keep your comments to yourself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'keep your comments to yourself' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to politely tell someone to stop speaking about something or to stop expressing their opinion. For example, "Please, keep your comments to yourself - this is a private matter".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Three minutes before the break, after the player made comments following another scrum decision, the official took him to one side and said: "This is not how you behave as captain: please keep your comments to yourself.

The Guardian - Sport

Hartley had been unimpressed by the way Barnes was controlling the scrums and it was when Leicester were awarded a penalty from the set-piece in the last play of the opening half on the Northampton 22 that he let rip despite being told by Barnes on 38 minutes: "This is not how you should behave as captain: please keep your comments to yourself.

The Guardian - Sport

20. "Keep your comments to yourself.

Huffington Post

If your partner's tennis form is a bit off or she's swinging her arms too much while walking, keep your comments to yourself.

Huffington Post

Keep your comments to yourself.

WikiHow

YOU NOOB I JUST PWNED YOU!" Keep your comments to yourself.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

(Freudians, please keep your comments to yourselves).

The New York Times

Maybe you could just keep your comments to yourselves".

WikiHow

So for future reference, keep your comments about other people's bodies to yourself ― and keep your hands off their bodies.

Huffington Post

Keep your comments short and light to draw in your listeners.

WikiHow

Don't talk back to the customer, if they are refused keep your comments professional.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep your comments to yourself" when you want to politely, but firmly, discourage someone from interjecting unwanted or unhelpful opinions into a conversation or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "keep your comments to yourself" in contexts where constructive feedback is expected or necessary. It can stifle productive discussions and create a hostile environment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep your comments to yourself" functions primarily as an imperative, directing someone to refrain from making remarks or expressing opinions. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples, indicating its role in setting conversational boundaries.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "keep your comments to yourself" is a direct imperative used to discourage others from voicing their opinions or making remarks, often in situations where such input is deemed unwanted or inappropriate. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is generally grammatically correct and serves the purpose of setting boundaries in conversations. While versatile, it's crucial to consider the context, as its directness can be perceived negatively if not delivered with care. The phrase finds common usage in news and media, as well as in general advice contexts like WikiHow, suggesting its applicability across various communication scenarios. Related phrases, such as "hold your tongue" or "bite your tongue", offer similar, but potentially more forceful, alternatives. Ultimately, understanding the nuances of "keep your comments to yourself" ensures its appropriate and effective use in diverse communication settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold your tongue

This suggests a more immediate and forceful suppression of speech.

bite your tongue

This suggests restraining oneself from saying something that might be offensive or inappropriate.

remain silent

This emphasizes the complete absence of speech.

say nothing

This simply instructs to avoid making any verbal statements.

zip your lip

An informal and playful way to tell someone to be quiet.

button your lip

This is a very informal instruction to be quiet.

curb your remarks

Focuses on controlling and limiting one's spoken observations.

withhold your opinions

Highlights the act of keeping personal beliefs unspoken.

refrain from speaking

Emphasizes the act of consciously avoiding saying anything.

silence yourself

Focuses on the act of self-imposed silence.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "keep your comments to yourself"?

It's appropriate to use "keep your comments to yourself" when someone is offering unwanted or unhelpful opinions, especially in sensitive or private situations. It's a way to politely but firmly set a boundary.

What are some alternative phrases to "keep your comments to yourself"?

Alternatives include "hold your tongue", "bite your tongue", or "remain silent", depending on the level of formality and the specific context.

Is "keep your comments to yourself" considered rude?

While it can be perceived as rude if delivered harshly, the phrase "keep your comments to yourself" is generally understood as a polite way of setting boundaries. Tone of voice and context are crucial.

How does "keep your comments to yourself" differ from "keep your opinion to yourself"?

"Keep your comments to yourself" is broader and can refer to any kind of remark, while "keep your opinion to yourself" specifically targets expressions of personal belief or judgment.