no comment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "no comment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you don't wish to answer a question or comment on a situation. For example: Q: What do you think of the recent political decisions? A: No comment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Brooks Brothers Statement "No comment.

The New York Times

Maribeu Glasscock (No comment).

The New York Times

(DC) No comment.

The New York Times

("No comment," said a spokesman).

The New York Times

"No comment, no comment".

The Guardian - Film

"No comment...

The Washington Post

We have no comment".

The New York Times

(Barkley made no comment).

The New York Times - Health

Cinemark had no comment.

The New York Times

NYRA had no comment.

The New York Times - Sports

"No comment," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "no comment", maintain a neutral tone to avoid creating suspicion or appearing evasive. Body language and demeanor can significantly impact how the response is perceived.

Common error

Avoid using "no comment" as a default response to every inquiry. Overuse can damage credibility and create an impression of dishonesty or unwillingness to engage. Reserve it for sensitive situations where silence is genuinely the best option.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "no comment" functions as an interjection or a statement of refusal. It's used to decline answering a question or providing an opinion. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where individuals or organizations invoke it to avoid making statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "no comment" is a common phrase used to decline answering a question or making a statement. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media and formal business settings. While generally neutral in register, its overuse can be perceived negatively. It's important to consider the context and potential implications when choosing to respond with "no comment". Alternative phrases like "I decline to answer" or "I'm not at liberty to say" can offer more nuanced ways to avoid providing information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I have no response

Simple and direct way of refusing to answer.

I decline to answer

More formal and direct refusal to respond.

I'd rather not say

Polite way of avoiding a direct answer.

I'm not at liberty to say

Indicates a restriction preventing disclosure of information.

I cannot disclose that information

Formal refusal due to confidentiality or policy.

I'm not prepared to discuss that

Refusal to discuss a topic at the current time.

That's confidential

Indicates the information is private and cannot be shared.

That's off the record

Indicates the information should not be made public.

My lips are sealed

Informal way of saying one will not reveal a secret or information.

I'm not going there

Informal way of refusing to discuss a topic.

FAQs

How can I use "no comment" in a sentence?

You can use "no comment" as a direct response to a question when you wish to decline to answer. For example, if a reporter asks about ongoing investigations, a politician might reply, "No comment".

What are some alternatives to saying "no comment"?

Depending on the situation, you could use alternatives like "I decline to answer", "I'm not at liberty to say", or "I'd rather not say".

Is it rude to respond with "no comment"?

While "no comment" is a valid response, it can sometimes be perceived as evasive or impolite. Context and tone are crucial. Consider whether a brief, neutral statement might be more appropriate.

When is it appropriate to use "no comment"?

It is appropriate to use "no comment" when answering might compromise legal proceedings, violate confidentiality agreements, or create unnecessary controversy. It's often used in situations where any response could be misconstrued or harmful.