mentioning something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mentioning something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of bringing up or referring to a specific topic or item in conversation or writing. Example: "During the meeting, she was careful about mentioning something that could be sensitive to the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

I'm just mentioning something that I've stumbled on — and over.

The New York Times - Books

Has a politician nonetheless managed to get loads of publicity for mentioning something from the telly?

The Guardian

She said his "hobbies were playing football and swimming," adding, "I had never heard him mentioning something like Al Qaeda or bin Laden, or anything anti-American".

The New York Times

A newer development in corporate doublespeak, in most companies it is grounds for dismissal to release a press release without mentioning something 'going forward'.

The Guardian

I posted a query on its London pages looking for two Arsenal-West Ham tickets, shamelessly mentioning something about my son's burning desire to see Fàbregas play.

The New York Times - Travel

To fill its depleted reservoir of jokes, Adam Herz's new script frequently tries to generate laughs simply by mentioning something from his old one.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Mr. Sussman mentioned something similar.

The New York Times

"He just mentioned something about a picture".

The New York Times

He mentioned something called plate coverage.

The New Yorker

No, he just mentioned something".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Another mentioned something about a family wedding.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mentioning something", ensure the context makes it clear what is being mentioned to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "mentioning something" without providing sufficient context, as it can leave the reader or listener wondering what was actually mentioned. Be specific or immediately follow with details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mentioning something" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. It describes the act of bringing up a topic or detail. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mentioning something" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that serves to refer to the act of introducing a topic or detail. As Ludwig AI affirms, this phrase is perfectly acceptable in written English and usable in several contexts. While versatile, it's crucial to provide sufficient context to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "referring to something" or "bringing up something" can be used depending on the desired nuance. The phrase enjoys frequent use in News & Media, making it suitable for general communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

referring to something

Uses "referring" instead of "mentioning", implying a more direct reference.

raising something

Highlights the act of bringing up an issue or question for discussion.

bringing up something

Focuses on the act of introducing a topic into conversation.

pointing out something

Highlights the act of drawing attention to a specific detail or fact.

alluding to something

Implies a subtle or indirect reference, unlike the more straightforward "mentioning".

touching on something

Suggests a brief or superficial discussion of the topic.

noting something

Implies a formal or written record of the information.

indicating something

Suggests a less direct form of communication than explicitly stating.

observing something

Focuses on the act of noticing and commenting on something.

specifying something

Focuses on giving explicit details about something.

FAQs

How can I use "mentioning something" in a sentence?

You can use "mentioning something" to introduce a topic or detail that was brought up in a conversation or text. For example, "She avoided "mentioning something" controversial during the meeting".

What are some alternatives to "mentioning something"?

Alternatives include "referring to something", "bringing up something", or "touching on something", depending on the context.

Is it better to be specific instead of "mentioning something"?

In most cases, being specific is clearer and more informative. "Mentioning something" is suitable when the exact details are not important or have already been established. If you want to highlight details, you can try "specifying something".

What's the difference between "mentioning something" and "alluding to something"?

"Mentioning something" is a direct reference, while "alluding to something" implies an indirect or subtle reference. Alluding is more subtle and less explicit.