withhold comment

USAGE SUMMARY

"withhold comment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this expression when you are deliberately choosing not to comment on something. For example: "When asked about the scandal, the mayor chose to withhold comment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

A league official said the N.F.L. would withhold comment until after the hearing.

The New York Times - Sports

The United States and Pakistan routinely withhold comment on suspected drone attacks.

The New York Times

"We are looking at the report, and we'll withhold comment until we've reviewed it," said Tom Kelly, a spokesman.

The New York Times

Mark Thorn, an I.N.S. spokesman, said the agency policy was to withhold comment on "proposed or passed legislation".

The New York Times

Human rights activists said they would withhold comment on the report until after they had time to review it.

The New York Times

A spokeswoman for the mayor, Sunny Mindel, said Mr. Giuliani had not read the letter and would withhold comment.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

CBS News and CNN officials withheld comment.

The New York Times

The Frankfurt exchange withheld comment.

The New York Times

Fidel withheld comment for six weeks.

The New Yorker

Officials from the three states withheld comment on the proposal.

The New York Times

Mr. Reilly acknowledged that Fox had been withholding comment on Ms. Lopez until Ms. Carey committed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the implications of "withholding comment." Silence can be interpreted in various ways, so ensure it aligns with your intended message. It might imply secrecy, lack of information or strategic communication.

Common error

Avoid using "withhold comment" when the intention is to express ignorance or lack of knowledge. This phrase implies a deliberate decision not to speak, not necessarily a lack of information. If you do not know the answer it is not recommended to say that you "withhold comment" because it will sound weird or suspicious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "withhold comment" functions as a declarative statement indicating a decision not to provide an opinion or information on a specific matter. It typically serves as a formal way to decline answering a question or addressing an issue publicly, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "withhold comment" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate a deliberate decision not to provide information or express an opinion. As supported by Ludwig's examples and analysis, it’s frequently employed in journalistic and professional contexts, where strategic communication is crucial. While alternatives like "refrain from commenting" or "decline to comment" offer similar meanings, "withhold comment" often conveys a more formal or strategic tone. It's important to remember, as Ludwig AI indicates, that this phrase implies an informed decision to remain silent, not necessarily a lack of knowledge.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refrain from commenting

Focuses on the act of deliberately stopping oneself from making a comment.

decline to comment

Implies a polite refusal to provide a statement.

offer no comment

Suggests a formal decision not to provide a statement at the current time.

reserve comment

Indicates a decision to postpone commenting until a later time.

remain silent

Highlights the complete absence of any statement or response.

stay tight-lipped

Describes a deliberate refusal to speak, often about a sensitive topic.

stay mum

An informal way to express remaining silent about a matter.

keep quiet

Emphasizes maintaining silence, often implying secrecy.

not disclose information

Focuses on the act of not revealing specific details.

stonewall the issue

Implies actively avoiding answering questions or providing information.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "withhold comment"?

It's appropriate to use "withhold comment" when you are making a deliberate decision not to provide information or express an opinion on a specific matter, often for strategic or legal reasons. It is frequently used by spokespersons, officials, or anyone in a position where their words could have significant consequences.

What does it imply when someone says they "withhold comment"?

Saying you "withhold comment" implies that you are aware of the issue but choosing not to speak about it. This could be due to ongoing investigations, legal sensitivities, strategic communication plans, or other reasons where public statements could be detrimental.

Which is more formal, "decline to comment" or "withhold comment"?

"Withhold comment" and "decline to comment" are both relatively formal. However, "withhold comment" often carries a slightly more official or strategic tone, while "decline to comment" might be used in more personal or less formal settings. The difference is subtle, and context matters.

What are some less formal alternatives to "withhold comment"?

Some less formal alternatives include "stay mum", "keep quiet", or simply "remain silent". These options are more appropriate for casual conversations or when the situation doesn't require a high degree of formality or official posture.