cruel comments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cruel comments" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe remarks that are harsh, unkind, or hurtful towards someone or something. Example: "The online forum was filled with cruel comments that targeted the new policy, making it difficult for the team to feel supported."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Parents say their job is not to change their children, but to help them withstand cruel comments.

The New York Times

Now, of course, the phenomenon of beauty therapists making cruel comments about their clients' bodies is well-known.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

An uncle's cruel comments about his bachelorhood spark even more obsessive thoughts, which are both hilarious and miserable.

The New York Times - Books

Mr Harding has said the residents of Selby have congratulated him, but said some people have made "cruel comments" in other parts of the country.

Independent

Britons are accustomed to the jingoistic headlines, the naked girls on Page 3, the cruel comments about anyone in the public eye.

The New York Times

For example, the cruel comments that used to pass back and forth in class via folded notes or slam books now appear, instantly amendable, in electronic postings.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

To anybody out of hibernation this month, though, it seemed a sharp, cruel comment on the fate of Eric Garner, who died after he was choked by a cop, on Staten Island.

The New Yorker

Maybe I was just fortunate to have that type of experience -- my mom never, ever made a cruel comment to me about my body or looks.

Huffington Post

On one afternoon, a second grader came to me crying after being on the receiving end of a cruel comment from another student.

Huffington Post

The "Pretty Little Liars" actress recently called out a body-shaming man on Twitter when he tweeted a cruel comment in response to a photo she posted.

Huffington Post

I brushed every cruel comment (or worse, inexplicable radio silence) off my shoulders and felt sorry for my friends and family -- that I had ever burdened them with this information in the first place, that I had made them think about blood and vaginas, or put them in an awkward social situation that, I felt with grim pity, had let their absolute carelessness and stupidity shine through.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of negative feedback, use "cruel comments" to emphasize the intentional harshness and emotional harm caused by the remarks. It's stronger than simply saying "negative feedback".

Common error

Avoid using "cruel comments" casually. Overusing the phrase diminishes its impact. Instead, reserve it for situations where the comments are genuinely malicious and deeply hurtful, not just mildly critical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cruel comments" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "cruel" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "comments". It describes the nature or quality of the comments being made. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Opinion

10%

Lifestyle

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cruel comments" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe remarks intended to inflict emotional pain. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage. It commonly appears in news and media, reflecting discussions of social issues, online behavior, and personal experiences. When writing, it's best used to emphasize the malicious intent behind the remarks, avoiding overuse in less severe situations. Alternatives such as "hurtful remarks" or "unkind words" can be more appropriate depending on the desired tone and severity. Understanding the context and impact is crucial when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hurtful remarks

This alternative directly replaces "cruel" with "hurtful", focusing on the emotional impact of the comments.

unkind words

This alternative uses a more general term ("unkind") to describe the nature of the communication.

mean statements

This alternative uses "mean" to convey the intent behind the comments as malicious.

harsh criticisms

This alternative uses "harsh" to emphasize the severity of the comments, focusing on critical evaluation.

bitter remarks

This alternative suggests that the comments are tinged with resentment or animosity.

nasty insults

This alternative emphasizes the offensive and disrespectful nature of the comments.

vicious slurs

This alternative suggests that the comments are malicious and intended to harm someone's reputation.

cutting remarks

This alternative uses "cutting" to convey the incisive and painful impact of the comments.

scathing rebukes

This alternative suggests that the comments are delivered with strong disapproval and condemnation.

malicious taunts

This alternative suggests the comments are intended to provoke and torment someone.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "cruel comments" to sound less accusatory?

Consider using alternatives like "hurtful remarks" or "unkind words", which soften the tone while still conveying the negative impact.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "cruel comments" in formal writing?

Use "cruel comments" when you need to emphasize the severe and malicious nature of the remarks. In less severe cases, opt for more neutral terms like "negative feedback" or "critical remarks".

What are some examples of situations where "cruel comments" are common?

"Cruel comments" are often found in online bullying, personal attacks, and situations where there's a power imbalance or strong animosity. They can appear in social media, public forums, and even private conversations.

Are there legal implications for making "cruel comments"?

Depending on the context and severity, "cruel comments" could potentially lead to legal consequences, especially if they constitute defamation, harassment, or incitement to violence. However, this depends on local laws and specific circumstances.