casual remark

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Like clouds that casually come, How a casual remark, made by author when accepting a dinner invitation, was misinterpreted by the host.

The New Yorker

"It was only a casual remark," Loach gulps.

The Guardian - Film

No one on the programme challenged this casual remark.

The Guardian - Opinion

Does a casual remark from an acquaintance get cataloged as a criticism and obsessed over?

The New York Times - Magazine

Seconds later Annie grasps the full magnitude of that casual remark.

The New York Times - Books

Thus Ames's casual remark that he will vote for Eisenhower is in fact a critical detail.

The Guardian - Books

Her casual remark led to an anecdote typical of this Portland, Ore., singer and songwriter.

The New York Times - Arts

He then came out with a seemingly casual remark that grabbed me by the googlies.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Lives and deaths turn on chance sightings and casual remarks.

The New York Times - Books

"Casual remarks could be sorted into pre-existing categories of nonconformity".

The New York Times - Books

Other immigrant advocates reacted cautiously to Mr. Bush's remarks, wary of overinterpreting some casual remarks to reporters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "casual remark" to describe a statement that is made without much thought or planning. Avoid using it when the statement is intended to be serious or formal.

Common error

Avoid dismissing the potential impact of a "casual remark". Even if unintended, such statements can have significant consequences, particularly in sensitive situations or professional settings. Always be mindful of how your words might be received.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "casual remark" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a type of statement characterized by its informality and lack of premeditation. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, highlighting numerous examples of its application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "casual remark" is a frequently used noun phrase denoting an informal and often unintentional statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to consider the potential impact of even seemingly harmless comments, as they can sometimes lead to unintended consequences. Alternatives like "offhand comment" or "passing comment" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific context. Therefore, while "casual remark" is a common and useful phrase, careful consideration of its implications is always warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offhand comment

Emphasizes the spontaneity and lack of premeditation in the statement, slightly downplaying its potential impact.

passing comment

Indicates that the remark was brief and not dwelled upon, suggesting it was of minor importance.

flippant remark

Indicates a lack of seriousness or respect, adding a nuance of dismissiveness not necessarily present in the original phrase.

incidental comment

Indicates the remark was secondary to the main subject, emphasizing its lack of central importance.

careless statement

Implies a lack of forethought or consideration, emphasizing the potential for negative consequences.

unintentional comment

Focuses on the speaker's lack of intent to cause harm or offense, highlighting the accidental nature of the remark.

brief aside

Suggests the remark was a digression from the main topic, emphasizing its tangential nature.

throwaway line

Implies the remark was deliberately unimportant and easily dismissed, emphasizing its disposability.

chance observation

Highlights the serendipitous nature of the remark, suggesting it arose from a particular circumstance or moment.

hasty generalization

Specifies that the casual remark resulted in drawing a conclusion without enough evidence.

FAQs

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

You can use "casual remark" to describe a statement made without much forethought. For example: "His "casual remark" about her hair made her feel insecure."

What is the difference between "casual remark" and "formal statement"?

A "casual remark" is informal and often spontaneous, while a "formal statement" is carefully considered and delivered in a structured setting.

What can I say instead of "casual remark"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "offhand comment", "passing comment", or "flippant remark".

Can a "casual remark" have serious consequences?

Yes, even though a "casual remark" is often unintentional, it can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or offense, resulting in unforeseen repercussions.