a fleeting comment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fleeting comment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a remark that is made quickly or without much thought, often implying that it is not meant to be taken seriously or is easily forgotten. Example: "During the meeting, she made a fleeting comment about the project's timeline that caught everyone's attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

I suggest it will even surprise the victors, for in the oral argument to this Court only a few fleeting comments were devoted to the point that now becomes the dispositive issue in the case.

Cornell University

When they eventually realized this was not a good plan, they started offering fleeting comment periods — one as short as five days — to show technical compliance with procedural requirements.

The Washington Post

Now, he says, too much was made of this fleeting comment (the middle classes like nothing better than to talk about the middle classes).

The Guardian

Fleeting comments are heard from Mackintosh while Nicholas Hytner, who directed Miss Saigon, is among those given a special thanks from the dramatist in the show's programme.

The Guardian

"Hidden in Britain's underworld are characters and little known gangsters who have received only fleeting comments on their careers," he said.

The Guardian - Books

Although the remarks the pope made to a crowd at the Cracow airport just before he boarded his plane included a fleeting reference to seeing one another "next time," some of his other comments had a valedictory feel.

The New York Times

Nick Clegg, too, said he couldn't really comment on "a couple having an argument" as the hand to the neck might only have been "a fleeting thing".

The Guardian

A fleeting kiss.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A fleeting sensation of omnipotence?

The New York Times - Magazine

It was a fleeting assurance.

The Washington Post

For Damon, it was a fleeting keepsake.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fleeting comment" when you want to emphasize that a remark was brief and not particularly significant, perhaps even easily overlooked or forgotten. This suggests the comment might not have been fully considered or intended to carry much weight.

Common error

Avoid dwelling on "a fleeting comment" as if it were a major point. The phrase itself implies brevity and insignificance, so dedicating excessive time to analyzing it contradicts its inherent nature.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a fleeting comment" is as a noun phrase, where "fleeting" modifies the noun "comment". It functions to describe a type of comment characterized by its brevity and lack of lasting impact, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fleeting comment" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a brief and often insignificant remark. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Academia, suggesting a neutral register. Related phrases include "a brief remark" and "a passing mention", which offer similar meanings. When using this phrase, be sure to avoid overemphasizing its importance, as the term "fleeting" itself implies brevity and lack of lasting impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief remark

Replaces 'fleeting' with 'brief', emphasizing the short duration of the comment.

a quick observation

Substitutes 'comment' with 'observation', highlighting the act of noticing something quickly.

a passing mention

Uses 'passing' instead of 'fleeting' and 'mention' instead of 'comment', suggesting a casual reference.

a momentary statement

Replaces 'fleeting' with 'momentary', stressing the very short duration of the statement.

a casual aside

Emphasizes the informality and incidental nature of the comment.

a short note

Focuses on the brevity and conciseness of the remark.

a swift remark

Highlights the speed with which the comment was made.

a rapid statement

Emphasizes the promptness and speed of the delivered statement

an offhand remark

Suggests the comment was made without much thought or consideration.

a throwaway line

Indicates the comment was unimportant and easily disregarded.

FAQs

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

You can use "a fleeting comment" to describe a brief or quickly made remark, such as, "During the presentation, she made "a fleeting comment" about the budget, but didn't elaborate further."

What are some alternatives to "a fleeting comment"?

Some alternatives to "a fleeting comment" include "a brief remark", "a passing mention", or "a quick observation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a fleeting comment" is appropriate for formal writing. It accurately describes a brief remark. However, ensure the tone and context align with the overall formality of your writing.

What's the difference between "a fleeting comment" and "a casual remark"?

"A fleeting comment" emphasizes the brevity and potential insignificance of the comment, while "a casual remark" emphasizes the informality and lack of seriousness. They can overlap, but the focus differs.