they commented that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they commented that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when reporting what someone has said or expressed an opinion about a particular topic. Example: "During the meeting, they commented that the new policy would improve productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They commented that the campaigns were well organized and that all of the obvious things — split-testing ads, using negative keywords, separate ad groups and separate campaigns, etc. — were already in use.

The New York Times

They commented that it was scary to think about how long all that stuff would have continued to take up space and mental energy if they hadn't been forced to deal with it in the move.

The New York Times

When representatives of the company saw the bridge -- still connected to the barge that was hauling it -- Mr. Vitiello said, they commented that they said "they've seen far worse".

The New York Times

They commented that postsurgical distraction of the condyle was consistently associated with relapse.

Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

When I got back to Australia and showed it to my family, they commented that it looked like a rock.

BBC

Nonetheless, they commented that the unification of regulatory bodies of SWD and ED was conducted on an administrative and structural level.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

For example, they commented that 'I consider it [buying a car] an issue of convenience, related to improving quality of life' and that digital products 'bring convenience to life'.

The Journal of Chinese Sociology

They commented that this type of vehicle model is appropriate when vertical acceleration of car body is <0.05 g (g is the acceleration due to gravity) and unsprung mass inertia force is low compared to vehicle weight.

Urban Rail Transit

They commented that knowing scores in advance may lead to a negative psychological mentality, such as a sense of complacency or disappointment, which subsequently affect their self-correction and learning attitude.

Asia-Pacific Science Education

They commented that the track lifted the doubts they had about the game's potential.

Wikipedia

As judges re-sentenced Bayley, they commented that his prospects for rehabilitation were minimal.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “they commented that” to introduce a direct quote or paraphrase of someone's opinion or observation. This helps to clearly attribute the statement.

Common error

Avoid presenting opinions introduced by “they commented that” as universally accepted truths. Always ensure it's clear that you're reporting someone's perspective, not stating an objective fact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they commented that" functions as a reporting clause, introducing a statement, opinion, or observation made by a group of individuals. As Ludwig AI indicates, it serves to attribute a specific remark to a collective source, providing context for the information that follows.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

22%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they commented that" is a versatile and commonly used phrase for reporting statements, opinions, or observations made by a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across diverse contexts, including science, news media, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure that opinions are not presented as facts and choose alternatives like "they remarked that" or "they noted that" to add nuance. By following these guidelines, you can effectively communicate the views of others while maintaining clarity and accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they remarked that

This alternative is a more formal way to express the same idea.

they noted that

This alternative is a neutral way of saying something was observed or recorded.

they observed that

This alternative implies a careful or scientific observation.

they stated that

This alternative is a direct and formal way of reporting information.

they mentioned that

This alternative suggests a casual or brief reference.

they indicated that

This alternative implies a signal or indirect communication.

they pointed out that

This alternative highlights a specific detail or fact.

they added that

This alternative suggests supplementary information was provided.

they revealed that

This alternative implies the uncovering of previously unknown information.

they disclosed that

This alternative suggests the release of confidential information.

FAQs

How can I use "they commented that" in a sentence?

Use "they commented that" to introduce a statement, observation, or opinion expressed by a group of people. For example: "They commented that the project was well-managed."

What are some alternatives to "they commented that"?

Alternatives include "they remarked that", "they noted that", or "they stated that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "they commented that" or "they said that"?

"They commented that" is generally more formal than "they said that". Use "they commented that" when you want to emphasize the thoughtful or observant nature of the statement. "They said that" is more neutral and widely applicable.

Can "they commented that" be used to introduce a question?

While less common, "they commented that" can introduce a rhetorical question if it reflects a shared sentiment. However, it's generally better to use it to introduce statements, observations, or opinions. For a direct question, use "they asked" or "they inquired".