comment
Very HighNeutral - used across all registers from formal to informal.
Definition
Meaning
a verbal or written remark expressing an opinion or reaction.
can refer to explanatory notes in a text, or a piece of code in programming that is not executed but provides information to developers.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, often implies a response or reaction to something. As a verb, it typically requires a preposition ('on', 'about', 'upon') or direct speech to specify the topic.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is identical. Usage is largely identical, though UK usage may more formally accept 'comment upon' as well as 'comment on'. Both noun and verb are equally frequent in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. The verb can carry a slightly formal tone (e.g., 'declined to comment'). In online contexts, the noun is overwhelmingly common and neutral.
Frequency
Extremely high and comparable in both corpora.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
verb + on/upon/about + NP (He commented on the proposal)verb + that-clause (She commented that it was late)verb + 'No comment' (The minister said, 'No comment')Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No comment (a refusal to answer)”
- “Pass comment (to make a remark, often critical)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in reports and meetings ('The board welcomed your comments on the strategy').
Academic
Used in peer review, feedback, and textual analysis ('The paper includes critical comments on the methodology').
Everyday
Very common in conversation and online interaction ('I read the comments under the video').
Technical
In computing, a line of source code ignored by the compiler, used for documentation ('Add a comment to explain this function').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She declined to comment upon the ongoing investigation.
- Many viewers commented on the programme's historical accuracy.
American English
- The White House has not commented on the latest allegations.
- He commented that the policy needed serious revision.
adverb
British English
- (Rare; not standard. 'Comment-wise' is non-standard slang.)
American English
- (Rare; not standard. 'Comment-wise' is non-standard slang.)
adjective
British English
- The comment section was flooded with replies.
- They faced intense comment-page scrutiny.
American English
- The comment thread grew to over a thousand posts.
- We're waiting for the comment period to end before deciding.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I like your comment.
- Please write a comment.
- He made a funny comment about the film.
- The teacher wrote helpful comments on my essay.
- The director refused to comment on the rumours surrounding the actor.
- Her insightful comment sparked a lengthy debate.
- The judge's obiter dicta contained a pointed comment on the legislature's intent.
- The code is poorly documented, lacking even basic inline comments.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'COMMent' as a 'COMMunication' or 'COMMentary' you make.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE OBJECTS (He threw a comment into the discussion), COMMENTARY IS A LAYER (The text had a layer of critical comments).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'комментарий' for a very short, casual remark; 'remark' may be better.
- Do not translate 'to comment' directly as 'комментировать' in every context; sometimes 'to remark', 'to note', or 'to observe' is more natural.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect preposition: 'comment for the issue' instead of 'comment on the issue'.
- Using as a transitive verb without preposition/speech: 'He commented the article' (incorrect).
Practice
Quiz
Which is a CORRECT use of 'comment' as a verb?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is commonly used as both (e.g., 'to make a comment' (noun) and 'to comment on something' (verb)).
Most commonly 'on' or 'about'. In more formal British English, 'upon' is also acceptable.
It is a standard formula used, especially by public figures, to refuse to answer a question, implying they do not wish to speak on the matter.
They are often interchangeable. A 'remark' can be slightly more spontaneous or casual. A 'comment' can imply more analysis or be part of a feedback context (like 'comments on your work').
Collections
Part of a collection
Media and Communication
B1 · 50 words · Language for discussing media and communication.