a loose comment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a loose comment" is a valid expression that can be used in written English.
It is used to describe a comment that is not serious, not thought out, or casually-stated. For example, you could say, "I wasn't expecting a response to my question, so his loose comment caught me off guard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"That was a loose comment.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Shelton, who is the reigning Country Music Association male vocalist of the year — itself a bit of a shock — made a loose comment about generational divides in the genre, defending younger artists from the overly traditional desires of Nashville's older crowd.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Which is pretty much how Darren Lehmann must have felt this morning, when he realised he had whipped up a little storm after being suckered into letting slip a few loose comments on radio Triple M. The same station once lured Matthew Hayden into describing Harbhajan Singh as a "little, obnoxious weed" and Andrew Symonds into calling Brendon McCullum "a lump of shit".

The Guardian - Sport

Slade has not just made a few loose comments.

The Guardian - Business

He began by making a series of loose comments during television interviews, including a suggestion that he might force American Muslims to register in a database.

The New Yorker

There has been slightly looser comment about how the Creature represents Lord Byron, "the noble savage", and the scientist the "obsessive social misfit", Percy Bysshe Shelley, the author's eventual husband.

Independent

After speaking with them in Japanese, she gave a loose translation of their comments: "Many of the fishermen are living in temporary housing, and they say they like it just fine.

Los Angeles Times

She knows that a loose word or a misinterpreted comment could backfire.

Independent

Some organizations feel that a review site is too much of a loose cannon: What if someone leaves a negative comment?

Forbes

Mr. Bergman said he had previously viewed Mr. Trump as a "loose cannon like a fox" — calculating his inflammatory comments to drive his message.

The New York Times

DeMaio's comments could indicate U.S. regulators are considering a loose definition of market making, which may be good for banks, though it is too early to tell.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a loose comment", ensure the context clarifies whether the comment was unintended, poorly thought-out, or simply informal to avoid misinterpretations.

Common error

Be mindful that "a loose comment" doesn't always imply negativity. It can simply mean a casual remark. Make sure your wording reflects the intended nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a loose comment" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "loose" modifies the noun "comment". It describes the nature or quality of the comment, indicating it's not tightly controlled or carefully considered. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a loose comment" describes a statement that's casual, unguarded, or imprecise. Ludwig AI confirms it as grammatically correct, though its usage is relatively rare. It appears most frequently in News & Media, where it's used to characterize remarks made without careful consideration. Related phrases include "a casual remark" and "an offhand comment". When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure your audience understands the intended meaning, whether it's simply an informal remark or something more careless. It's important to not automatically assume it's negative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a casual remark

Focuses on the informality and lack of seriousness in the statement.

an offhand comment

Highlights the spontaneity and lack of forethought in the comment.

a careless statement

Emphasizes the lack of caution or consideration in the remark.

a flippant remark

Indicates a disrespectful or frivolous tone.

an unguarded utterance

Suggests a lack of self-restraint or discretion.

a thoughtless comment

Focuses on the lack of consideration for the impact of the comment.

a spontaneous remark

Highlights the unplanned and impulsive nature of the statement.

a general statement

Indicates that the comment is broad and lacks specific detail.

a vague observation

Highlights the imprecision and lack of clarity in the comment.

an imprecise statement

Emphasizes the lack of accuracy or exactness in the remark.

FAQs

What does "a loose comment" mean?

The phrase "a loose comment" refers to a remark that is casually made, not thoroughly considered, or potentially indiscreet. It often implies a lack of precision or formality.

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

You can use "a loose comment" to describe a statement someone made without much thought, like, "His "casual remark" about the company's finances caused some concern among the employees."

What are some alternatives to "a loose comment"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a casual remark", "an offhand comment", or "a careless statement", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a loose comment" always negative?

Not necessarily. While "a loose comment" can imply a negative connotation, like indiscretion or recklessness, it can also simply mean a casual or informal remark. The context usually determines the tone.