informal remarks

USAGE SUMMARY

"informal remarks" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to casual or non-official comments made in a conversation or presentation. Example: "During the meeting, he made several informal remarks that lightened the mood." Alternative expressions include "casual comments" and "offhand remarks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Made welcome by the college, Larry signs up for Speech 217: The Art of Informal Remarks.

The New Yorker

For two weeks, Mr. Lott tried to put out a firestorm that began with informal remarks at Senator Strom Thurmond's 100th-birthday party on Dec. 5.

The New York Times

But it was Cardinal Dolan's remarks that were obviously the draw, as the prelate dotted the usual liturgy with more informal remarks, calling the inmates "guys" and "fellas" and likening their hard time with that of Jesus.

The New York Times

But informal remarks asserting that words and deeds by government could not permanently move currencies caused the dollar to plunge.World trade contracted by 1% in volume in 2001, after a bumper year in 2000, according to figures from the World Trade Organisation.

The Economist

Much of it has been by Cameron himself: in his 2013 New Year message; in a party political broadcast in March; in set-piece speeches to business conferences; in more informal remarks to journalists; even, slightly bafflingly, in a speech in July to promote to the world the British legislative approach to same-sex marriage.

The Guardian

Recently, some controversy has arisen concerning the precise relation between these later formalizations and Lewis's own informal remarks.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Observer critic Robert McCrum said: "Engdahl's bracing remarks reflect quite a lot of informal comment within some senior parts of the literary community, especially those grey cadres that are anti-American.

The Guardian - Books

Mitford's informal style was remarked on by the literary critic Cyril Connolly, who wrote that her facility for transforming unpromising source material into readable form was a skill that any professional historian might envy.

Wikipedia

Muliyadi suggested that the cartoon could be interpreted as a simple tease of the teacher's plight, a suggestion to examine the curriculum taught (change physical education to an informal session), a remark on the shortage of teachers, or more extremely, a criticism of the government's failure to prevent the situation from happening.

Wikipedia

But she talked at length in formal remarks and informal conversation about life in Washington as someone newly widowed and newly thrown into political office -- and she sounded a lot like a candidate.

The New York Times

Though the president's remarks were informal, he made them at a time when some of his advisers, though by no means all, are urging that his speech at the Republican National Convention include a proposal for a vast overhaul of the federal tax system.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In journalistic writing, this phrase is ideal for contextualizing quotes that were captured during a Q&A session or a social gathering rather than a formal podium speech.

Common error

Avoid using "informal remarks" as a euphemism for statements that are rude or unprofessional. While the format is casual, the term implies a lack of protocol, not necessarily a lack of decorum.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "informal remarks" functions as a noun phrase consisting of an adjective and a plural noun. In linguistic structures analyzed by Ludwig, it typically serves as the direct object of a verb (e.g., "making remarks") or the subject of a passive construction. It is used to label a specific category of communication that sits between casual conversation and formal oratory.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "informal remarks" is a versatile and correct noun phrase used to describe speech that lacks a formal script or protocol. Ludwig AI highlights its frequent appearance in reputable news outlets to describe political or business communication that occurs in casual settings. Whether used to describe a president's candid thoughts or a professor's spontaneous lecture notes, the phrase suggests a balance of professionalism and approachability. While it is less common than simple "comments", its specificity makes it a valuable tool for writers seeking to clarify the context of a quotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

casual comments

Shifts the focus from a speech-like structure to a more general conversational exchange.

offhand remarks

Suggests that the comments were made without much thought or preparation.

off-the-cuff remarks

An idiomatic expression that strongly emphasizes the lack of preparation.

unscripted comments

Technically describes speech that does not follow a written text, common in media contexts.

extemporaneous remarks

A more formal and academic term for speech delivered with little preparation.

candid observations

Focuses on the honesty and frankness of the statements rather than just the lack of formality.

impromptu speech

Specifically refers to a longer address delivered on the spot.

spontaneous words

Highlights the suddenness and natural flow of the communication.

unofficial statements

Places the remarks in a legal or bureaucratic context, indicating they are not for the record.

conversational notes

Implies a softer, more dialogue-driven tone than a formal address.

FAQs

How do I use "informal remarks" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a speaker's casual tone, such as: "The CEO shared some "informal remarks" during the company picnic."

What can I say instead of "informal remarks"?

Depending on the level of preparation, you might use "off-the-cuff remarks", "casual comments", or "unscripted words".

Is "informal remarks" a professional term?

Yes, it is a neutral and professional way to categorize speech. In fact, many high-level executives and politicians are described as giving "informal remarks" in reputable sources like The New York Times.

What is the difference between "informal remarks" and "offhand comments"?

While similar, "offhand comments" often implies a degree of carelessness or a lack of serious intent, whereas "informal remarks" simply refers to the lack of a formal script.