did not comment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "did not comment" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when someone chooses not to provide a statement or response on a particular topic. Example: When asked about the recent controversy, the company's spokesperson did not comment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Aurora did not comment.

The New York Times

JPMorgan did not comment.

The New York Times

L.S.U. did not comment.

The New York Times - Sports

A.I.G. did not comment.

The New York Times

Amazon did not comment.

MIT Technology Review

Lambeth Palace did not comment.

Independent

She did not comment further.

The New York Times - Sports

EDO did not comment.

The Guardian

Stevenson did not comment.

The Guardian - Business

KMGSC did not comment.

The Guardian - Business

Chappell did not comment.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "did not comment" when you want to neutrally report that someone or an organization chose not to provide information on a specific topic. It's common in journalistic writing to indicate a lack of response.

Common error

Don't assume that "did not comment" implies agreement or guilt. It simply means the individual or organization chose not to provide a statement at that time. Avoid drawing unsupported conclusions from their silence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "did not comment" functions as a declarative statement indicating a lack of communication or response from a particular subject. It's commonly used in reporting to convey that someone declined to provide information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "did not comment" is a grammatically correct and very common expression, as confirmed by Ludwig, primarily used in news and media to report a lack of response from a person or organization. While seemingly simple, it's crucial to avoid misinterpreting this silence as agreement or drawing unsupported conclusions. Alternatives like "declined to comment" or "offered no comment" offer nuanced variations for specific contexts. Remember, using "did not comment" accurately is key to maintaining journalistic integrity and avoiding bias.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

declined to comment

Emphasizes a deliberate refusal to provide a statement.

offered no comment

Highlights the absence of any statement or response.

refused to respond

Focuses on the act of not answering a question or inquiry.

remained silent

Implies a complete lack of verbal response.

gave no statement

Similar to 'offered no comment' but slightly more formal.

withheld comment

Suggests a conscious decision to keep information undisclosed.

made no reply

Indicates an absence of any form of answer.

did not respond

A more general way of saying there was no answer.

passed on commenting

Indicates choosing not to provide input.

evaded the question

Suggests actively avoiding answering the question.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone "did not comment"?

It signifies that the person or entity chose not to provide a statement or response on a particular issue when asked. It doesn't imply agreement, disagreement, or guilt, simply a lack of comment.

What are some alternatives to saying "did not comment"?

You can use alternatives like "declined to comment", "offered no comment", or "refused to respond" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "did not comment" in formal writing?

Yes, "did not comment" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in journalistic or official reports where it's important to neutrally state that a response was not provided.

How should I interpret someone's decision to "did not comment"?

Interpret it simply as a decision not to provide information at that time. Avoid making assumptions about their reasons or drawing conclusions about their position on the issue. Many factors influence their choice, including legal considerations or strategic communication plans.