a passing mention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a passing mention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief or casual reference to something without going into detail. Example: "In her speech, she made a passing mention of the recent changes in policy, but did not elaborate further."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Art gets only a passing mention.

The New York Times - Arts

There are small differences worthy only of a passing mention.

The New York Times

Here, all he gets is a passing mention.

The Guardian - Film

Major world events receive only a passing mention.

The New Yorker

There's a passing mention of "Supreme Court Justice Anita Hill".

The New Yorker

Even her death would have been unlikely to raise more than a passing mention.

The Guardian

Yet he gets only a passing mention in Drohojowska-­Philp's account.

The New York Times - Books

And with a passing mention of something from his home state, Dekker gets going.

The Washington Post

These accounts, concerned with contemporary politics, rarely give Whitaker and Baxter more than a passing mention.

The New Yorker

In the CBeebies series Tommy Zoom, the environment does not merely get a passing mention.

The Guardian - Opinion

After that, the forensic clue disappeared from public discussion, except for a passing mention in a 2009 press release.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a passing mention" when you want to indicate that something was referred to briefly, without significant detail or emphasis.

Common error

Avoid using "a passing mention" if the topic is actually discussed in detail or is central to the overall subject matter. It's meant for minor, tangential references.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a passing mention" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It indicates that something has been referred to briefly, without extensive discussion or elaboration. As shown in Ludwig, this phrase commonly introduces a piece of information that is not central to the main topic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a passing mention" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a brief or cursory reference to something, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's grammatically sound, widely accepted, and frequently used in news, academic, and scientific contexts. Ludwig's analysis suggests that the phrase is best employed when the information is tangential and doesn't require detailed discussion. Alternatives like "brief reference" or "cursory mention" can be used for variety, but it's crucial to avoid overstating the significance of the topic being mentioned. Use this phrase to subtly introduce context without shifting the primary focus of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief reference

Focuses on the brevity of the mention.

cursory mention

Emphasizes the superficial nature of the mention.

fleeting reference

Highlights the short duration of the mention.

quick remark

Indicates a short and swift comment.

casual reference

Implies an informal and relaxed mention.

slight note

Suggests a minimal degree of attention.

incidental mention

Highlights that the mention is not central to the topic.

perfunctory nod

Conveys a sense of routine or duty in the mention.

tangential reference

Indicates a connection that is not directly related.

oblique allusion

Suggests an indirect or veiled mention.

FAQs

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

You can use "a passing mention" to indicate that something was briefly referred to, for example: "The report included "a passing mention" of the budget cuts".

What can I say instead of "a passing mention"?

You can use alternatives like "brief reference", "cursory mention", or "fleeting reference" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a passing mention" or "a passed mention"?

"A passing mention" is correct. "Passed mention" is not a standard or recognized phrase in English.

What's the difference between "a passing mention" and "a brief discussion"?

"A passing mention" indicates a very short reference, while "a brief discussion" suggests a more developed, though still concise, exploration of the topic.