optional comment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "optional comment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that a comment or input is not mandatory and can be provided at the discretion of the person responding. Example: "Please fill out the form, and feel free to add an optional comment at the end if you have any additional thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

In addition, an optional comment is allowed after the mapping.

Columbia University

The first field contains the keyword name, the second field contains the data type (b = boolean, i = integer, r = real, s = string), the fourth field contains the value (in double quotes if a string), and the seventh field contains an optional comment (also in double quotes).

Harvard University

Participants were required to answer all questions, and there was an optional comment section where additional information could be provided.

Functional Linguistics

You can then highlight any passage in the book, add an optional comment and share to Twitter and Facebook.

TechCrunch

The embeddable button for posting webpages to the Google+ news feed with an optional comment is going to struggle for installs unless Google can prove it drives page views.

TechCrunch

Even though this is an optional comment I feel that detailed discussion on such results would also be a nice addition to support the authors' conclusion that the MacaM is a better assembly and thus offers a better annotation.

Biology Direct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The survey includes five locally-chosen questions, asks about general satisfaction, and provides an optional comments box.

University of Chicago

Jmol SMILES is a superset of OpenSMILES, allowing a freer format, with optional comments and whitespace, optional "processing directives" that specify the meaning of certain aspects of SMILES processing such as aromaticity, a more complete treatment of stereochemistry, and several other minor additions.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Our study did not aim to determine participant contentment with Naturopathic care over other therapies, but we did receive systematic feedback in the form of optional comments on the forms that the participants in the Naturopathic care group increased their interest in seeking CAM care and developed an increased appreciation for Naturopathic care.

Plosone

The opportunity to make optional comments was provided.

Health Research Policy and Systems

We coded optional comments based on identified themes.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "optional comment" in forms or surveys, clearly indicate its purpose to encourage meaningful feedback without pressuring respondents.

Common error

Avoid implying that an "optional comment" is unimportant. Frame it as an opportunity for valuable insights, even if it's not mandatory.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "optional comment" functions as an adjective-noun combination. The adjective "optional" modifies the noun "comment", indicating that the comment is not required. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33.33%

News & Media

33.33%

Academia

33.33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "optional comment" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that denotes a non-mandatory field for providing feedback or additional remarks. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, including academic, news, and scientific domains. When incorporating this phrase, remember to frame it positively, encouraging users to contribute valuable insights without feeling pressured. Alternatives include "voluntary remark" or "non-required note". Keep in mind this approach maximizes user engagement and collects more thoughtful information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

voluntary remark

Replaces "optional" with "voluntary", emphasizing the freedom to add a remark.

optional note

Removes the word comment keeping optional, more focused on the note itself.

optional feedback

Replaces comment with feedback to be more specific about the type of comment.

non-required note

Substitutes both "optional" and "comment" with synonyms, focusing on the absence of a requirement.

additional feedback (optional)

Specifies "comment" as "feedback", clarifying its purpose, with "(optional)" in parentheses.

supplementary remark

Employs "supplementary" to indicate extra information, similar to "optional".

ancillary comment

Uses ancillary, to define a non-essential comment.

optional annotation

Replaces "comment" with "annotation", implying a more specific and detailed remark.

optional observation

Replaces "comment" with "observation", suggesting a more detached and analytical remark.

non-compulsory input

Uses "non-compulsory" to highlight the absence of obligation, and "input" as a broader term for comment.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to include an "optional comment" section?

An "optional comment" section is suitable in surveys, forms, or feedback requests where you want to gather additional insights or allow respondents to elaborate on their answers. It's best used when the standard questions might not cover all possible nuances or individual perspectives.

What can I say instead of "optional comment"?

You can use alternatives like "voluntary remark", "non-required note", or "supplementary remark" depending on the context.

How to encourage respondents to leave an "optional comment"?

Frame the "optional comment" section as an opportunity to provide valuable insights. Explain how the feedback will be used and assure respondents that all comments are read and considered, even if they are not individually acknowledged.

What's the difference between "optional comment" and "required comment"?

An "optional comment" is not mandatory; respondents can choose whether or not to provide additional feedback. A "required comment", on the other hand, must be filled out before the form or survey can be submitted. Consider the necessity of the information when deciding whether a comment should be optional or required.