thought-provoking comment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thought-provoking comment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a remark or statement that stimulates deep thinking or reflection. Example: "Her thought-provoking comment during the discussion made everyone reconsider their viewpoints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Fashion doesn't give a damn about garment workers Thought-provoking comment piece by Lucy Siegle – author of To Die For: Is Fashion Wearing Out the World – which gives an insight into the fashion industry and how the world's 40 million garment workers work to try and complete near-impossible orders.

The Guardian

Thank you for this very thought-provoking comment.

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The debt burden stimulated by highly accommodative monetary policy might not generate much additional current demand and might also restrain future consumption and investment, providing a lower future growth path and a deflationary outcome.It is all good thought-provoking stuff, as are the comments on regulation, to which I will return in a later post.

The Economist

Asynchronous communication also allows students to reflect on readings and what they are learning from others, elaborate on comments, and post thought-provoking questions to encourage others to think further about a topic.

International Journal of STEM Education

We thought it would make a thought-provoking exhibition".

The New York Times

Comments on the Chinese internet are often monosyllabic and short, and rarely thought-provoking.

The Guardian - Opinion

One student commented that "The students from Hong Kong were very active and their posts were thought-provoking.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

Thought-provoking stuff.

The Guardian

Helen Cadbury Poignant, powerful, thought-provoking.

The Guardian

It's thought-provoking.

The Guardian

Terrifying, thought-provoking, hilarious.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thought-provoking comment" when you want to highlight that a particular statement has the power to stimulate reflection and deeper consideration.

Common error

While "thought-provoking comment" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "insightful remark" or "stimulating observation" to keep your writing fresh and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thought-provoking comment" functions as a descriptive modifier followed by a noun. It characterizes the type of comment being made, indicating its ability to stimulate thought and reflection. Ludwig confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thought-provoking comment" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe a remark that stimulates deep thinking. As confirmed by Ludwig, it serves to emphasize the intellectual quality of a statement. While its usage is relatively rare, it appears in diverse contexts, including news and scientific publications. To avoid repetition, consider using synonyms such as "insightful remark" or "stimulating observation". Overall, while "thought-provoking comment" is correct, remember to contextualize the phrase based on audience and desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insightful remark

Replaces "comment" with "remark", emphasizing the depth of understanding shown.

stimulating observation

Uses "observation" instead of "comment", highlighting the act of noticing something significant.

provocative statement

Substitutes "thought-provoking" with "provocative", suggesting the comment challenges existing ideas.

incisive analysis

Highlights the sharpness and thoroughness of the comment's analytical quality.

enlightening perspective

Emphasizes how the comment sheds light on a new way of understanding something.

intellectually stimulating point

Replaces "comment" with "point", and uses a more formal tone to describe its effect.

conceptually rich idea

Focuses on the density and depth of the idea expressed in the comment.

mind-opening contribution

Highlights the comment's ability to broaden one's understanding.

deeply reflective thought

Shifts focus from the comment itself to the depth of thought it represents.

significant intellectual input

Emphasizes the importance and intellectual value of the comment.

FAQs

How to use "thought-provoking comment" in a sentence?

You can use "thought-provoking comment" to describe a remark that stimulates reflection. For example: "Her "thought-provoking comment" during the debate changed the direction of the discussion."

What can I say instead of "thought-provoking comment"?

You can use alternatives like "insightful remark", "stimulating observation", or "provocative statement" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What makes a comment "thought-provoking"?

A "thought-provoking comment" challenges assumptions, offers a new perspective, or raises important questions that encourage deeper thinking about a topic.

Is "thought-provoking comment" formal or informal?

"Thought-provoking comment" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in more formal settings, you might opt for phrases like "incisive analysis" or "enlightening perspective" to add a touch of sophistication.