casual comment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "casual comment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a remark made in a relaxed or informal manner, often without serious intent. Example: "During the meeting, she made a casual comment about the weather that lightened the mood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

So far, we've primarily focused on casual comment readers; we'll be turning our attention to commenters and more regular readers soon.

The Guardian

The judge soon informed both sides about the casual comment, just to clear the air.

The New York Times - Sports

A casual comment brings out an unmentionable family secret, flashing like a blade.

The New York Times - Books

This brings us to the second dynamic underlying Ryan's apparently casual comment.

The Guardian - Opinion

When you say hi to somebody, do you mean it, or is it just a casual comment?

The New York Times

A casual comment by one of the Louvre curators, asking whether the painting had ever been studied, got Ms. González thinking.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Even casual comments take on a barbed ability to wound.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, offhand and casual comments relating to class prejudice and snobbery are very common.

The Guardian

Facing a crowd of eighty thousand people in Central Park, he made casual comments before the encore, cutting an amiable profile.

The New Yorker

Most people do not stare at strangers, and at most may make some casual comments or inquiries.

The New York Times

Members of the news staff reported having heard him say in asides and casual comments that he would like to be back running sports exclusively.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that any "casual comments" made in professional settings align with company policy and do not violate workplace ethics or inclusivity standards.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "casual comment" is inconsequential. Always be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation or unintended consequences, especially in sensitive situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "casual comment" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "casual" modifies the noun "comment". It describes a type of remark characterized by its informality and lack of serious intent. Ludwig confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "casual comment" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase denoting an informal, often spontaneous remark. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is commonly found in news and media, science, and wiki sources. While seemingly innocuous, such comments can have unintended consequences, making it crucial to consider the context and audience. Alternatives include "offhand remark" and "passing observation". Always be mindful of the potential impact of even the most seemingly harmless remarks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offhand remark

Focuses on the unplanned nature of the comment.

passing observation

Highlights the brief and fleeting quality of the comment.

incidental remark

Emphasizes that the comment was not the main point.

flippant statement

Conveys a sense of dismissiveness or lack of seriousness.

unintentional aside

Stresses that the comment was not deliberately made.

brief mention

Indicates the comment was short and concise.

minor utterance

Underscores the insignificance of the comment.

throwaway line

Suggests the comment was delivered without much thought.

chance remark

Highlights the accidental nature of the comment.

careless utterance

Implies the comment was made without careful consideration.

FAQs

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

You can use "casual comment" to describe a remark made in a relaxed or informal manner. For example, "During the meeting, she made a "casual comment" about the weather that lightened the mood."

What are some alternatives to "casual comment"?

You can use alternatives like "offhand remark", "passing observation", or "incidental remark" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "casual comment" and "flippant statement"?

"Casual comment" generally refers to an informal remark, while "flippant statement" implies a lack of seriousness or respect.

Is it appropriate to make a "casual comment" in a formal setting?

The appropriateness of a "casual comment" in a formal setting depends on the context and the audience. It's generally best to avoid making overly informal or potentially offensive remarks.