offhand comment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "offhand comment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a remark made casually or without much thought, often in a spontaneous manner. Example: "During the meeting, she made an offhand comment about the project's timeline that caught everyone's attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's hard to write that off as an offhand comment.

The New York Times

It was an offhand comment, and obviously true.

The New York Times

But then he made an offhand comment: he also coached a rugby team composed of convicts.

The New York Times

To this viewer, it sounded like an offhand comment, but that wasn't how the markets interpreted it.

The New Yorker

It was that kind of offhand comment that impressed me tremendously," says Gordon.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Trump instead repeated an offhand comment the Russian had for Mr. Trump.

The New York Times

Bono's idea wasn't an offhand comment he made while getting drinks with a buddy.

The Guardian - Music

Mr. Marks's attitude about drugs is distilled in his offhand comment about the war on drugs in the United States.

The New York Times

He initially aspired to a career in medicine but an offhand comment from his year 8 teacher changed that.

The Guardian

— but winces at an offhand comment by Alain de Botton that the novel is "the most overrated ever".

The New York Times

Senator Robert G. Torricelli issued his own statement, saying: "There is a difference between an offhand comment and prejudice.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "offhand comment", consider the potential impact of seemingly casual remarks, especially in professional or sensitive settings. Even a seemingly harmless comment can be misinterpreted or cause unintended offense.

Common error

Avoid dismissing potentially hurtful or offensive statements as "just an offhand comment". Acknowledge the impact of your words, regardless of intent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "offhand comment" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a type of remark or statement, often characterized by its casual or unplanned nature. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "offhand comment" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a casual or unplanned remark. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's frequently used in news and media contexts. While the phrase itself is neutral, it's important to consider the potential impact of such remarks, especially in formal settings. Alternatives such as "casual remark" or "flippant remark" can be used to convey slightly different nuances. Using this phrase in writing requires being mindful of the context and potential consequences of seemingly harmless statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

casual remark

Focuses on the relaxed and informal nature of the comment.

passing comment

Highlights the brevity and insignificance of the remark.

spontaneous comment

Highlights the unplanned and immediate nature of the comment.

flippant remark

Emphasizes the lack of seriousness or respect in the comment.

throwaway line

Suggests the comment was made without much thought or intention.

careless remark

Emphasizes the lack of care or consideration in the comment.

hasty comment

Emphasizes the speed and lack of deliberation in making the comment.

incidental remark

Indicates the comment was secondary or not central to the conversation.

unpremeditated remark

Focuses on the lack of planning or forethought behind the comment.

unintentional remark

Highlights the inadvertent nature of the comment, suggesting it may have been unintended or revealing.

FAQs

How can I use "offhand comment" in a sentence?

You can use "offhand comment" to describe a casual or spontaneous remark. For example, "His "offhand comment" about the company's profits caused concern among the employees."

What's the difference between "offhand comment" and "deliberate statement"?

"Offhand comment" refers to a casual remark made without much thought, while "deliberate statement" implies a carefully considered and intentional declaration. The key difference lies in the intention and forethought behind the expression.

What can I say instead of "offhand comment"?

You can use alternatives like "casual remark", "flippant remark", or "passing comment" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to make an offhand comment?

While "offhand comments" can be harmless, it's essential to consider the context and potential impact on others. In formal or sensitive situations, it's often best to avoid casual remarks that could be misinterpreted or cause offense.