a harmless remark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a harmless remark" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a comment or statement that is not intended to offend or cause harm. Example: "Although his comment was unexpected, it was just a harmless remark meant to lighten the mood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Was just a harmless remark actually.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

We're wrapping up dinner, passing around the bowl of string beans to finish them off because they make for dreadfully rubbery leftovers, when I make a relatively harmless remark she doesn't appreciate full stop.

Huffington Post

"Without Prejudice" is a sensitive and moving drama illustrating how prejudice can arise in the workplace through a succession of seemingly harmless remarks and actions - and end up in a tribunal.

The Guardian

Although some may perceive these as harmless remarks, the fact that they were seen by millions could potentially influence their reactions to people with visible differences.

BBC

Nearly anywhere else, this remark would seem like a harmless expression of artistic self-assertion.

The New York Times - Magazine

A harmless drone?

The Guardian - Books

A harmless, bumbling toff.

Independent

A harmless commentating joke.

The Guardian - Sport

Just a harmless update.

The New York Times - Sports

A harmless nerd.

The New Yorker

Is it a harmless frivolity?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a harmless remark", ensure the context is clear to avoid misinterpretation. Tone and delivery can sometimes overshadow the intent, so be mindful of how it might be received.

Common error

Avoid assuming a remark is harmless simply because it's not intended to cause harm. Consider the audience's perspective and potential sensitivities to ensure it truly doesn't cause unintended offense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a harmless remark" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific type of comment characterized by its lack of harmful intent or effect. As Ludwig AI confirms, the usage is grammatically correct and readily understood.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a harmless remark" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon expression used to describe a comment or statement not intended to cause offense or harm. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase serves to reassure or downplay potentially sensitive statements. Related phrases such as "an innocuous comment" or "a benign observation" offer similar meanings. While the phrase itself is straightforward, users should be mindful of the audience's perspective and potential misinterpretations. The overall expert rating suggests a strong understanding and consistent application of the phrase in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an innocuous comment

Replaces 'remark' with 'comment' and 'harmless' with 'innocuous', emphasizing the lack of harmful effect.

a benign observation

Substitutes 'remark' with 'observation' and 'harmless' with 'benign', highlighting the non-threatening nature of the statement.

an inoffensive statement

Highlights that the statement is not likely to offend anyone.

a trivial comment

Replaces "harmless" with "trivial", focusing on the unimportance of the remark.

an insignificant statement

Uses 'statement' instead of 'remark' and 'insignificant' for 'harmless', indicating the remark's lack of importance.

a well-intentioned comment

Emphasizes the good intentions behind the remark, rather than its lack of harm.

a mild comment

Focuses on the gentle or moderate nature of the remark.

a casual observation

Highlights the informal and relaxed nature of the remark.

a lighthearted comment

Emphasizes the humorous or cheerful nature of the remark.

a safe comment

Indicates that the remark is unlikely to cause controversy or offense.

FAQs

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

You can use "a harmless remark" to describe a comment that is not intended to offend or cause harm. For example: "Although his comment was unexpected, it was just "a harmless remark" meant to lighten the mood."

What are some alternatives to "a harmless remark"?

You can use alternatives like "an innocuous comment", "a benign observation", or "a trivial comment" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a harmless remark"?

It is appropriate to use "a harmless remark" when you want to emphasize that a statement or comment was not intended to cause any harm or offense. It's often used to defuse potentially tense situations or to clarify the intent behind a comment.

What's the difference between "a harmless remark" and "an insensitive comment"?

"A harmless remark" suggests that the comment was not intended to cause harm, while "an insensitive comment" implies that the remark, regardless of intent, was hurtful or offensive. The key difference lies in the perceived impact and sensitivity of the comment.