a simple comment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a simple comment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a straightforward or uncomplicated remark or observation. Example: "I just wanted to add a simple comment about the project's progress: I think we're on the right track."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"A lot of things have occurred from a simple comment, a joke, a simple joke.

Independent

"He's a baseball player," the scout eventually said, a simple comment that was meant to say a lot more.

The New York Times - Sports

"A lot of things have flared up from a simple comment, a joke, a simple joke on air and it seemed to went out of proportion," he said.

Independent

Gayle said later in an apology: "A lot of things have occurred from a simple comment, a joke, a simple joke.

The Guardian - Sport

But just as their work was getting under way, a simple comment arrived on the Cochrane Web site that changed the course of the research and would ultimately fuel a worldwide effort to force drug companies to be more transparent.

The New York Times

I will inform the club about my opinion, not just with a simple comment made in a corridor … I like to do things in a proper way, to be committed with my opinions, so I will do it in writing.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Web widget provider JS-Kit has been doing a lot of growing up since starting as a simple commenting widget, founder Lev Walkin's pet project in his off hours.

TechCrunch

Put another way: Disqus is really a data company sitting on top of a goldmine of graph information with millions of channels and entry points to target advertising or other forms of marketing, yet it masquerades as a simple comments plug-in.

TechCrunch

"I remember her making a very perceptive and simple comment about a Mozart piece I was studying," he says.

The Guardian - Music

"I made the simple comment because they complain a lot, for every call, for everything," Francisco said at his locker, hours before the first game of this weekend's Subway Series at Citi Field.

The New York Times - Sports

In a sign of how damaging the interview could be, the Clinton campaign emailed out the full, unannotated transcript with the simple comment that it is "a must read for those covering or following this race".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a simple comment" to introduce an easily understood or uncomplicated point. It's effective when downplaying the complexity of what you're saying.

Common error

Avoid using "a simple comment" when the remark is actually significant or complex. This can undermine your credibility or misrepresent the importance of the statement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a simple comment" is to act as a noun phrase. It serves as the subject or object in a sentence, referring to a remark that is not complex or detailed. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

22%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a simple comment" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that refers to a straightforward or uncomplicated remark. As Ludwig points out, it effectively downplays complexity and introduces easily understood points. While versatile, it's best used when the comment genuinely lacks complexity to avoid undermining credibility. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, making it a neutral choice for various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief remark

Focuses on the conciseness of the comment.

a quick observation

Highlights the speed and casual nature of the comment.

an easy statement

Emphasizes the lack of complexity in the comment.

a basic remark

Underscores the fundamental nature of the comment.

a straightforward note

Highlights the directness and simplicity of the comment.

a plain observation

Emphasizes the lack of embellishment in the comment.

a short statement

Focuses on the brevity of the comment.

a passing comment

Highlights the casual and often unintentional nature of the comment.

a casual remark

Emphasizes the informality and lack of seriousness in the comment.

a light comment

Indicates the comment is not meant to be heavy or significant.

FAQs

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

Use "a simple comment" to refer to a basic or uncomplicated remark. For example, "He dismissed the issue with "a simple comment" about market fluctuations".

What are some alternatives to "a simple comment"?

You can use alternatives such as "a brief remark", "a quick observation", or "an easy statement" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a simple comment"?

It's appropriate when the statement is straightforward and doesn't require deep analysis or extensive explanation. It's useful for downplaying the complexity of a situation or idea.

Is "a simple comment" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's more commonly found in everyday conversation and writing than in highly formal academic or business settings.