent comment

Highlights the lack of wisdom or judgment in the statement.

a rash declaration

Emphasizes the hasty and potentially ill-advised nature of the statement.

a negligent assertion

Suggests a lack of due diligence or responsibility in making the statement.

an incautious utterance

Stresses the lack of caution or foresight in expressing the statement.

a reckless pronouncement

Implies a disregard for potential consequences when making the statement.

an unguarded expression

Highlights the lack of restraint or self-control in voicing the statement.

a slip of the tongue

Suggests the statement was unintentional and perhaps regrettable.

an indiscreet remark

Emphasizes the lack of tact or sensitivity in the statement.

an ill-considered opinion

Focuses on the lack of thorough thinking or evaluation behind the statement.

FAQs

How can "a careless statement" impact a situation?

A "a careless statement" can lead to misunderstandings, hurt feelings, or even escalate conflicts due to its lack of consideration for potential consequences.

What are some synonyms for "a careless statement"?

You can use alternatives like "a thoughtless remark", "an imprudent comment", or "a rash declaration depending" on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always wrong to make "a careless statement"?

While it's generally best to be mindful of your words, a "a careless statement" isn't always malicious. Sometimes it's simply a result of being caught off guard or not fully considering the implications.

How can I avoid making "a careless statement"?

Think before you speak, consider your audience, and be aware of the potential impact of your words. Taking a moment to reflect can help prevent saying something you'll later regret.