a cutting remark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cutting remark" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a comment that is sharp, critical, or hurtful, often intended to wound someone's feelings. Example: "Her response was a cutting remark that left him speechless and hurt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The flick of a cutting remark, swiftly followed by "Just kidding!" The eye roll.

The New York Times

Sen. Rand Paul noticed this, unfortunately, and made a cutting remark about it Monday in Politico.

The Washington Post

Or it's the recollection of a cutting remark that revealed your callous side.

Harvard Business Review

The pride of college graduation is spoiled when a friend makes a cutting remark.

The New York Times - Health

A cutting remark that gets sharper and better in its insight as I get older.

The Guardian - Music

The late Henry Miller once added a cutting remark to one of his speeches, which silenced the talkers ina box.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

You get the feeling that this is intended as a very cutting remark indeed: Spoon seem like a band for whom good taste is hugely important.

The Guardian - Music

It is not uncommon to hear someone say, "Who said that?!" on the streets of Lima after a particularly cutting remark.

The New York Times

(Negativity bias, for instance, explains why in the average marital relationship it takes five compliments to make up for a single cutting remark).

The New York Times - Books

Whenever she came out with an exceptionally cutting remark, Nick wanted to take her in his arms and tell her, Your mammy and your daddy would be so proud.

The New Yorker

Or with your partner use positive shaping to help him/her get over a slight or cutting remark.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a cutting remark", consider the impact on your audience and ensure the tone aligns with your intended message. In some contexts, subtlety can be more effective than overt criticism.

Common error

Avoid using "a cutting remark" too frequently, as it can make your writing seem overly aggressive or negative. Vary your language to maintain a balanced and nuanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cutting remark" functions as a noun phrase where "cutting" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "remark". Ludwig examples showcase its use to describe a specific type of comment characterized by its sharpness and potential to cause emotional harm. Ludwig AI validates the correct use of the expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cutting remark" is a valid and grammatically correct English phrase used to describe a comment that is sharp, critical, and potentially hurtful. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, indicating its acceptance in formal and neutral communication. While there are several alternatives, such as "a scathing comment" or "a biting retort", each carries slightly different connotations. When using this phrase, consider its impact on your audience and avoid overuse to maintain a balanced tone. Remember, according to Ludwig, this expression is usually employed to describe a remark intended to cause emotional discomfort or pain.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a scathing comment

Replaces "cutting" with "scathing", emphasizing the severity and intensity of the criticism.

a biting retort

Substitutes "remark" with "retort", suggesting a quick, sharp, and often witty response that is intended to be hurtful.

a harsh statement

Replaces "cutting" with "harsh", focusing on the severity and unpleasantness of the remark.

a sarcastic comment

Specifies that the remark is made with sarcasm, implying irony and mockery to inflict emotional pain.

a hurtful comment

Directly states the emotional impact of the remark, emphasizing its ability to cause pain.

a sharp criticism

Focuses on the critical nature of the remark, highlighting its pointed and incisive quality.

a stinging rebuke

Implies a strong disapproval or reprimand that is delivered in a way that causes emotional discomfort.

a pointed barb

Uses "barb" to suggest a remark that is sharp, critical, and intended to wound.

a wounding observation

Highlights the remark's capacity to inflict emotional damage, emphasizing its insightful yet hurtful nature.

a cruel jibe

Replaces remark with jibe to emphasize a remark that is deliberately unkind and insulting.

FAQs

How can I use "a cutting remark" in a sentence?

You can use "a cutting remark" to describe a sharp or critical comment. For example, "Her response was "a cutting remark" that silenced the room."

What are some alternatives to saying "a cutting remark"?

Alternatives include "a scathing comment", "a biting retort", or "a harsh statement", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "a cutting remark" and "a sarcastic comment"?

Yes, while both can be hurtful, "a cutting remark" generally implies a sharp, direct criticism, whereas "a sarcastic comment" uses irony or mockery to convey its message.

When is it appropriate to use "a cutting remark" in writing?

Use "a cutting remark" when you want to emphasize the sharp, critical, or hurtful nature of a comment. Be mindful of your audience and the overall tone of your writing, as it can come across as aggressive or insensitive if not used carefully.