a remark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a remark" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a comment or statement made about something, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "During the meeting, she made a remark about the project's timeline that caught everyone's attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A heckler shouted a remark about corporations.

The New York Times

A remark he made fascinated her: "marble," Ardini said, "changes colour under different people's hands".

The Guardian - Arts

An earlier version attributed a remark about the TPP deal to "Nike's CEO, Phil Knight".

The Guardian

It's hard to forgive a remark like that.

The New York Times - Books

She is glimpsed in flashes, a remark, an insight, an indispensable presence on too many reading tours, increasingly ill.

The Economist

SIR - My apologies for making a remark about a detail in your otherwise interesting Charlemagne  about nationalism in Europe.

The Economist

Such a remark is dangerous.

The New Yorker

Announcing his new cabinet on Tuesday, he made a remark about Scotland having "an unacceptable relationship with alcohol": does that come from personal experience?

The Guardian

It was a remark that made me think of when Spinal Tap played Rock'n'Roll Creation, each member emerging from pods, Invasion of the Bodysnatchers-style.

The Guardian - Arts

Neither was he the sort to let slip a remark of that significance.

Independent

It was a remark that triggered wide condemnation all across the country.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a remark" when you want to refer to a specific comment or statement, often one that is noteworthy or has some significance.

Common error

In formal writing, avoid overusing "a remark" if a more precise term like "statement", "observation", or "assertion" would be more appropriate to convey the specific nature of the comment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a remark" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a specific instance of someone making a statement or observation. Ludwig confirms its correct and frequent use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a remark" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to refer to a statement or comment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most frequently found in News & Media contexts. While "a remark" can be used in many situations, it is crucial to consider the nuance and formality of your writing, opting for synonyms like "a statement" or "an observation" for greater precision when needed. Although this phrase is deemed correct, the choice of words always depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comment

A more general term for a statement, often used in response to something.

a statement

Implies a more formal or official expression of something.

an observation

Emphasizes the act of noticing or perceiving something, shifting the focus from the statement itself to the process of forming it.

a pointed comment

Suggests a remark with a specific purpose or target, often critical.

a passing comment

Highlights the casual and brief nature of the statement.

an offhand comment

Highlights the casual, and sometimes careless, nature of the remark.

an utterance

Focuses on the act of speaking or vocalizing something, often briefly.

a brief note

Indicates a short, often written, expression of something.

an incidental comment

Highlights that the comment was unintentional or secondary to the main point.

a quick aside

Suggests a comment made away from the main topic or conversation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a remark" to refer to a statement someone made. For example, "Her "flippant remark" caused an uproar in the meeting".

What are some synonyms for "a remark"?

Alternatives to "a remark" include "a comment", "a statement", or "an observation", depending on the context.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "a remark"?

Starting a sentence with "a remark" is grammatically correct, although it might sound slightly awkward. It's often better to rephrase for smoother flow, such as, "That "controversial remark" sparked a debate".

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

While similar, "a remark" often implies a casual or incidental statement, whereas "a comment" can be more direct or in response to something. "He made a casual remark about the weather" vs "She made a comment on his proposal".