offhand remarks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "offhand remarks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe comments made casually or without much thought, often in a spontaneous manner. Example: "During the meeting, she made several offhand remarks that revealed her true feelings about the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

His penchant for offhand remarks offended many and helped him with almost no one.

The New York Times - Health

At times, he offers offhand remarks that support the absurd narrative.

The New York Times

In interviews, the anchors made offhand remarks that it is hard to imagine counterparts at other networks making.

The New York Times

By nature, stratigraphy is a conservative profession, resisting proposals even from its own eminences, let alone offhand remarks from climate scientists.

The New York Times

He brought up offhand remarks from long ago that had stung him, along with decades-old charges of Godard's attempted seduction of actresses.

The New Yorker

From simple insults and offhand remarks to purposely excluding others from groups, these behaviours are largely tolerated in our daily lives and in the workplace.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

This is not some small offhand remark.

The Washington Post

The apparently offhand remark provoked an outcry.

The New York Times

Just a casual question, an offhand remark, as it were.

The Guardian - Books

Finally, in a moment of kismet, an offhand remark changed her life.

The New York Times - Sports

"He is still able to make an offhand remark and cut me to pieces".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "offhand remarks", consider the potential impact of seemingly casual statements, especially in professional or sensitive contexts. Even if unintentional, they can reveal underlying attitudes or cause offense.

Common error

Avoid dismissing the significance of "offhand remarks" simply because they are casual. These comments can offer valuable insights into a person's true feelings or reveal systemic issues that might otherwise remain hidden.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "offhand remarks" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes comments that are made casually and without much forethought. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "offhand remarks" are casual comments often made without much thought or planning. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically sound and very common, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, the impact of "offhand remarks" can vary depending on the context, potentially revealing underlying attitudes or causing unintended offense. Alternatives include "casual comments" and "spontaneous remarks", offering subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

casual comments

Emphasizes the lack of formality and planning in the comments.

spontaneous comments

Highlights the impulsive and unplanned nature of the remarks.

passing comments

Highlights the brief and transient nature of the remarks.

flippant remarks

Suggests a lack of seriousness or respect, potentially being dismissive.

impromptu remarks

Similar to spontaneous, but can also emphasize the context of improvisation.

inadvertent comments

Focuses on the unintentional nature of the remarks, implying they might have been revealing or inappropriate.

unstudied comments

Indicates a lack of careful consideration or preparation.

unpremeditated statements

Stresses the lack of planning or deliberation behind the remarks.

careless comments

Draws attention to the potential for harm or unintended consequences due to the lack of care.

extemporaneous remarks

Highlights that the remarks were spoken without preparation or notes.

FAQs

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

You can use "offhand remarks" to describe casual or spontaneous comments. For example, "His "offhand remarks" during the meeting revealed his true feelings about the project."

What's a good substitute for "offhand remarks"?

Alternatives to "offhand remarks" include "casual comments", "spontaneous remarks", or "flippant remarks", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Are "offhand remarks" always negative?

Not necessarily. While "offhand remarks" can sometimes be insensitive or inappropriate, they can also be humorous or insightful, depending on the context and the intent of the speaker. It depends on context if you want to make it negative or positive.

What is the difference between "offhand remarks" and "deliberate statements"?

"Offhand remarks" are casual and often unplanned comments, while "deliberate statements" are carefully considered and intentionally made. One is spontaneous, the other is strategic.