unkind remarks

USAGE SUMMARY

"unkind remarks" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it anytime someone has made negative or hurtful comments. For example: "I was taken aback by the unkind remarks he made about me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Amel kisses his hand and asks his advice on dealing with the unkind remarks.

Independent

I invited friends to jump on his bed and tried to humiliate him with unkind remarks.

The New York Times - Magazine

The often-irascible Mr. Young then tries to make unkind remarks about Representative Nancy Pelosi of California, the Democratic leader and former speaker, while Ms. Hirono gives him a playful nudge.

The New York Times

Last month on Ain't It Cool News, a Web site that dissects filmmaking from development into production and well past release, Mr. Smith was the subject of a string of unkind remarks from dozens of registered "talk-backers".

The New York Times

Apart from the Kop making unkind remarks about the size of Steve Bruce's head, which the Hull manager took in good spirit, Liverpool produced almost nothing before the interval.

The Guardian - Sport

Not to be harsh, but this effort is destined to go nowhere, and it risks inspiring unkind remarks like one heard in 1993 about Staten Island, that its secession would be comparable to "Gummo leaving the Marx Brothers".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

That's a very unkind remark.

The Guardian - Tech

With each unkind remark he appears more aggressive and powerful; both his body and the text get larger and larger.

The New York Times - Books

"We were enjoying him so much, we began to fear someone would make an unkind remark that would ruin everything," she recalled.

The New York Times

On the campaign trail with Peter F. Vallone, the candidate for mayor, rarely does one hear an unkind remark leveled against the sitting mayor, Rudolph W. Giuliani.

The New York Times

Her lucky dip of obnoxious quotes has also produced classics such as "suicidal prisoners should just kill themselves", that women shouldn't breastfeed in public and the unkind remark that Nigella Lawson is a "self-obsessed flirt".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unkind remarks", consider the impact of those words on the recipient and whether a more constructive approach is possible. Choose your words carefully to avoid causing unnecessary hurt.

Common error

While softening the blow of criticism is sometimes necessary, avoid replacing "unkind remarks" with overly vague euphemisms that dilute the intended message. Be direct while remaining respectful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unkind remarks" functions as a noun phrase, where "unkind" modifies the noun "remarks". It describes the nature or quality of the remarks being made, indicating they are negative or hurtful, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unkind remarks" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe negative or hurtful comments. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides various examples from reputable sources, primarily in news and media. While generally neutral in register, the phrase carries a negative connotation. When employing this phrase, consider the context and potential impact, and explore synonyms like "nasty comments" or "hurtful words" as alternatives to refine the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nasty comments

Replaces "remarks" with "comments", implying a similar level of unpleasantness but is more informal.

hurtful words

Substitutes "unkind" with "hurtful" and "remarks" with "words", emphasizing the emotional impact of the statements.

critical comments

Focuses on the judgmental aspect of the remarks, highlighting their negativity.

offensive statements

Emphasizes the potentially disrespectful or inappropriate nature of the remarks.

disparaging comments

Highlights the belittling or dismissive nature of the remarks.

derogatory remarks

Similar to disparaging, but carries a stronger sense of disrespect and insult.

mean-spirited words

Focuses on the malicious intent behind the remarks, highlighting their cruelty.

unpleasant comments

A milder alternative, simply indicating that the comments are disagreeable.

negative statements

A broader term encompassing any unfavorable comments or declarations.

unfavorable observations

Implies a more detached and objective perspective while still conveying disapproval.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "unkind remarks"?

Alternatives include "nasty comments", "hurtful words", and "offensive statements", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "unkind remarks" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "critical comments" or "disparaging remarks" in academic or professional contexts.

How can I respond to "unkind remarks"?

Strategies include addressing the specific points raised calmly, setting boundaries, or disengaging from the conversation if it becomes unproductive.

What's the difference between "unkind remarks" and "harsh criticism"?

"Unkind remarks" generally refer to individual statements or comments, while "harsh criticism" describes a broader pattern of negative evaluation or judgment.