quipped

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "quipped" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a witty or clever remark made in a light-hearted manner. Example: "During the meeting, she quipped that the project deadline was just a suggestion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In an address to an International Women's Day breakfast in which he compared himself to former American president Richard Nixon, Abbott said his wife quipped having three daughters helped turn an "unreconstructed bloke into a feminist".

The Guardian

Responding to a query about diversity quotas at Sky, Millichip quipped: "You're hard-pressed to find a straight white bloke at Sky Vision".

The Guardian

The organiser quipped: "I think your being blonde was a bonus".

The Guardian

Talking about the importance of early childhood education, and the need to talk, read and sing to babies, Clinton quipped: "My poor granddaughter – her first words are going to be 'Stop it'".

The Guardian

"But this is what happens when you have two parties," he quipped.

The Guardian

"I hope I look that good when I'm 92," the president quipped, as Halvorsen stood and waved.

The Guardian

Pointing to the lack of crowds baying for politicians' and bankers' blood outside the Dail she quipped that the Irish were "too busy whining about the politicians and the bankers on the Joe Duffy Show" to go out demonstrating.

The Guardian

Instead, a politician who shuns the spotlight and famously quipped he prefers "dark, secret rooms" will occupy the centre-stage in Ypres and in Brussels the following day.

The Guardian

"Tillis is a white wine guy in a blue jean and beer party," quipped one local Democratic campaign aide.

The Guardian

"Let's go home," he quipped to a police officer as he left again for prison.

The Guardian

Referring to a Haaretz front page headline which read "John Kerry's upcoming visit to Israel is fourth attempt to push stone up the hill", one western diplomat quipped: "It's more like pushing water up hill.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quipped" when you want to suggest a quick, witty, and often slightly sarcastic remark. It adds a touch of levity or irony to the dialogue or narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "quipped" in contexts where the tone is serious or somber. The word implies a lightheartedness that can be inappropriate or jarring in such situations. Instead, opt for more neutral verbs like "said" or "remarked".

Linguistic Context

The word "quipped" functions as a verb, specifically the past tense of the verb "quip". It indicates the action of making a witty or clever remark. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quipped" is a grammatically sound and very common verb used to describe the act of making a witty or clever remark. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It's frequently found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. When using "quipped", ensure the context is appropriate for a lighthearted or ironic tone. Be mindful of overusing it in serious situations. Alternatives like "joked" or "remarked humorously" can provide similar meanings. Its authoritative usage in sources such as The Guardian and The Economist confirms its place in standard English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

joked

A more direct and common synonym, implying a lighthearted comment.

remarked humorously

Focuses on the manner of the remark, highlighting its humorous intent.

jested

A more formal synonym for joked, suggesting a playful or humorous intent.

said facetiously

Emphasizes the ironic or sarcastic nature of the statement.

commented wryly

Implies a dry or subtly humorous observation.

retorted playfully

Suggests a quick, witty response delivered in a good-natured way.

wisecracked

Indicates a clever, often impromptu, humorous comment.

added with a grin

Highlights the speaker's expression, indicating amusement or slyness.

offered a bon mot

Suggests a particularly witty and elegant remark.

punned

Indicates the use of a pun or play on words.

FAQs

How can I use "quipped" in a sentence?

"Quipped" is used to indicate that someone has made a witty or clever remark. For example, "'I'll be there in spirit,' she "quipped", knowing she couldn't attend the event."

What can I say instead of "quipped"?

You can use alternatives such as "joked", "remarked humorously", or "said facetiously", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "quipped" or "said"?

Both "quipped" and "said" are grammatically correct, but they have different meanings. "Said" is a neutral verb, while "quipped" implies a witty or humorous remark. Use "quipped" when the remark is intended to be clever or funny.

What's the difference between "quipped" and "retorted"?

"Quipped" suggests a lighthearted and witty comment, while "retorted" implies a sharp, defensive, or angry response. If the comment is intended to be funny or clever, use "quipped"; if it's a quick, often defensive reply, use retorted.