make no comment

USAGE SUMMARY

"make no comment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone wants to avoid answering a question or making a statement. For example, a reporter might ask a celebrity, "How do you feel about the accusations against you?" The celebrity might answer, "I'd like to make no comment at this time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The girls make no comment.

The New Yorker

"I make no comment," Linichuk said.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Smith said Mr. Devereaux would make no comment.

The New York Times - Science

"They will be legally advised to make no comment.

The Guardian

UKA last night would make no comment on the changes.

The Guardian - Sport

A spokesman for Ms. Lawson, 53, said she would make no comment.

The New York Times

It said Wednesday that it would make no comment about the app makers' practices.

The New York Times

"We know the Russian church will be quiet, they will make no comment.

The New York Times

"Because I accept the agreement's confidentiality provision, I will make no comment about its content".

The New York Times

Eve Magnant, a spokeswoman for Publicis in Paris, said yesterday, "We will make no comment".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

(Barkley made no comment).

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make no comment" when you want to politely refuse to answer a question or provide an opinion, especially in professional or formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "make no comment" repeatedly in a conversation, as it can come across as evasive or uncooperative. Consider offering a brief explanation or alternative response if appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make no comment" functions as an illocutionary act, specifically a refusal to provide information. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use by individuals and organizations choosing not to disclose information. It's a declarative speech act indicating a decision to remain silent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make no comment" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for declining to provide information or express an opinion. According to Ludwig, it is prevalent in news and media, and also appears in scientific and formal contexts. The phrase serves the purpose of avoiding direct answers, often in sensitive situations. While appropriate for formal settings, overuse can be perceived as evasive. Related phrases include "decline to comment" and "refuse to comment". When used judiciously, "make no comment" is a useful tool for maintaining discretion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decline to comment

Indicates a formal refusal to provide a statement or opinion.

refuse to comment

Similar to "decline to comment" but can imply a stronger unwillingness to speak.

offer no comment

Highlights the absence of a statement or opinion.

remain silent

Focuses on the act of not speaking about a specific topic.

withhold comment

Suggests a deliberate decision to not disclose information.

stay mum

An informal way of saying to remain silent or not provide information.

take the fifth

References the Fifth Amendment right to avoid self-incrimination, implying a legal reason for silence.

clam up

Suggests becoming suddenly silent, often due to discomfort or pressure.

stonewall the issue

Implies deliberately obstructing inquiry by refusing to answer questions.

not respond

Simply indicates a lack of response to a question or request for information.

FAQs

How to use "make no comment" in a sentence?

"Make no comment" is typically used as a direct response to a question, indicating a refusal to answer. For instance, "The spokesperson said they would "make no comment" on the ongoing investigation".

What can I say instead of "make no comment"?

You can use alternatives like "decline to comment", "refuse to comment", or "offer no comment" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "make no comment" in a formal setting?

Yes, "make no comment" is appropriate in formal settings, such as press conferences or legal proceedings, where providing an answer might be detrimental or inappropriate. It's a neutral way to avoid answering.

What does it imply when someone says "make no comment"?

It typically implies that the person does not want to answer the question, either because they are not at liberty to do so, do not have enough information, or prefer not to disclose their opinion. It might also suggest legal advice to "remain silent".