making any comment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "making any comment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of providing feedback or expressing an opinion on a particular subject. Example: "Before we finalize the report, I would appreciate it if everyone could take a moment to consider making any comment they feel is necessary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He left without making any comment.

Independent

He's not making any comment".

The Guardian

The HMRC said it was not making any comment.

Independent

"We are not making any comment on that".

The Guardian

"I am not making any comment on that.

The Guardian - Business

"He won't be making any comment," Dyke said.

The New York Times - Sports

Lord Watson left the court without making any comment.

The Guardian

Mr. Stang said company policy forbade his making any comment.

The New York Times

Doherty said: "I am not making any comment.

The Guardian

An RBS spokesman said they would not be making any comment.

Independent

Her husband Edward, 63, Freddie's father, said: "We will not be making any comment.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "making any comment" when you want to indicate a refusal to provide information or an opinion on a specific matter. It's often used in formal or professional settings.

Common error

Ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is refraining from commenting on. Without proper context, the phrase can sound vague or evasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "making any comment" typically functions as a verbal phrase indicating a deliberate choice to abstain from providing an opinion, explanation, or statement on a specific matter. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase often appears in journalistic contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "making any comment" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a decision not to provide an opinion or statement on a particular subject. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, as exemplified by Ludwig, it serves to signal a deliberate silence, often for strategic or protective reasons. While generally neutral in register, ensuring clarity in context is crucial to avoid ambiguity. When you want to use alternative expressions take into account the semantic similarity scores.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offering any remarks

Focuses on providing a formal statement or observation.

giving any feedback

Implies providing constructive criticism or suggestions.

providing input

Highlights contributing to a discussion or process.

offering observations

Suggests sharing objective viewpoints or findings.

expressing views

Emphasizes conveying personal opinions or beliefs.

issuing a statement

Focuses on releasing an official announcement.

declaring a position

Highlights making a formal and often public declaration.

volunteering insights

Suggests offering valuable or revealing information.

furnishing details

Emphasizes supplying specific and relevant information.

contributing thoughts

Highlights adding personal reflections or ideas.

FAQs

How can I use "making any comment" in a sentence?

You can use "making any comment" to indicate that someone is choosing not to provide an opinion or information. For example, "The suspect left the courthouse without "making any comment"".

What's a more formal way to say "making any comment"?

More formal alternatives include "issuing a statement" or "offering remarks". These phrases suggest a more official or considered response, compared to simply "making any comment".

What can I say instead of "making any comment" to sound less evasive?

To sound less evasive, you could say "declined to comment at this time" or "not in a position to comment". These alternatives acknowledge the request for information while still indicating a refusal to speak. It's generally better to give a reason, if possible, when you are "making any comment".

Is it ever appropriate to use "no comment" instead of "making any comment"?

Yes, "no comment" is a shorter, more direct way of saying the same thing. It is often used by public figures or in legal situations. However, it can sometimes be perceived as curt or uncooperative. Whether you choose that or "making any comment" depends on the tone you're trying to convey.