terse remark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "terse remark" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief and concise statement, often implying a lack of warmth or elaboration. Example: "Her terse remark left everyone in the room feeling a bit uncomfortable, as it seemed dismissive of their concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

McAllister hasn't said much to the media since the arrest, aside from a terse remark via his lawyer that he has "a much different version of events".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Her terse remarks on ethics sound convincing, not preachy.

The Economist

In terse remarks before sentencing, Ms. Pettway, 50, apologized to the family of the kidnapped girl, Carlina White, and said, "I am here today to right my wrong and ask for forgiveness".

The New York Times

In his terse remarks, Trump departed from the customs of political concession speeches by failing to congratulate the evening's winner or thank his supporters, instead sternly warning the people of Wisconsin to "lawyer up".

The New Yorker

Mr. Sharon has made similarly bellicose statements about Mr. Arafat in the past, but his terse remarks on Sunday night seemed intended to prepare Israel and the world for a major new assault on the West Bank, and possibly for a raid into Mr. Arafat's office itself.

The New York Times

In a matter of moments, the situation devolved from terse remarks into a tug-of-war over the deadly weapon.

Vice

In New York, the mayor's office offered a terse comment on Saturday over a remark that Rupert Murdoch said Mr. Bloomberg had made about Mr. Obama after playing golf with the president over the summer.

The New York Times

His terse comment spoke volumes.

Huffington Post

Butler believed Wordsworth's use of the phrase "the difference to me!" was overly terse, and remarked that the poet was "most careful not to explain the nature of the difference which the death of Lucy will occasion him to be.

Wikipedia

I took a seat in Rosa's living room with ten older Dominican ladies, a 79-year-old Alzheimer's patient named Isabelle, and a put-out-looking guy named Victor who kept dropping these terse deadpan remarks that made all the women crack up.

Vice

In the cleaning montage that follows, Sam's face, movements, and terse but tender remarks to her mother form a tableau depicting just how many emotions hurt, obligation, resentment, frustration can be contained within love.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "terse remark" when you want to convey that a statement was not only brief but also possibly abrupt or lacking in detail. It's suitable for describing direct and to-the-point communication, especially in situations where more elaboration might be expected.

Common error

Avoid using "terse remark" in highly formal or professional settings where a more nuanced description might be appropriate. In such contexts, phrases like "brief comment" or "concise statement" may be more suitable as they don't necessarily imply negativity or abruptness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "terse remark" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "terse" modifies the noun "remark". It serves to describe a statement characterized by its brevity and conciseness, often with an implication of abruptness or a lack of warmth. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "terse remark" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that describes a brief, concise, and potentially abrupt statement. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is best used when you want to emphasize not only the brevity of the comment but also its possible lack of warmth or elaboration. Although it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, its neutral register allows for use across various settings. While effective in conveying directness, it is essential to consider the context and avoid overuse in formal situations where a more nuanced description might be preferable. Alternative phrases such as "brief comment" or "curt statement" offer options for conveying similar meanings with slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terse response

It replaces remark with response with close meaning.

brief comment

Focuses on the brevity of the statement, without necessarily implying negativity or abruptness.

curt statement

Emphasizes the abruptness and potential rudeness of the statement.

abrupt statement

Focuses on the suddenness and unexpected nature of the statement.

succinct observation

Highlights the conciseness and insightful nature of the comment.

laconic reply

Suggests a response using very few words, often implying reluctance to speak.

concise declaration

Highlights clear and brief pronouncement.

short response

Simply indicates a brief answer, without any additional connotations.

brief communication

Highlights brevity in any form of communication.

pithy comment

Emphasizes the meaningfulness and wit packed into a few words.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "terse remark" in a sentence?

Use "terse remark" to describe a statement that is brief, concise, and possibly abrupt. For example, "Her "terse remark" left everyone in the room feeling uncomfortable."

What are some alternatives to "terse remark"?

You can use alternatives like "brief comment", "curt statement", or "succinct observation" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "terse remark"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that a statement was not only brief but also potentially abrupt, unfriendly, or lacking in detail. It's suitable for situations where more elaboration might be expected or desired.

What connotations does "terse remark" carry?

"Terse remark" often implies a lack of warmth or willingness to engage in further discussion. It can suggest that the speaker is being deliberately short or dismissive. Consider the context carefully to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the intended meaning.