a little comment

USAGE SUMMARY

"a little comment" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that the comment you are about to offer is not intended to be overly critical or hurtful. For example, "I just wanted to make a little comment about your presentation; I think you could have spoken more clearly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"I knew at some point someone would make a little comment about me not being as wildernessy as them," I think sullenly.

The Guardian - Travel

"It isn't just about a little comment of 140 characters, it's much more than that because it's noticeboards: people post something, it takes you to another person, it moves along.

The Guardian

But if you're Glee or The Big Bang Theory, you're doing so well that a little comment by the gang at Greendale won't hurt your feelings!" Community season three airs in the UK on Sony Entertainment TV, 11pm, Friday 4 May.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Then he'd hit it with enough force to split it in half and make a little comment: 'You see what I can do, you see how powerful I am?' "It was either threats of violence or he'd use football to manipulate control.

The Guardian - Sport

At a final meeting about the party, Ms. Oliveira said: "I made a little comment: 'Is Wachovia coming?' Someone said, 'Not only are they coming, they need to go out and get a drink.' " At Gotham Hall, a grand, lofty space that was once the headquarters of a bank, guests sipped martinis and applauded the speeches.

The New York Times

He is a very quiet lad but can suddenly come out with a little comment which makes everybody laugh.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Well, first there was a snarky little comment from the NRA's hip and cool dudester, Colion Noir, but he's starting to look and sound a little frayed around the edges.

Huffington Post

A witty little comment, picking at him about something playfully, "forgetting" what your teacher assigned for homework -- anything.

WikiHow

A cute little comment, or teasing him nicely, will keep the ball in your court better than slavering over how perfect he is.

WikiHow

I've added a little Twitter comment box below so start commenting.

TechCrunch

Rookie tight end Jeremy Shockey and the third-year linebacker Brandon Short, the combatants in a Tuesday night fight during a team dinner, each offered little comment today on the scuffle.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a little comment" to soften potentially critical feedback, making it seem less harsh or judgmental.

Common error

Avoid using "a little comment" excessively, as it can diminish the impact of your message or make you seem hesitant. Sometimes, a direct and clear statement is more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a little comment" functions as a pre-modifier to the noun "comment", softening the impact of the statement and presenting it as minor or less significant. It is often used to preface suggestions or observations, as Ludwig examples show.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a little comment" serves as a useful tool to introduce potentially sensitive remarks in a gentle manner. Ludwig's examples showcase its presence across diverse domains, from news and media to wikis. Though grammatically sound, as Ludwig AI confirms, overuse can dilute its impact. Alternatives such as "a brief remark" or "a minor observation" can provide nuanced substitutes. Employing this phrase strategically will allow for smoother communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief remark

Focuses on the conciseness of the comment.

a minor observation

Emphasizes the insignificance of the comment.

a small note

Highlights the brevity and simplicity of the comment.

a quick word

Implies the comment is said swiftly and succinctly.

a passing thought

Suggests the comment is fleeting and not deeply considered.

a casual remark

Indicates the comment is informal and offhand.

a slight aside

Presents the comment as a digression from the main topic.

a short statement

Focuses on the brevity and factual nature of the comment.

a succinct point

Highlights the directness and conciseness of the comment.

a gentle suggestion

Emphasizes the politeness and indirectness of the comment.

FAQs

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

You can use "a little comment" to introduce a mild suggestion or observation, like "I have "a little comment" about the design – perhaps a different color scheme would work better."

What's a good alternative to "a little comment"?

Consider using phrases like "a brief remark", "a minor observation", or "a small note" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to preface a suggestion with "a little comment"?

No, it's not always necessary. Using "a little comment" can soften the suggestion, but in some situations, directness is more appropriate. Consider your audience and the context.

What's the difference between "a little comment" and "a critical remark"?

"A little comment" implies a minor and possibly helpful suggestion, while "a critical remark" suggests a more severe and negative observation. The former is gentler and less judgmental.