a comment on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a comment on" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used as a preposition meaning "to make a remark about." For example: "He made a comment on the state of the economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was not a comment on independence, one protester said.

The New York Times

Is the novel a comment on how one should live?

The New York Times

Is it a comment on his image?

The New York Times - Arts

"It's a comment on the home culture.

The New York Times

That isn't a comment on Denholm's career.

The Washington Post

That's not a comment on the weather.

The New York Times

A comment on China's new consumer society?

The New York Times - Arts

Maybe it's a comment on that.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"It's a comment on fame," he said.

The Guardian - Music

"But he did make a comment on the Mafia.

The New York Times - Sports

"I am EXTREMELY upset," a comment on Sony's blog read.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a comment on", ensure that the subject of your comment is clearly defined. Clarity is key to effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "a comment on" when you are providing an in-depth analysis or critique. The phrase implies a brief remark, not a comprehensive evaluation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a comment on" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically introducing a brief remark or observation related to a specific subject. As Ludwig AI shows, it's frequently used to preface opinions or short analyses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

24%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a comment on" is a versatile and frequently used prepositional phrase that introduces a brief remark or observation about a specific topic. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and common across various domains, including news and media, academia, and science. While its register is generally neutral, the user should ensure that the use of "a comment on" accurately reflects the depth and scope of the intended message. When a more extensive analysis is intended, alternative phrases such as "an analysis of" or "an assessment of" may be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an observation regarding

This alternative uses "observation" instead of "comment", emphasizing a more thoughtful consideration of the subject.

a perspective on

This alternative uses "perspective" to indicate a particular point of view or way of looking at the topic.

a remark concerning

This alternative substitutes "comment" with "remark", offering a more informal tone, and "on" with "concerning" to indicate the subject.

a reflection on

This suggests a more thoughtful and contemplative consideration of the topic.

a statement about

This alternative uses "statement" to replace "comment", suggesting a more formal or official expression regarding the topic.

a note concerning

This alternative uses "note" to indicate a brief remark or observation about the subject, and "concerning" as a formal preposition.

an opinion regarding

This emphasizes a personal belief or viewpoint about the subject, replacing a neutral comment.

a thought regarding

Replacing "comment" with "thought" to indicate a personal idea or consideration about something.

an analysis of

This alternative implies a more detailed and structured examination of the subject matter.

an assessment of

This alternative conveys a more formal evaluation or judgment of the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "a comment on" in a sentence?

You can use "a comment on" to introduce a remark or observation about a specific topic. For instance, "His speech included "a comment on" the current economic situation".

What are some alternatives to "a comment on"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "an observation regarding", "a remark concerning", or "a statement about".

Is it appropriate to use "a comment on" in formal writing?

Yes, "a comment on" is generally appropriate for formal writing, but consider whether a more precise term like "an assessment of" or "an analysis of" would be more suitable depending on the depth and scope of your remark.

What's the difference between "a comment on" and "an analysis of"?

"A comment on" typically refers to a brief remark or observation, while "an analysis of" suggests a more detailed and structured examination of a subject. Choose the phrase that best reflects the depth of your discussion.