brutal remark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brutal remark" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a comment that is harsh, unkind, or very direct, often causing emotional impact. Example: "Her brutal remark about my presentation left me feeling embarrassed and hurt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

There's a magical moment when John and Liz jointly sing Dear Lord and Father of Mankind only for the publican to chip in with a brutal remark that colours both their futures.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Behind the mask of indifference to young women and the jokey and sometimes brutal remarks young men make there is a palpable fear.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hurd even manages to whitewash her curmudgeonly consort, a man who has "unintentionally [sic] acquired a reputation for tactless, even brutal remarks", though he wisely draws the line at putting in a good word for Andrew and Edward.

The Guardian - Books

"I wanted him to fuck off and solve it – or die, really," says Jonathan Powell, the BBC's former head of drama, in one of the many brutal remarks collected in Richard Marson's book.

The Guardian - Books

According to Pietrusza, Landis "was frequently brutal in his remarks" to the defendants, interrogating them on their beliefs.

Wikipedia

Wallace's racist remarks remain brutal to watch; so does the news film of the moment he is shot, at a rally in Maryland in 1972.

The New York Times

Jean-Claude Trichet, president of the European Central Bank, made the most pointed remark, saying that "brutal moves" in exchange rates were unwelcome.

The New York Times

In his remarks on the brutal execution of James Foley in Iraq, President Obama claimed "no faith teaches people to massacre innocents.

Huffington Post

So the New York Daily News reacted to Trump's remarks with a brutal illustration and headline, accusing the president of siding with an enemy over his own country.

Huffington Post

And when I start to forget, I still have plenty of single girlfriends in various states of angst to remind me of the grotesque fix-ups, the ham-handed remarks, and the brutal Thanksgiving dinners.

Huffington Post

Others have been outraged that Indian audiences have been "exposed to the remarks of such a brutal man" on prime-time news.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "brutal remark" in situations where sensitivity and empathy are paramount. Opt for milder alternatives like "direct feedback" or "candid observation".

Common error

Avoid using "brutal remark" too frequently, as it can create a consistently negative tone. Vary your language by using synonyms like "harsh comment" or "critical assessment" to maintain reader engagement and prevent emotional fatigue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brutal remark" functions as a noun phrase, where "brutal" serves as an adjective modifying the noun "remark". It describes a comment characterized by harshness or lack of sensitivity. Ludwig provides examples of its use in contexts ranging from personal interactions to political commentary.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

7%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brutal remark" is a noun phrase used to describe a harsh or unkind comment. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and reveals that it's most frequently found in News & Media contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral in formality, its impact is undeniably negative, conveying a sense of harshness and potential emotional distress. When writing, consider using synonyms such as "harsh comment" or "cruel statement" to avoid overuse and maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harsh comment

Replaces "brutal" with "harsh", maintaining the sense of severity but with a slightly milder tone.

cruel statement

Substitutes "brutal" with "cruel", emphasizing the intent to cause pain or suffering.

cutting remark

Replaces "brutal" with "cutting", highlighting the sharp and incisive nature of the comment.

caustic comment

Uses "caustic" to describe the remark, suggesting it is corrosive and bitter.

vicious statement

Replaces "brutal" with "vicious", emphasizing the malice behind the comment.

scathing criticism

Focuses on the critical aspect of the remark, highlighting its severity and negativity.

acerbic comment

Uses "acerbic" to describe the remark, suggesting it is sharp and bitter in tone.

devastating critique

Highlights the destructive impact of the remark, emphasizing its power to undermine.

unsparing observation

Emphasizes the lack of leniency or compassion in the remark.

pointed criticism

Highlights the direct and intentional nature of the criticism, making it feel personal.

FAQs

How to use "brutal remark" in a sentence?

You can use "brutal remark" to describe a harsh or unkind comment. For example: "Her "brutal remark" about my presentation made me feel insecure."

What can I say instead of "brutal remark"?

You can use alternatives like "harsh comment", "cruel statement", or "cutting remark" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "brutal remark" or "brutally remark"?

"Brutal remark" is correct because "brutal" is an adjective modifying the noun "remark". "Brutally" is an adverb and would be used to modify a verb (e.g., "He brutally criticized the plan").

What's the difference between "brutal remark" and "frank assessment"?

"Brutal remark" implies harshness and potential unkindness, while "frank assessment" suggests honesty and directness without necessarily being cruel. The former is more negative in connotation.