commenting on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commenting on" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it when you are referring to something someone has said or done, or when you are referring to something in written form. For example, "The author is commenting on the changing social norms in their society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's about commenting on behavior, and commenting on one's life".

The New York Times

Commenting on the new poll.

Independent

We're not commenting on it".

Independent

Commenting on the Which?

The Guardian - Business

Commenting on this piece?

The Guardian - Film

It was not worth commenting on.

The New York Times - Arts

"Me and Jorgie were commenting on it.

The New York Times

"It's almost not worth commenting on".

The New York Times

Aura kept commenting on their skills.

The New Yorker

"I'm not commenting on that," Kemsley says.

The New York Times - Magazine

That's what the bishops were commenting on.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When "commenting on" a specific aspect of a broader topic, clearly identify the element you are addressing to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid "commenting on" tangential or unrelated topics. Ensure your remarks directly address the subject matter at hand to maintain relevance and coherence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commenting on" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used as part of a verb phrase to indicate the subject of one's remarks or observations. Ludwig's examples show its frequent use in introducing opinions or analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

32%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "commenting on" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to introduce remarks, observations, or opinions about a specific topic. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While alternatives like "remarking on" or "opining on" exist, "commenting on" provides a neutral and clear way to signal the intent to provide commentary. Remember to ensure your comments remain relevant and focused on the subject matter for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weighing in on

This alternative suggests adding one's opinion or perspective to an existing discussion or debate.

remarking on

This alternative focuses on the act of making a remark or observation, often in a brief or incidental manner.

opining on

This alternative highlights the expression of a personal opinion or belief about something.

speaking about

This alternative is a general way of referring to the act of expressing thoughts or opinions on a subject.

observing about

This alternative emphasizes the act of noticing or perceiving something and then making a comment about it.

addressing

This alternative implies directly dealing with a topic or issue, often with the intention of providing commentary or solutions.

reflecting on

This phrase suggests a more thoughtful and considered commentary, often involving personal introspection.

discussing

This alternative implies a more formal or in-depth conversation or analysis of a topic.

analyzing

This alternative highlights a detailed examination of a subject, often leading to a structured commentary.

assessing

This phrase focuses on evaluating or judging something, often leading to a commentary on its merits or flaws.

FAQs

How can I use "commenting on" in a sentence?

You can use "commenting on" to introduce an observation, opinion, or analysis about a specific subject. For instance, "The analyst was "remarking on" the company's financial performance".

What are some alternatives to "commenting on"?

Alternatives include "remarking on", "opining on", "observing about", or "reflecting on", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state you are "commenting on" something?

No, it's not always necessary. The context often makes it clear that you are offering a commentary. However, using "commenting on" can provide clarity, especially when transitioning between topics.

What's the difference between "commenting on" and "criticizing"?

"Commenting on" is a neutral term that simply means providing remarks or observations. "Criticizing", however, implies expressing disapproval or finding fault. While a commentary can include criticism, it's not inherently negative.