a small comment

USAGE SUMMARY

"a small comment" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about a brief remark that someone made. For example, "I had a lot to say, but I thought it best to keep it to a small comment and not get into a long argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

And I would just, as just a small comment on the intro, I would somewhat contest the idea that most conflicts nowadays are intrastate.

The Guardian

However, one of the better lines of the evening was just a small comment he made before launching into jokes surrounding the NSA revelations.

TechCrunch

She adds that often a small comment gets blown up into a so-called gaffe because cable news has a lot of time to fill and this is what they do.

Huffington Post

These encounters could range from something as fast and simple like two pair of eyes meeting without any words, to saying a small comment, leading to something big such as you two getting to have an actual conversation.

HuffPost

And a small comment: In the Introduction, the authors claim that "However, that guarding helps the group does not explain why a particular individual may forego foraging or any other occupation, in order to guard".

F1000Research

Before the interview properly begins, try making a small comment on a universal topic.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

A few small comments: I have some reservations about generalising student cohorts based on generational distinctions such as "Millenials", as this does not necessarily address the diversity of the student body.

F1000Research

"Not one of his books caused as big a stir as Shishkin's small comment".

The New York Times - Books

Update: The "quite small" comment was a mistake in Samsung's transcription, apparently.

TechCrunch

It's a small, vague comment, but I think the point is clear - if nothing else, this movie is going to be a bit darker than Wright's proposed version.

Forbes

All it took was "some really small comment" for him to be seized and held, in a village outside Beijing.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, follow "a small comment" with supporting details or evidence to enhance its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a small comment" when the topic requires extensive discussion or critical analysis. Using it in such contexts might diminish the significance of the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small comment" typically functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a brief or minor remark, as seen in Ludwig's examples, where it prefaces an opinion or introduces a topic.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small comment" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as supported by Ludwig AI, to introduce a brief or minor remark. It's most commonly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, with a neutral to informal register. Related phrases include "a brief remark" and "a minor observation". When using "a small comment", avoid overstating its importance and consider its appropriateness in the context. It serves well as an icebreaker or a way to offer gentle feedback.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief remark

Focuses on the brevity of the comment, emphasizing its short nature.

a minor observation

Highlights the insignificance of the comment, suggesting it's not crucial.

a quick note

Emphasizes the speed and informality of the comment.

a short statement

Underscores the conciseness and declarative nature of the comment.

a passing mention

Indicates the comment was fleeting and not deeply considered.

a lighthearted aside

Suggests the comment was intended to be humorous or casual.

a trivial point

Emphasizes the lack of importance or significance of the comment.

a fleeting thought

Implies the comment was a spontaneous and quickly expressed idea.

a casual remark

Highlights the informal and relaxed nature of the comment.

a modest suggestion

Indicates the comment is tentative and humble.

FAQs

How can I use "a small comment" effectively in a conversation?

Use "a small comment" as a gentle entry point to a larger discussion. It can serve as an icebreaker or a way to gauge someone's interest in a topic before delving deeper. For instance, you might start with "a brief remark" about the weather before discussing your travel plans.

What are some alternatives to using "a small comment"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a quick note" if you want to emphasize speed, or "a minor observation" if you want to highlight the insignificance of the comment.

Is it appropriate to use "a small comment" in formal writing?

Yes, but use it judiciously. In formal writing, "a small comment" should be supported by further explanation or evidence to ensure its validity and relevance. It could also be used to make "a short statement" that introduces a new topic.

When should I avoid using "a small comment"?

Avoid using "a small comment" when the situation requires a thorough or detailed response. It's best reserved for situations where a brief, lighthearted remark is sufficient. Using "a passing mention" in those cases might be a better option.