comment
A remark or note that shares your thoughts or feelings about something.
Explanation at your level:
A comment is a short message. You write it under a photo or a video. It shows what you think. If you like a video, you can write: 'Great video!' This is a comment.
A comment is a remark that expresses your opinion. You can make a comment in a conversation or leave one online. For example, if you see a post, you can write a comment to say if you like it or not.
A comment is an observation or opinion expressed in speech or writing. In the digital age, it is a standard way to interact with content. You might leave a comment on a blog post to ask a question or provide feedback to the author.
A comment serves as a vessel for feedback or critical analysis. Whether it is a formal comment on a business proposal or an informal reaction to a social media thread, it allows for two-way communication. It is essential for engagement in online communities.
The term comment encompasses both the act of providing critical discourse and the specific remark itself. In academic contexts, a comment may serve as an interpretive note on a text, while in digital media, it represents a user's contribution to a broader conversation. Understanding the nuance between a 'constructive comment' and a 'superficial remark' is key to effective communication.
Etymologically rooted in the Latin commentum, the word comment has evolved from scholarly interpretation to a ubiquitous digital interaction. It functions as a linguistic bridge between the creator and the audience. Whether used as a noun or a verb, it denotes a deliberate act of engagement. Mastery of the word involves understanding its register—from the detached 'no comment' of a politician to the nuanced critique of a literary reviewer.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A comment is a remark or opinion.
- It is used in both speech and writing.
- Online, it is a way to engage.
- It is a countable noun.
Think of a comment as your personal voice in a conversation. Whether you are speaking to a friend or typing on a screen, a comment is simply a way to share your opinion, reaction, or explanation.
In our modern world, the word is most often used for those little text boxes under a YouTube video or an Instagram post. It is a way to join the discussion, show support, or ask a question. It is a fundamental building block of how we communicate online!
The word comment has a long, noble history that travels back to the Latin word commentum, which meant 'invention' or 'thought.' It eventually made its way into Old French as commenter, which meant to explain or interpret a text.
Originally, it was used by scholars who would write notes in the margins of books to explain complex ideas. Over the centuries, it shifted from a scholarly tool to the casual remark we use today. It is fascinating how a word that once meant 'to explain a deep text' now describes a quick emoji or reaction on a social media post!
You can use comment in many different ways depending on the situation. In a formal setting, you might 'make a comment' on a report, which sounds quite professional. In a casual setting, you might 'leave a comment' on a friend's photo.
Common pairings include constructive comment, nasty comment, or witty comment. Notice how the adjective changes the whole vibe of the remark? Using the right word choice helps others understand exactly how you feel about the subject you are discussing.
Idioms help us express ourselves with more flavor. Here are a few:
- No comment: Used to refuse to answer a question, often used by public figures.
- Pass a comment: To make a remark, sometimes when it is not wanted.
- Make a comment: To express an opinion.
- Comment on the side: A quiet, private remark.
- Keep your comments to yourself: A polite way of saying 'be quiet.'
As a noun, comment is countable, so you can have one comment or many comments. In British and American English, the stress is almost always on the first syllable: COM-ment.
It rhymes with 'moment' (loosely) and 'torment.' When using it as a verb, the pronunciation stays the same, which makes it a very easy word to master for English learners!
Fun Fact
It used to mean 'to explain a text' in the Middle Ages.
Pronunciation Guide
Short 'o' sound, stress on first syllable.
Longer 'a' sound, stress on first syllable.
Common Errors
- Misplacing the stress
- Pronouncing the 't' too hard
- Adding an extra syllable
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Very easy to read.
Simple to use.
Easy to pronounce.
Clear sound.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Countable Nouns
a comment
Verb Patterns
comment on
Articles
the comment
Examples by Level
I like your comment.
I like your remark.
Noun usage.
Write a comment.
Type a message.
Imperative verb.
This is a good comment.
This is a nice thought.
Adjective + noun.
Read the comment.
Look at the text.
Definite article.
He made a comment.
He said something.
Verb + noun.
No comments here.
Zero messages.
Plural noun.
She likes my comment.
She enjoys my note.
Possessive pronoun.
See the comment below.
Look at the text under.
Adverb of place.
Please leave a comment below.
I read every single comment.
Her comment was very funny.
Do you have any comments?
I wrote a long comment.
The comment was deleted.
He ignored my comment.
She replied to the comment.
His comment sparked a long debate.
I appreciate your constructive comment.
The article has many negative comments.
She made a snide comment about my hair.
I prefer not to make a comment on that.
The teacher left a comment on my essay.
Please keep your comments brief.
That was an interesting comment to make.
The politician refused to make a comment.
Her insightful comment changed my perspective.
The comment section is full of trolls.
I didn't mean for my comment to sound rude.
He offered a brief comment on the situation.
The editor added a comment in the margin.
Your comment is highly relevant to the topic.
She is known for her witty comments.
His comment was a thinly veiled insult.
The professor provided a detailed comment on my thesis.
Her comment served as a catalyst for the discussion.
I find your comment to be quite provocative.
The report includes a comment on market trends.
He made a scathing comment about the management.
The comment was taken out of context.
She offered a profound comment on human nature.
The author's comment on the social climate is quite poignant.
His comment was met with stony silence.
She delivered a biting comment with a smile.
The document is replete with marginal comments.
A single comment can alter the trajectory of a debate.
His comment was merely a rhetorical flourish.
She provided a scholarly comment on the manuscript.
The comment was an exercise in pure irony.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"No comment"
Refusal to speak.
The CEO said, 'No comment.'
formal"Pass a comment"
To remark, often rudely.
Don't pass comments about her.
casual"Keep comments to yourself"
Do not share your opinion.
Please keep your comments to yourself.
neutral"A side comment"
A quiet or private remark.
He made a side comment to his friend.
neutral"Open for comment"
Ready for public opinion.
The policy is open for comment.
formal"Make a comment on"
To discuss or critique.
I won't comment on that.
neutralEasily Confused
Similar sounds.
Command is an order.
He gave a command.
Same root.
Commentary is a long explanation.
A sports commentary.
Similar beginning.
Commit means to do or promise.
Commit to it.
Similar look.
Common means shared.
Common ground.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + make + a + comment + on + noun
He made a comment on the report.
Subject + leave + a + comment + prep + noun
I left a comment on the video.
Subject + verb + comment
She will comment later.
There + be + comment
There is a comment for you.
Subject + request + a + comment
They requested a comment.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
9
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Comment is both, but don't confuse the structure.
It has two m's.
Make is the standard collocation.
They sound similar but mean different things.
It is a countable noun.
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine a speech bubble above your head.
Native Speakers
They use it to mean 'give your opinion'.
Internet Etiquette
Be kind in comments.
Verb Pattern
Always follow with 'on'.
Stress
Hit the first syllable hard.
Spelling
Don't forget the double 'm'.
Latin Roots
It means invention.
Practice
Write one comment a day online.
Formal Writing
Use 'remark' for variety.
Casual Speech
Use 'comment' for feedback.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
COM-ment: COMing together to talk.
Visual Association
A speech bubble icon.
Word Web
Challenge
Leave one nice comment today.
Word Origin
Latin
Original meaning: Invention or thought
Cultural Context
Unsolicited comments can be seen as rude in some cultures.
Very common in digital culture, especially on social media platforms.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Social Media
- Post a comment
- Delete a comment
- Read the comments
Academic
- Add a comment
- Make a critical comment
- Comment on the text
Business
- No comment
- Provide a comment
- Official comment
Everyday Conversation
- Make a quick comment
- Ignore the comment
- Funny comment
Conversation Starters
"What was the last comment you wrote online?"
"Do you like reading the comment section?"
"Is it better to make a comment or stay silent?"
"Have you ever received a mean comment?"
"What makes a good comment?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a comment that changed your mind.
Describe why people like to leave comments.
If you could comment on anything, what would it be?
How does a comment affect a creator?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, you can comment on something.
C-O-M-M-E-N-T.
Yes, one comment, two comments.
Yes, comments.
Yes, it is a formal word.
The area under a post for comments.
No, it is a set of notes.
It is better to say 'make a comment'.
Test Yourself
Please leave a ___ below.
Context refers to online text.
What is a comment?
Definition check.
A comment is always written.
It can be spoken too.
Word
Meaning
Synonym matching.
Subject-verb-object order.
Score: /5
Summary
A comment is your way of adding your voice to the world, whether through a quick note or a thoughtful opinion.
- A comment is a remark or opinion.
- It is used in both speech and writing.
- Online, it is a way to engage.
- It is a countable noun.
Memory Palace
Imagine a speech bubble above your head.
Native Speakers
They use it to mean 'give your opinion'.
Internet Etiquette
Be kind in comments.
Verb Pattern
Always follow with 'on'.
Example
I wrote a nice comment on your new photo today.
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