superficial remarks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "superficial remarks" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe comments or observations that lack depth or thoroughness, often implying they are trivial or not well thought out. Example: "During the meeting, he made several superficial remarks that did not address the core issues we were facing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

No one feels safe anymore, because nobody can feel that international law is like a stone wall that will protect them". At a superficial level, his remarks might sound like the standard plaints from Western liberals about American "unilateralism," which is how they were portrayed in some European news accounts.

Los Angeles Times

Describing a meeting Mr. Prince held a few weeks ago with about 400 Citigroup bankers, several who attended said Mr. Prince's remarks struck them as superficial.

The New York Times

Superficial differences of terminology notwithstanding, all these remarks, it seems fair to say, focus on one and the same underlying concept a concept which, in fact, is very widely recognized within philosophy.

SEP

Yorck remarks that "only an abstract and superficial thinking" construes the feeling of mortality as the result of a "probabilistic inference" (ST, 90).

SEP

In a tribute to an outgoing Olver and Barney Frank, Ed Markey remarked unlike other elected officials who embraced superficial positions to curry public favor, the two were "happy to tell you [they] disagree with you" if they believed so.

Wikipedia

Also, Fleck's remarks on epistemology of Kant, Mach, Wundt and Uexküll's are superficial and dispersed he does not adopt views from them, but only looks for some superficial confirmation of his own claims.

SEP

By contrast, the tattoos remark seems designed to do the opposite - emphasis the superficial, decorative enhancements to the new offer.

The Guardian

In particular, it is remarked here that non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NTP) could treat some tumors under the superficial skin such as melanoma, as well as head and neck cancers [ 9, 10].

BMC Genomics

Nothing superficial".

The New Yorker

Superficial reconciliation can bring only superficial healing.

University of California, Berkeley

"Fashion is superficial, momentary.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "superficial remarks" when you want to criticize comments that lack depth, thoroughness, or genuine insight. It suggests a lack of serious engagement with the topic at hand.

Common error

Avoid using "superficial remarks" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise and nuanced language may be required to accurately critique the substance of arguments or observations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "superficial remarks" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where 'superficial' modifies 'remarks'. It is used to characterize statements or comments as lacking depth, insight, or thoroughness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "superficial remarks" is a commonly used phrase to describe comments lacking depth or thoroughness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. It is found across various contexts, including news, academia, and general discussions, making it a versatile tool for critical assessment. While useful, it's important to consider alternative phrases like "shallow comments" or "cursory observations" to convey specific nuances. Be mindful of the register and avoid overuse in highly formal or academic settings where more precise language may be preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shallow comments

Emphasizes the lack of depth in the comments.

cursory observations

Highlights the brief and incomplete nature of the observations.

glib statements

Suggests the remarks are smooth but insincere and lacking depth.

skin-deep comments

Similar to superficial, indicating a lack of substance.

frivolous remarks

Emphasizes the lack of seriousness or importance in the remarks.

empty words

Focuses on the lack of meaning or substance in the remarks.

thoughtless comments

Highlights the lack of consideration or careful thought behind the remarks.

meaningless statements

Suggests the remarks have no real significance or purpose.

simplistic observations

Implies the observations are overly simplified and lack nuance.

perfunctory comments

Highlights the remarks are carried out with minimal effort or reflection.

FAQs

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

You can use "superficial remarks" to describe comments that lack depth or careful thought. For example, "His presentation was full of "superficial remarks" that didn't address the core issues."

What are some alternatives to "superficial remarks"?

Alternatives include "shallow comments", "cursory observations", or "glib statements" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "superficial remarks" or "shallow remarks"?

Both "superficial remarks" and "shallow remarks" are acceptable, but "superficial remarks" might imply a broader lack of engagement, while "shallow remarks" more directly point to a lack of depth.

What does it mean when someone describes comments as "superficial remarks"?

It generally means the person believes the comments lack substance, depth, or careful consideration. It suggests the remarks don't engage with the core issues or ideas in a meaningful way.