passing remark

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

The death of a circus elephant shapes generations of a small town; a passing remark ruins a plotted-out life.

The New Yorker

In a press release Okairos said the deal included a "small number of early-stage assets".That passing remark turned out to be a big deal.

The Economist

That's why I was surprised to see my friendly sparring partner, Emily Nussbaum, in her splendidly polemical post last week, offer up my passing remark on the subject.

The New Yorker

A passing remark from the new American ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice, prompted a rebuke from her Iranian counterpart.

The New York Times

Someone leaked to the Daily Mirror a passing remark she had made about what a nice man Blair seemed to be (the then opposition leader and Alastair Campbell had also been targets of Di's charm offensive).

The Guardian

It was a passing remark rather than a major point, and the post itself was intended as an undogmatic reflection on prejudice rather than an argument, but perhaps I should clarify what I meant.The piece did not claim as some commenters seem to have inferred that all criticism of Israel was anti-Semitic.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

People have been staring and passing remarks ever since the work began.

The New Yorker

A few passing remarks take note of how, over the years, he has found it ever harder to write; and the passing remarks become insistent.

The New York Times

Despite his best efforts, Mr. Fuld could not help discussing Lehman in passing remarks.

The New York Times

They were passing remarks back and forth the way they do and laughing that wicked way they have.

The New Yorker

Though she had felt, even then, that the brass would win out in the end and the charm sour into his father's talent for passing remarks.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "passing remark", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the brevity and significance (or lack thereof) of the statement. This helps to provide a more clear and precise meaning within your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "passing remark" when the statement in question had a significant or lasting impact. This can create a misunderstanding of the remark's importance and misrepresent its role in the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "passing remark" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a type of statement that is brief and often casual, as showcased in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "passing remark" is a noun phrase used to describe a brief and often casual statement. Its grammatical function is primarily as a subject or object, and it serves to downplay the significance of the comment. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While the register is generally neutral, considering alternatives like "casual comment" or "brief observation" can refine the nuance of your writing. Remember to use "passing remark" accurately, ensuring it reflects the true weight of the statement being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

casual comment

Focuses on the informality of the statement.

fleeting comment

Emphasizes the briefness and lack of depth of the statement.

brief observation

Highlights the act of noticing something quickly.

throwaway line

Suggests the remark was unintentional or unimportant to the speaker.

quick statement

Underlines the speed and lack of elaboration in the statement.

chance remark

Implies that the remark was made by accident or without planning.

incidental comment

Indicates the remark was secondary to the main topic.

offhand comment

Highlights the casual and unplanned nature of the remark.

minor statement

Focuses on the insignificance and small impact of the statement.

cursory observation

Stresses that the observation was shallow and not thorough.

FAQs

What does the term "passing remark" mean?

A "passing remark" refers to a comment or statement made briefly and often casually, without much thought or emphasis. It's usually not the central point of a conversation or discussion.

How can I use "passing remark" in a sentence?

You can say, "She made a "passing remark" about the weather," or "His "passing remark" sparked a heated debate."

What can I say instead of "passing remark"?

You can use alternatives like "casual comment", "brief observation", or "fleeting comment" depending on the context.

Is "passing remark" formal or informal?

"Passing remark" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it leans more towards neutral usage.