an offhand comment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an offhand comment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a remark made casually or without much thought, often in a way that suggests it is not meant to be taken seriously. Example: "During the meeting, she made an offhand comment 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

Meanwhile, getting one of the nearby hammocks—an idea inspired by an offhand comment by illustrator Maira Kalman that it should become "the island of a thousand hammocks"—has became a competitive enterprise.

The New Yorker

It's hard to write that off as an offhand comment.

The New York Times

It was an offhand comment, and obviously true.

The New York Times

But then he made an offhand comment: he also coached a rugby team composed of convicts.

The New York Times

That, however, was just an offhand comment — his Facebook Live remarks are far more telling.

The Washington Post

Mr. Trump instead repeated an offhand comment the Russian had for Mr. Trump.

The New York Times

For Mr. Kenny, "O.K". was merely an offhand comment, mumbled between takes.

The New York Times - Style

Bono's idea wasn't an offhand comment he made while getting drinks with a buddy.

The Guardian - Music

To this viewer, it sounded like an offhand comment, but that wasn't how the markets interpreted it.

The New Yorker

The second was James Cameron, who made an offhand comment about wanting to see a monster with mandibles.

The Washington Post

The center grew out of an offhand comment to Blair while he was training for a triathlon in 1995.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an offhand comment" to describe remarks that are casual and not intended to carry significant weight. Ensure the context aligns with this lighthearted or unintentional nature.

Common error

Avoid assuming that every "an offhand comment" is insignificant or meaningless. Sometimes, casual remarks can reveal underlying feelings or beliefs, so be mindful of their potential impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an offhand comment" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb (e.g., 'make', 'dismiss') or the subject of a clause. It refers to a casual or unplanned remark.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

6%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an offhand comment" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a casual, often unplanned remark. According to Ludwig, its usage is widespread in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for various communication scenarios. While it's important to recognize the casual nature of such comments, it's equally crucial to consider their potential impact, as even seemingly insignificant remarks can hold underlying meaning. By understanding the context and intent behind "an offhand comment", you can better navigate communication and avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a casual remark

Emphasizes the informal and relaxed nature of the comment.

a spontaneous comment

Highlights the unplanned and impulsive aspect of the remark.

a passing remark

Focuses on the brief and transient nature of the comment.

a throwaway line

Highlights that the comment was not intended to be significant or memorable.

a flippant remark

Suggests the comment is disrespectful or lacking seriousness.

an unguarded statement

Suggests the comment was made without caution or restraint.

a thoughtless comment

Implies the comment was made without considering the consequences.

a chance remark

Emphasizes the accidental or coincidental nature of the comment.

a casual observation

Highlights the observational aspect of the comment, made in a relaxed manner.

a quick aside

Indicates a brief comment directed away from the main topic.

FAQs

How can I use "an offhand comment" in a sentence?

You can use "an offhand comment" to describe a casual remark made without much thought. For example, "During the meeting, he made "an offhand comment" about the budget that sparked a debate."

What's a more formal alternative to "an offhand comment"?

For a more formal context, you might use "a casual remark" or "a brief observation", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "an offhand comment" always negative?

No, "an offhand comment" is not inherently negative. It simply describes a casual, often unplanned, remark. Its impact depends on the content and context of the comment.

What's the difference between "an offhand comment" and "a deliberate statement"?

"An offhand comment" is spontaneous and not carefully considered, while "a deliberate statement" is intentional and made with specific purpose.