make comments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make comments" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when asking or encouraging someone to express an opinion on something. For example, "The audience was invited to make comments on the opening act."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"People make comments about it," he said.

The New York Times

"You keep hearing guys make comments.

The New York Times - Sports

"Strangers do come up to you and make comments".

The New York Times

The other tourists all make comments about them.

The New Yorker

Then they make comments like: "Flossie never bites.

The New York Times

All of these things make comments about life.

The New York Times

Legislators are allowed to supervise, criticize and make comments.

The New York Times

I saw Mr Howard make comments about President Obama.

The Guardian

Fifa said it "cannot make comments about potential scenarios".

The Guardian - Sport

It was something that he felt very acutely, and he would make comments about it.

The Economist

He added, "We would like to get Perelman to make comments.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make comments" when you want to encourage someone to express their thoughts or opinions on a particular topic. It's a neutral and generally well-accepted phrase across various contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "make comments" when a more specific verb would provide greater clarity. For example, instead of saying "The team will make comments on the proposal", specify whether they will "approve", "revise", or "reject" it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make comments" functions as a verb phrase, where "make" acts as a light verb taking "comments" as its object. It describes the act of expressing opinions, observations, or feedback. Ludwig shows it is used to invite responses or relay actions of expressing opinions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make comments" is a versatile and commonly used expression for describing the act of giving opinions or feedback. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its neutral register and widespread usage across various contexts, from news media to scientific publications, make it a reliable choice for both formal and informal communication. When using "make comments", ensure the context is appropriate and consider whether a more specific verb might enhance clarity. Alternatives such as "offer feedback" or "express opinions" can be used to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offer feedback

Focuses on providing constructive input or evaluation.

express opinions

Highlights the act of stating one's personal views or beliefs.

provide input

Emphasizes contributing ideas or information to a discussion or project.

voice concerns

Specifies the expression of worries or doubts about something.

share thoughts

Indicates the act of communicating one's ideas or reflections.

state observations

Highlights the act of noting and reporting specific details or facts.

raise questions

Focuses on posing inquiries or seeking clarification.

give remarks

Offers a formal or official statement.

deliver commentary

Suggests providing a detailed explanation or analysis of a subject.

air views

Emphasizes publicly expressing one's opinions or perspectives.

FAQs

How do I use "make comments" in a sentence?

You can use "make comments" to describe the act of expressing opinions or providing feedback. For example, "The panel members were invited to make comments after the presentation."

What are some alternatives to "make comments"?

Alternatives include "offer feedback", "express opinions", or "provide input", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "make comments" or "give comments"?

Both "make comments" and "give comments" are acceptable, but "make comments" is generally more common and sounds more natural in contemporary English. The choice often depends on personal preference and the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "make comments" in formal writing?

It's perfectly appropriate to use "make comments" in formal writing when you need a general term for expressing opinions or providing feedback. For instance, in a report, you might write, "Stakeholders were encouraged to make comments on the draft proposal".