withholds comment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "withholds comment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is choosing not to provide a statement or opinion on a particular matter. Example: "The spokesperson for the company withholds comment on the ongoing investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

PINCHOT DISAPPOINTED.; Withholds Comment on Rejection Plan by Owners.

The New York Times

Archives|PINCHOT DISAPPOINTED.; Withholds Comment on Rejection Plan by Owners.

The New York Times

The District Attorney's office usually announces indictments, but sometimes withholds comment until a defendant appears in court to surrender voluntarily.

The New York Times

OPEN HEARINGS ARE URGED Navy's Offer to Receive Data After Sessions End Is Rejected -- Secretary Withholds Comment.

The New York Times

The United States routinely withholds comment on suspected drone attacks; there have been at least 40 since August.

The New York Times

Schwartz wisely withholds comment, but there's inspiration here — as well as some cheerful pictures — for those siblings who always get stuck playing the butler, rather than the duchess, at dress-up time.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 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

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "withholds comment" when you want to convey a neutral tone, indicating that someone is choosing not to provide information or opinion without implying a reason.

Common error

Avoid using "withholds comment" in casual conversations or informal writing. It's generally more appropriate for journalistic or professional settings where neutrality and formality are desired. Opt for simpler alternatives like "isn't saying" or "won't say" in less formal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "withholds comment" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a deliberate choice to not provide a statement or opinion. This usage aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of correctness and the provided examples, which showcase its common application in journalistic reporting.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "withholds comment" is a grammatically sound and professionally applicable phrase that signifies a deliberate decision to remain silent on a particular matter. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common use in journalistic reporting. While alternatives such as "declines to comment" or "refrains from commenting" offer similar meanings, "withholds comment" strikes a neutral tone, suitable for objective communication. Its primary context lies within news and media, where it's used to inform audiences about a person or entity's choice to abstain from providing information or opinions. Therefore, consider using "withholds comment" when you aim to convey objectivity and formality in your writing, particularly in journalistic or professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

declines to comment

More formal and direct; explicitly states refusal to comment.

refrains from commenting

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes restraint and conscious avoidance.

remains silent

Highlights the absence of any statement or response.

offers no comment

Indicates a lack of any statement at the current time.

stays mum

Informal way to say that someone is not saying anything.

keeps silent

Similar to 'remains silent' but can apply to a more specific situation or time.

avoids commenting

Suggests a deliberate effort to not make a statement.

does not disclose

Focuses on the lack of revealing information, often used in business or legal contexts.

keeps under wraps

Implies secrecy and the active concealment of information.

refuses to disclose

A more assertive way of saying information is not being shared.

FAQs

How to use "withholds comment" in a sentence?

You can use "withholds comment" to indicate that someone is choosing not to provide a statement or opinion on a particular matter. For example: "The spokesperson for the company "withholds comment" on the ongoing investigation."

What can I say instead of "withholds comment"?

You can use alternatives like "declines to comment", "refrains from commenting", or "remains silent" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "withholds comment" or "declines to comment"?

"Declines to comment" is more formal and direct, while ""withholds comment"" carries a more neutral tone. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and the specific context.

What does it mean when someone "withholds comment"?

When someone ""withholds comment"", it means they are choosing not to make a statement or give an opinion on a particular issue. This could be for various reasons, such as legal considerations, strategic reasons, or simply a lack of information.