glib remark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "glib remark" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a comment that is fluent and easy but often insincere or lacking in depth. Example: "His glib remark about the situation did not sit well with those who were genuinely affected by the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It's not exactly a glib remark.

The New York Times - Magazine

Like all the best taglines, it is surprisingly subtle for such a brief, seemingly glib remark.

The New York Times

It was a trifecta of attention — newspaper, social media and television — for one glib remark on a weekday between games.

The New York Times - Sports

Tom Flanagan, a former aide to the Canadian prime minister, called for his assassination, and then regretted his glib remark.

The Guardian - Opinion

Speaking to the Canadian broadcaster CBC, he said: It was a thoughtless, glib remark about a serious subject," Flanagan told the Candian broadcaster CBC.

The Guardian

We all know the rather glib remark that 'a weed is a plant in the wrong place', but that is clearly not good enough.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Shareholders, too, deserve more than glib remarks.

The Guardian - Business

He is prone to glib remarks that accentuate the gulf between him and most Americans: how he knows several owners of car-racing teams, or how his wife drives "a couple of Cadillacs".

The Economist

During his Senate confirmation hearings, previous glib remarks came back to haunt him, such as the observation that if the UN headquarters "lost 10 storeys today, it wouldn't make a bit of difference".

The Guardian

Some voters may also find the prospect of an Old Etonian Conservative as London's representative hard to stomach, although all those who resent Mr Johnson's glib remarks on race, sexuality and class in his journalism should be reminded that Mr Livingstone has an intolerant side, and his own collection of distasteful comments.

The Guardian - Opinion

Later, Sister would shrug off the questions with one of her glib remarks, like 'Jackie got along much better with men than with women.' " Just in time for the remaining days of carefree summer reading comes "Sister," an oral biography of the decorator compiled by Crater and her mother, Apple Parish Bartlett.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "glib remark" when you want to emphasize that a statement is not only facile but also potentially dismissive or insensitive. It's effective for pointing out a lack of depth or sincerity in a comment.

Common error

Avoid using "glib remark" in highly formal or academic writing, as it can sound somewhat judgmental. Opt for more neutral terms like "superficial observation" or "simplistic statement" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "glib remark" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "glib" modifies the noun "remark". It describes a particular quality of the remark, indicating it is characterized by superficiality and a lack of depth. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is generally used to denote insincerity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "glib remark" is a noun phrase used to describe a comment that is superficial, insincere, or lacking in depth. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to negatively evaluate a statement, often implying dismissiveness or insensitivity. While grammatically sound, the phrase may be too judgmental for formal academic contexts, where alternatives like "superficial observation" might be more appropriate. The examples in Ludwig show how the phrase is employed to critique statements in various social and political situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flippant comment

Replaces "glib" with "flippant", suggesting a lack of seriousness and disrespect.

superficial observation

Focuses on the lack of depth in the remark, highlighting its shallowness.

thoughtless comment

Emphasizes the lack of consideration behind the remark.

insincere statement

Highlights the lack of genuine feeling in the remark.

offhand remark

Suggests the remark was made casually and without much thought.

pat answer

Implies a pre-prepared, superficial response.

empty platitude

Replaces remark with platitude, emphasizing the remark is trite and meaningless.

shallow pronouncement

Highlights the superficiality and lack of insight in the statement.

smug comment

Adds a sense of self-satisfaction and arrogance to the remark.

cavalier statement

Suggests a dismissive and uncaring attitude behind the remark.

FAQs

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

You can use "glib remark" to describe a comment that's fluent and effortless but often insincere or superficial. For example: "His "glib remark" about the company's failures showed he didn't understand the severity of the situation."

What's a more formal alternative to "glib remark"?

In formal contexts, you can replace "glib remark" with phrases like "superficial comment", "simplistic statement", or "flippant observation" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "glib remark" always negative?

Yes, "glib remark" typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting the statement is facile, lacking depth, and potentially insensitive. It implies the speaker is being dismissive or superficial.

What is the difference between a "glib remark" and a "witty comment"?

A "glib remark" is often seen as superficial and lacking sincerity, while a "witty comment" is clever and amusing. The key difference lies in the intent and reception; wit aims to entertain or enlighten, while a "glib remark" often dismisses or oversimplifies an issue.