mention
B1Neutral (used in both formal and informal contexts)
Definition
Meaning
To refer to something or someone briefly or casually in speech or writing.
To acknowledge or cite something formally; to bring something to attention without detailed discussion.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies that the reference is brief or incidental. Can be used to introduce a point without elaboration.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is the same.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries a neutral connotation.
Frequency
Equally common in British and American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
mention somethingmention that clausemention doing somethingmention to someoneVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “not to mention”
- “make no mention of”
- “worth mentioning”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in reports and meetings to briefly refer to points, e.g., 'I should mention the budget constraints.'
Academic
Used in papers to cite sources or note points without detail, e.g., 'The study mentions several limitations.'
Everyday
Common in conversation to bring up topics casually, e.g., 'Did she mention where she was going?'
Technical
In legal or technical documents, to formally acknowledge or cite, e.g., 'The contract mentions the delivery dates.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He didn't mention the time of the meeting.
- She mentioned that she would be late.
American English
- He didn't mention the meeting time.
- She mentioned she'd be late.
adverb
British English
- He spoke mentioningly of her achievements.
American English
- She nodded mentioningly during the speech.
adjective
British English
- The mentioned issues were resolved quickly.
- There was no mentioned reason for the delay.
American English
- The mentioned problems were fixed fast.
- No mentioned cause for the delay.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Can you mention your favourite colour?
- He mentioned his friend.
- She mentioned the new project during the meeting.
- Did he mention where he was going?
- The article mentions several key factors influencing climate change.
- I should mention that the deadline has been extended.
- The report meticulously mentions all relevant precedents without delving into unnecessary details.
- Her speech mentioned the contributions of various stakeholders, albeit briefly.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MENtion' – when men talk, they might mention things briefly.
Conceptual Metaphor
Bringing something into the light of conversation; making something visible in discourse.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly from Russian 'упоминать' in overly formal contexts; 'mention' is often more casual.
- Don't confuse with 'refer', which implies more detail or specificity.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'mention about' instead of 'mention' (e.g., 'He mentioned about the trip' is incorrect; correct is 'He mentioned the trip.')
- Overusing in formal writing where 'cite' or 'note' might be more appropriate.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a correct usage of 'mention'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Yes, 'mention' can also be a noun, as in 'He received a special mention.'
'Mention' is more casual and brief, while 'refer' often implies a more detailed or specific reference.
Avoid using prepositions like 'about' after 'mention'; simply use 'mention' directly followed by the object.