a mention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of mentioning something or someone in conversation or writing. Example: "I appreciate a mention of my work in your report; it helps to highlight our team's efforts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Menswear deserves a mention also.

Independent

Pakistan hardly got a mention.

The New York Times - Magazine

Pringle deserves a mention.

The Guardian - Sport

Botox gets a mention.

The Guardian - Books

Everybody deserved a mention.

The Guardian - Sport

barely rated a mention.

The Guardian - Books

Now? Rarely a mention".

The New York Times

It needs a mention!

The Guardian

Yet they rate barely a mention.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Rangers barely rated a mention.

The New York Times - Sports

Not even a mention of me.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a mention" when you want to briefly acknowledge something or someone without going into extensive detail. It's suitable for overviews and summaries.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "a mention" when a more thorough explanation is required. Ensure your writing provides adequate context and depth, rather than simply acknowledging a topic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mention" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It signifies the act of briefly referring to something, as validated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a mention" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to indicate a brief reference or acknowledgment. Ludwig's examples show its frequent use in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, writers should avoid over-relying on this phrase in situations demanding greater detail. Alternatives like "a reference" or "an acknowledgment" may be more appropriate depending on the desired level of specificity. The high expert rating underscores the phrase's consistent and correct application across various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reference

Emphasizes the act of pointing something out or alluding to it.

an acknowledgment

Highlights the recognition or acceptance of something.

a brief discussion

Implies a short conversation or analysis regarding a topic.

a passing remark

Suggests a casual or incidental comment.

a note

Indicates a brief written record or observation.

an allusion

Focuses on indirect references or hints.

a citation

Refers to formally quoting or acknowledging a source.

a word

Indicates a brief utterance or statement.

a statement

Suggests a formal or explicit declaration.

an instance

Implies a specific case or example where something is noted.

FAQs

How can I use "a mention" in a sentence?

You can use "a mention" to indicate that something was briefly acknowledged or referred to. For example, "The report gave "a mention" to the project's initial challenges."

What's the difference between "a mention" and "a reference"?

"A mention" implies a brief acknowledgment, while "a reference" suggests a more specific or formal citation. A reference often involves providing sources or detailed information.

Which is correct, "a mention" or "mentioning"?

Both are correct but serve different grammatical functions. "A mention" is a noun phrase, whereas "mentioning" is a gerund (verb acting as a noun). Use "a mention" when you need a noun phrase, and "mentioning" when a verb form is more appropriate.

What are some alternatives to "a mention" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a reference", "an acknowledgment", or "a passing remark" to convey similar meanings.