comment1 nouncomment2 verb
commentcom‧ment1 /ˈkɒment $ ˈkɑː-/ ●●● S1 W2 AWL noun 
WORD ORIGINcomment1
Origin:
1300-1400 Late Latin commentum, from Latin, ‘invention’, from comminisci ‘to invent’EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Are there any questions or comments?
- He made some comment about my dress, then carried on reading his book.
- Her comments on interest rates had little impact on financial markets.
- OK, that's what we are suggesting - does anyone have any comments?
- The jurors were not available for comment after the trial.
- We were discussing her new movie, and Jill made some interesting comments about it.
- Acevedo could not be reached for comment.
- Bohan said county park officials are still gathering comments from the public about the proposal.
- But some dissenting comments made in private were unprintable.
- Double Glazing is where we welcome your questions, comments, and experience with Windows.
- Here are some examples of ways in which individual teachers have explored particular comments or happenings.
- Or a math or science teacher who made inappropriate comments throughout the year.
- That talk was fanned by comments from central bank officials.
- There is a set time allowed for the council to receive comments on an application.
THESAURUS
something that you say or write in order to give your opinion: · Does anyone have any comments?· Readers are invited to send in their comments and suggestions.
something that you say: · Just ignore them if they start making rude remarks.· I’m not sure what he meant by that last remark.
something that someone mentions about a subject in a discussion, argument, article etc: · That’s an interesting point, Steve.· He raises (=mentions) a number of important points in his paper.
a comment in which you say what you think or have noticed about something: · Karl Marx made the observation that history repeats itself first as tragedy, second as farce.
a comment made in a low voice, that you intend only certain people to hear: · ‘Is that true?’ she whispered in an aside to Don.
a clever and amusing comment: · She knew she should reply with some light-hearted quip.
informal a comment you make to annoy or criticize someone: · I’m tired of her little digs at me.
a comment intended to make someone angry or upset: · The fans made racist taunts throughout the game.
Longman Language Activatorsomething someone says something that you say, for example about what you think or something that you have noticed: · What do you mean by that remark?· I'm fed up with your snide remarks.· Elliot had been accused of making racist remarks.remark about: · I ignored his rude remark about my clothes.remark on: · Some further remarks on this subject will be made in the next chapter.make a remark: · Mr Hill sat down and made a few remarks about the weather.casual/chance remark (=something that you say for no particular reason): · It was just a casual remark - I didn't mean anything by it.
something that you say or write, especially to give an opinion: · OK, that's what we are suggesting - does anyone have any comments?comment on/about: · He made some comment about my dress, then carried on reading his book.· Her comments on interest rates had little impact on financial markets.make a comment: · We were discussing her new movie, and Jill made some interesting comments about it.
: a strange/stupid/horrible etc thing to say a remark that is strange, stupid etc: · What an awful thing to say about your mother!· I know it's a terrible thing to say, but sometimes I wish I'd never been born.
something you say, that people had not thought about or discussed until you mentioned it: point about: · Michael's point about training is an interesting one.good point: · That's a good point, and we should take it into consideration.make a point (=say something in a discussion, which people had not thought of before): · In his speech, Marks made the point that far more people died from smoking tobacco than from taking drugs.
something that someone says or writes publicly in order to tell people what they intend to do, what their opinion is etc: · In a statement, the BBC admitted that it had given incorrect information.make a statement (=say something publicly): · The President will make a statement to the press this afternoon.
a public or official statement telling people what has happened or what will happen: · The announcement was heard by millions of radio listeners this morning.announcement of/about: · I read the announcement of her death in today's paper.make an announcement: · Silence, please. Mr Bennett is about to make an announcement.
an important official statement, especially about what a government or organization intends to do: declaration that: · They issued a declaration that it will be attempting to take over another three British companies.declaration of war/independence/intent etc: · On the 19th of July a declaration of war was delivered in Berlin.
a remark in which you say what you think or have noticed about something: observation that: · The inspector began his report with the observation that the school was a happy place.observation about: · I agree with your observations about the pricing of products.make an observation: · A tour of Washington DC inspired one visitor to make some interesting observations about the gap between the rich and the poor.
to show that someone or something is bad · His approach to the problem showed a complete lack of understanding.show how/what/why etc · This just shows how the standard of reporting has declined over the past ten years.· Maddie's remarks showed why she is disliked and feared by her fellow workers.
also not say a lot for somebody/something if a fact or achievement does not say much for someone or something, it shows very clearly that they are not as good, skilful etc as they should be: · Only a quarter of the class passed the exam, which doesn't say much for the quality of the teaching.· It doesn't say much for the media that they are criticizing something they haven't even seen yet.
if a bad situation or a bad result is a reflection on someone or something, it shows their character, abilities, or qualities are not very good, because the bad situation or result is their fault: · 'It's no reflection on you,' Fred explained kindly. 'My mum's always like that with my girlfriends.'· When children are criticized, mothers often see it as a reflection on themselves.
also not reflect well on somebody/something if an action or event reflects badly on someone, it shows that they have bad qualities, and this makes people's opinion of them become worse: · The way that the refugees have been treated reflects very badly on the government.· Both women knew that squabbling in public would reflect badly on both of them.
if a bad situation is a comment on problems or changes that affect all of society, it shows that these problems or changes exist and have a bad influence: · The increasing focus on sex and violence in most movies is a comment on the changing tastes of the movie-going public.be a sad/damning comment on: · The food queues were a sad comment on the quality of life in the new republic.· To suggest that people are only honest when it can benefit them, is a damning comment on the human character.
also be a symptom of formal if a small problem is symptomatic of a more serious or general problem, it shows that the more serious or general problem exists: · The whole episode was symptomatic of the US determination to avoid another Cuba. · Noisy classrooms are a symptom of a breakdown in authority.
to show very clearly that a system, plan etc is very bad, very wrong, or is not working in the way that it should: · The movie is neither an indictment nor an endorsement of capital punishment.be a glaring/sad/serious etc indictment of something (=be a very clear sign of something bad): · Numbers of casualties among refugees represent an appalling indictment of Western policy.· It is a serious indictment of a medical profession so arrogant that it dismisses out of hand any 'alternative' forms of therapy.
to show that something such as a system, principle, or idea is completely false, stupid, or ineffective - use this especially when you think it is wrong that something should be made to seem bad or wrong: · If that man gets released, it will make a mockery of our legal system.· Recent expenditure on defense has made a mockery of government promises to improve the lives of ordinary Russians.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYverbs
Eliot appreciated Pound’s caustic wit. Most observers were optimistic, yet some sounded a cautionary note. a cryptic note at the end of the letter The minister declined to comment (=refused to speak to people who report the news) about the progress of the peace talks. She made some disparaging remarks about the royal family. The minister’s provocative remarks were widely reported in the press. He can’t help making sarcastic comments. a scathing attack on the government’s planned tax increases a snide remark about her clothes Officials were unavailable for comment (=not able or willing to talk to reporters).COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE
· Everyone was making appreciative comments about the delicious food.
(=want to make a comment)· Do you have any comments on that, David?
British English (=give an opinion)· He looked at my photos but he didn’t pass comment.
(=ask people to give an opinion)· The website invites comments from people who visit it.
(=be glad to hear people’s opinions)· We would welcome your comments and suggestions.
· It is very helpful to receive comments from the public.
adjectives· I just want to make a very brief comment.
(=one that helps you make progress)· Pay close attention to your teacher’s constructive comments.
· There were some very positive comments in the report.
· The school has received critical comments from inspectors.
(=a criticism that is reasonable)· I accepted as fair comment 90% of what he said.
(=unkind and made in a secret or indirect way)· She made some really snide comments about you when you weren’t here.
(=criticizing someone or something in an unpleasant way)· Never make disparaging comments about a colleague’s work.
(=a very critical one)· There were a lot of scathing comments about the film.
(=showing that you think something is good or nice)· Appreciative comments may improve your staff’s performance.
(=in which you say the opposite of what you mean, as an unkind joke)· I tried to stay calm, despite his sarcastic comments.
(=not very serious or important)· I only made a casual comment about finding the work a bit boring.
(=a quick comment made without thinking about it very carefully)· She got upset about a passing comment I made about her clothes.
(=good at judging people or situations)· His newspaper article is always full of shrewd comments.
(=saying that something is bad in an amusing way)· ‘Perhaps the food could be improved,’ was the wry comment of one prisoner.
(=an angry one)· Several pensioners passed some bitter comments.
· The jury are forbidden from making public comments.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Eliot appreciated Pound’s caustic wit. Most observers were optimistic, yet some sounded a cautionary note. a cryptic note at the end of the letter The minister declined to comment (=refused to speak to people who report the news) about the progress of the peace talks. She made some disparaging remarks about the royal family.· The film excited a lot of favourable comments, both here and in America.
The minister’s provocative remarks were widely reported in the press. He can’t help making sarcastic comments. a scathing attack on the government’s planned tax increases a snide remark about her clothes Officials were unavailable for comment (=not able or willing to talk to reporters).· The owner of the magazine was not normally available for comment if the Press at large wanted to interview him.· Barber was not available for comment Wednesday.· Neither Mr Foot nor representatives of the Mirror's management were available for comment.· Barry, who was not available for comment Thursday night, has never been a favorite of congressional Republicans.· He was usually available for comment and did not talk down to journalists.· Hormel was not available for comment on his donations.· Tonight no one from the stables was available for comment.· Neither Loral nor Lockheed Martin officials were immediately available for comment.
· This chapter ends with some brief comments on the nature of knowledge - scientific and mystic.· Although most readers of this book are probably only too well aware of these rates, a brief comment is none the less appropriate.· But first, a brief general comment about space and time in order to forestall a possible misunderstanding.· The following brief comments constitute an introduction to legal research.· Franks made his preliminary examination of the body, dictating brief comments to his secretary.· At the meeting, Rice made a few brief comments about how he looked forward to working with the group.· Although the order does not propose any great innovations, it is worth making some brief comments on its background.· Liberalization and Cities: Conclusions Three brief comments might usefully be made here.
· Bains quoted with approval the critical comments of the management consultants, McKinsey and Co.· She pushed many people away by her critical, biting comments and narrow prejudices.· In Section 1.2 some critical comments were made of conventional systems analysis.· There is, however, plenty of critical comment outside these works.· Auction catalogues do not carry critical comments on individual items for sale, but there are sometimes introductions with criticism.· The author gives useful critical comment on many of the ideas discussed.· He thumbed through the applications in a knowledgeable manner and made critical comments in imitation of his superiors.
· Which was fair enough comment at the time.· To shit oneself is to admit existence. Fair comment.· To say that temperament is to a certain degree putty in the owner's hands, is fair comment.· Films rather than books were the medium to aim for-fair comment, of course, that helped me change direction.· This was fair comment at the time; some of it doubtless justified.· There is no wrong done if it is true, or if it is fair comment on a matter of public interest.
· It is important enough to justify further comment.· Anyway, I felt something welling up inside, the need to make a further comment.· Feelings are said to be part of the armamentarium of autonomous man, and some further comment is in order.· Thursday said it had received a request for information, but declined further comment.· When all agreed amendments have been implemented the documents should be recirculated for further comment as applicable.· He said the White House would have no further comment.· Last week, the big three held a press conference, vowing eternal friendship and no further comment.· Both he and Rouse executives declined further comment.
· A spokeswoman for President-elect Bush, said his press office was on holiday and had no immediate comment.· The Pentagon had no immediate comment on the letter.· There's been no immediate comment from the Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.· The university had no immediate comment, spokesman Bill Gordon said.· BAn Arco spokesman had no immediate comment.· Police officials in San Francisco had no immediate comment on the development.· Fokker declined immediate comment on teh Daimler move.
· His negative comments, however accurate, were converted into slights, compounded by Johnson's nationality and famous stature.· Avoid at all costs unnecessary negative comments when speaking to a work-inhibited student.· There was no occasion on which there was any negative or sarcastic comment to any child.· Can teachers be sued for making negative comments about students in classrooms or in the teachers' lounge?· Our Susan and Vera saga in Bewley's is not that far-fetched and it replaces negative comment in many cases.· From a basis of low expectations, and extremely negative comments, George W's standing can probably only improve.· We made amendments to our procedures on the advice of the support group, but we still expected negative comments.· Every negative comment was a deep wound because he wanted everyone to love him.
· Those I interviewed said that nearly all the public comment they had heard had been favourable to the televising of the House.· This hurried schedule is not that Fish and Wildlife is trying to do something quickly to limit public comment.· A formal draft for public comment on fair value accounting is expected shortly.· Hearings are planned to solicit public comment.· He has made no public comment since the school began an internal investigation in November regarding recruiting.· And their public comments had a mournful tone.· But the agency is proposing the other steps and will seek public comment before making a final ruling.· The department must then allow for a public comment period on the change in prices.
· She makes a snide comment, you look her in the eye and... smile.
· Cordova was unavailable for comment yesterday, while Maradona's lawyer, Vincenzo Maria Siniscalchi, said the accusation was groundless.· Corpoven officials were unavailable for comment.· Tribble was unavailable for comment but left a statement voicing an interest in serving a volume market.· Clark, who is spending part of his time at Healthscape, was out of the country and unavailable for comment.· However, Gaspart was unavailable for comment.· Handler was unavailable for comment Wednesday.· The Dobson story had yet to be substantiated, and the family were still unavailable for comment.· Dean Kay was unavailable for comment Thursday.
VERB· We should also, however, add a comment on a negative aspect, concerning the idea of applicability.· Place the cursor where you would like to add a comment to the text. 2.· They look to Goldie to support them, but her head droops, and she adds no comment but a snore.· We add little comments about life outside work.· Sparrow added his own comments and scraps of paper to theirs.· To this third set of pictures he added appropriate disapproving comments and cut them into the action.· Slowly they became the legal authorities on the religious law, adding comments and interpretations of their own.· Luke adds the extra comment about the failing of the sun's light.
· I hope that the Minister will address her comments to these important matters.
· A spokeswoman for Gingrich also declined comment.· Thursday said it had received a request for information, but declined further comment.· A spokesman in London also declined comment.· Administration officials have declined comment on the number or names of the guests, citing privacy concerns.· Through a spokeswoman, Garcetti declined comment on the verdict.· The company declined requests for comment.
· The person who makes a comment, on the other hand, is the one who actually utters it.· Since then, Fidelity has banned its fund managers from making any comments about stocks.· Politicians, pundits and royal watchers have all made public comment on the private life of Charles and Diana.· Cohen made his comments during his first news conference since becoming defense secretary.· It's another thing people tend to make crass comments about, or crass assumptions anyway.· Eichert made the comments during a presentation about a new teacher evaluation system.· I do not intend to speak for hours, but I should like to make a few further comments.· They were doubled over, poking at each other, making cryptic comments and bursting again into laughter.
· I feel that I can not allow this statement to pass without due comment.· In years past, the president sent the budget over and the Chamber dutifully passed it with little comment.· Because persuading people to be unpaid referees is difficult it could be argued that editors have to pass the comments on.· Anyone recording or passing on such a comment is in danger now that records are open.· I trust you will pass the above comments to the Licensing Sub-Committee when they meet to determine this case.· All this makes for a sea change in our lives, yet passes without comment during this campaign.
· No one could be reached for comment at Babcock's Gloucestershire headquarters.· Hayden could not be reached for comment late Saturday.· La Roche officials could not be reached for comment.· Whitehead could not be reached for comment about his plans for the station.· Mr Schwartz also could not be reached for comment.· Officials at the company's headquarters in Danbury, Connecticut, could not be reached for comment last week.· Prosecutor Stephen Kay could not be reached for comment late Wednesday.
· I look forward to receiving your comments on this.· However, I received comments from members of our Executive and Branch Committees which helped in drafting our response.· There is a set time allowed for the council to receive comments on an application.· Outdated voting mechanisms, a decentralised, idiosyncratic procedure, and the archaic electoral college have received comment.· He had received the information without comment.· She asked for explanations which she received without comment, as if listening to some one who had just incriminated herself.· We don't always have to agree; we should be open to both receive and give positive comment and challenges.
· BReid, who is a former deputy district attorney, did not return a phone call seeking comment.· Saatchi executives did not return calls seeking comment.· The Department of Trade is seeking further comments, which should be submitted as soon as possible.· Shapiro did not return telephone calls seeking comment last week.· Neither Whitacre nor his lawyers returned telephone calls seeking comment on the charges.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRYPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► acid remark/comment/tone etc
- The number of adults who cannot read is a sad comment on the quality of our schools.
- Costa del Sol is a comment on the package holiday, a couple being serenaded by Antonio.
- Each Chorus is commented on in turn.
- He was commenting on Game Three when he mentioned the horrible play of Mark Eaton.
- Interspersed were comments on what seems to be a favorite topic: the abuses perpetrated by the media.
- Only those strategies used to overcome difficulties arising from gender distinctions will be commented on.
- She would not be commenting on the anniversary until then.
- The accounting policies used should also be commented on if in any way unusual or conservative.
- The pressure group was commenting on suggestions that the Government is considering the abolition of pensioners' prescription exemptions.
- Another defence to an action for defamation is that of fair comment.
- If its people called you a liberal subversive in the pay of effete capitalist Western powers it was regarded as fair comment.
- There is no wrong done if it is true, or if it is fair comment on a matter of public interest.
- This is fair comment; and the last clause in particular is, surprisingly, manifestly true, explain it how we may.
- This was fair comment at the time; some of it doubtless justified.
- To say that temperament is to a certain degree putty in the owner's hands, is fair comment.
- Some people sitting across from us began passing remarks about the fair-skinned lady in a sari.
- They interrupt because they are unwilling to let pass a remark from which an intricate leap can be performed.
- We had a ritual, starting with the real estate pages, passing remarks on the latest tacky towers.
- He thought the remark was melancholy, sadly philosophical, a throwaway line for an aimless afternoon.
- Lopez says, a throwaway line for a throwaway job.
WORD FAMILYnouncommentcommentaryverbcomment
1[countable, uncountable] an opinion that you express about someone or something SYN remarkcomment on/about his comments about asylum seekers He was fined for making abusive comments to the referee.no comment (=used by people in public life when they do not want to answer questions)2[uncountable] criticism or discussion of something someone has said or done: The speech received much comment in the press.3be a comment on something to be a sign of the bad quality of something: The number of adults who cannot read is a sad comment on the quality of our schools.COLLOCATIONSverbsmake a comment· Everyone was making appreciative comments about the delicious food.have a comment (=want to make a comment)· Do you have any comments on that, David?pass (a) comment British English (=give an opinion)· He looked at my photos but he didn’t pass comment.invite comment(s) (=ask people to give an opinion)· The website invites comments from people who visit it.welcome comments (=be glad to hear people’s opinions)· We would welcome your comments and suggestions.receive comments· It is very helpful to receive comments from the public.adjectivesa brief/quick comment· I just want to make a very brief comment.a helpful/constructive comment (=one that helps you make progress)· Pay close attention to your teacher’s constructive comments.a positive/negative comment· There were some very positive comments in the report.a critical comment· The school has received critical comments from inspectors.(a) fair comment (=a criticism that is reasonable)· I accepted as fair comment 90% of what he said.a snide comment (=unkind and made in a secret or indirect way)· She made some really snide comments about you when you weren’t here.a disparaging/derogatory comment (=criticizing someone or something in an unpleasant way)· Never make disparaging comments about a colleague’s work.a scathing/damning comment (=a very critical one)· There were a lot of scathing comments about the film.an appreciative comment (=showing that you think something is good or nice)· Appreciative comments may improve your staff’s performance.a sarcastic comment (=in which you say the opposite of what you mean, as an unkind joke)· I tried to stay calm, despite his sarcastic comments.a casual comment (=not very serious or important)· I only made a casual comment about finding the work a bit boring.a passing comment (=a quick comment made without thinking about it very carefully)· She got upset about a passing comment I made about her clothes.a shrewd comment (=good at judging people or situations)· His newspaper article is always full of shrewd comments.a wry comment (=saying that something is bad in an amusing way)· ‘Perhaps the food could be improved,’ was the wry comment of one prisoner.a bitter comment (=an angry one)· Several pensioners passed some bitter comments.a public comment· The jury are forbidden from making public comments.THESAURUScomment something that you say or write in order to give your opinion: · Does anyone have any comments?· Readers are invited to send in their comments and suggestions.remark something that you say: · Just ignore them if they start making rude remarks.· I’m not sure what he meant by that last remark.point something that someone mentions about a subject in a discussion, argument, article etc: · That’s an interesting point, Steve.· He raises (=mentions) a number of important points in his paper.observation a comment in which you say what you think or have noticed about something: · Karl Marx made the observation that history repeats itself first as tragedy, second as farce.aside a comment made in a low voice, that you intend only certain people to hear: · ‘Is that true?’ she whispered in an aside to Don.quip /kwɪp/ a clever and amusing comment: · She knew she should reply with some light-hearted quip.dig informal a comment you make to annoy or criticize someone: · I’m tired of her little digs at me.taunt /tɔːnt $ tɒːnt/ a comment intended to make someone angry or upset: · The fans made racist taunts throughout the game.comment1 nouncomment2 verb
commentcomment2 ●●○ S3 W3 AWL verb [intransitive, transitive] VERB TABLE
comment
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | comment |
| he, she, it | comments | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | commented |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have commented |
| he, she, it | has commented | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had commented |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will comment |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have commented |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am commenting |
| he, she, it | is commenting | |
| you, we, they | are commenting | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was commenting |
| you, we, they | were commenting | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been commenting |
| he, she, it | has been commenting | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been commenting |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be commenting |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been commenting |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- ""He only wears those clothes to prove that he's rich,'' commented Harold.
- Journalists asked General Curran how the campaign was going, but he refused to comment.
- Some critics have commented that the film lacks originality.
- The prime minister was asked to comment on the crisis.
- A spokesman for the administrators would not comment on whether Mr Maxwell had answered the questions.
- A spokesperson for Genovo declined to comment, referring all questions to Wilson, who could not be reached.
- Gateway and Compaq declined to comment.
- I got the usual stuff people get; there were always insensitive professors and they comment.
- I might also comment that she seemed to know what the quotation marks represented on the page.
- Isetan would not comment on how much the bankruptcy filing might cost it, or on Barneys' threatened lawsuit.
- She restrained her impulse to comment.
THESAURUSto say something
to tell someone something, using words: · ‘I really ought to go,’ she said.· Lauren said she’d probably be late.
to say something, especially in a definite or formal way – used in official contexts: · The witness stated that he had never seen the woman before.· Please state your name and address.
to publicly tell people about something: · The chairman announced his resignation.· The results will be announced tomorrow.· We will announce the winners next Sunday.· They were announcing the train times over the loudspeaker system.
to say something very firmly: · ‘My personal life is none of your business,’ she declared.
to talk about someone or something, especially without giving many details: · Did Tom mention anything about what happened at school?· Your name was mentioned!
to let someone know your feelings by putting them into words: · Young children often find it difficult to express their emotions.
to say what your opinion is about someone or something: · The prime minister was asked to comment on the crisis.
formal to say that you have noticed that something is true – used especially in formal writing: · We have already noted that most old people live alone.· Someone once remarked that the problem with computers is that they only give you answers.
to say something more, after what has already been said: · He added that he thought it could be done fairly cheaply.
to mention something that seems particularly important or relevant: · Dr Graham points out that most children show some signs of abnormal behaviour.· It’s worth pointing out that few people actually die of this disease.
to talk about your opinions, worries, or the things you disagree about: air your views/grievances/differences: · The programme will give listeners the chance to air their views about immigration.· Workers were able to air their grievances.
to talk publicly about your feelings or about whether you approve or disapprove of something formal: voice concern/support/doubt/fears etc: · The president has already voiced his support for the proposal.· She voiced concern for the safety of the hostages.
Longman Language Activatorto say something to say something using spoken or written words: · "I must be going," she said.· "Where's Pam going?" "I don't know. She didn't say."· It says in today's paper that gas prices are going up again.say (that): · James wrote to the bank and said we needed a loan.· Did Peter say that he would be late?say what/where/why etc: · Did they say how long the operation would take?say hello/sorry/no etc (to somebody): · Lauren came over to say goodbye to us.· I asked Dad if he'd lend me some money, but he said no.say something to somebody: · What did you say to her?something/anything to say: · I couldn't think of anything to say.say so: · If there's anything you're not happy about, please say so.
to make the sound of a word or a part of a word in a particular way - use this also to ask or say what is the correct way to say something: · How do you pronounce your name?· Some students find it difficult to pronounce the word "the".· Words like 'chicken' and 'cheese' were once pronounced with a 'k'.
to talk about someone or something, but without giving details or saying very much about them: · He mentioned something about a party, but he didn't say when it was.· When I mentioned her name, he looked embarrassed.mention (that): · I forgot to mention that I won't be in tomorrow.mention where/when/who etc: · Did he mention where he went to school?it is worth mentioning that: · It is worth mentioning that young children are particularly vulnerable to accidents in the home.
to tell someone something that they had not noticed or had not thought about: · As Sharon pointed out, the story was rather hard to believe.point out something: · He pointed out the dangers of setting off without the right equipment.point out (that): · It's worth pointing out that very few people ever die of this disease.point something out: · He never used to notice when people took advantage of him, so I started pointing it out.
to let someone know your feelings, by putting them into words: · Ollie found it hard to express his feelings about the war.· Parents have expressed concern about the amount of violence in some children's shows.express yourself (=make people understand what you are thinking or feeling): · Young children often find it difficult to express themselves in words.
to express an idea in a particular way, choosing your words carefully to explain what you mean simply or clearly: put it another way: · If you don't understand, I'll try and put it another way.to put it bluntly/briefly/simply etc: · Their performance was, to put it bluntly, atrocious.put it this way spoken (=use this when you are trying to say something in the clearest possible way): · Put it this way: if we don't make a profit, we're out of a job.
to say what your opinion is about someone or something that you have seen, heard, or read about: · "He only wears those clothes to prove that he's rich,'' commented Harold.· Journalists asked General Curran how the campaign was going, but he refused to comment.comment on/upon: · The prime minister was asked to comment on the crisis.comment that: · Some critics have commented that the film lacks originality.
to say what you have noticed about a particular person, situation etc or to express an opinion about them: · "There's a strange smell in here,'' she remarked.remark that: · Kate remarked that it was amazing how much her kids knew about science.remark on (=notice something and then say something about it): · A lot of our customers remark on the quality of our workmanship.
to say something more, after what has already been said or written: · Is there anything you'd like to add, Peter?· ''Finally'', she added, ''I would like to thank my family for their support''.add that: · I should add that I do not agree with Doctor Mitchell.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Eliot appreciated Pound’s caustic wit. Most observers were optimistic, yet some sounded a cautionary note. a cryptic note at the end of the letter The minister declined to comment (=refused to speak to people who report the news) about the progress of the peace talks. She made some disparaging remarks about the royal family. The minister’s provocative remarks were widely reported in the press. He can’t help making sarcastic comments. a scathing attack on the government’s planned tax increases a snide remark about her clothes Officials were unavailable for comment (=not able or willing to talk to reporters).COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB
Eliot appreciated Pound’s caustic wit. Most observers were optimistic, yet some sounded a cautionary note. a cryptic note at the end of the letter The minister declined to comment (=refused to speak to people who report the news) about the progress of the peace talks. She made some disparaging remarks about the royal family.· The film excited a lot of favourable comments, both here and in America.
The minister’s provocative remarks were widely reported in the press. He can’t help making sarcastic comments. a scathing attack on the government’s planned tax increases a snide remark about her clothes Officials were unavailable for comment (=not able or willing to talk to reporters).· Further comments on attaching priorities to different subjects and to different levels of material are to be found in Chapter 3.· The company refused to comment further on its revised forecasts.· But he said he did not want to comment further until more was known about the reasons for the bombing.· I do not wish to comment further now, but I am sympathetic to his point.· Through his attorney, Newton said that no art has been stolen from his house, but declined to comment further.· It would be wrong to comment further.· A Woolworth spokeswoman confirmed the litigation but declined to comment further.
· Absence of status consciousness is worth commenting on further as an effect of national culture on scores.· He declined to comment on how those talks were going.· There was nothing more to comment on, and no comment to be made.· The president begins by diplomatically but pointedly commenting on how difficult this call has been to arrange.· Medmelton eyes reversed would certainly have been commented on.· I commissioned him to read the questionnaire results and comment on what they portend.· Board chairman Angelo Damante said he could not comment on why Shaw left because of an agreement between the two parties.
NOUN· Mr. Redwood I do not intend to comment on individual cases before the courts.· The lenders Dorend have refused to comment on the case.· Tribal officials and attorneys declined to comment on the case.· Lock, 29, said his lawyers had advised him not to comment on the case.· But the hunting world won't comment until the court case is over.· Deputy District Attorney Ed Nison said prosecutors would not comment on an ongoing case.
· San Francisco writer Jeff Stryker frequently comments on health issues.· Officials for those companies declined to comment on this issue.
· Lloyds Bank say they won't comment because the matter is subject to legal proceedings.· The police won't comment because the matter has been refered to the police complaints authority.· The airline declines to comment on the matter.· It has never been the Royal Family's policy to comment on private matters.· Then as now government refused to comment on security matters.· Neither Bouygues nor Deutsche Telekom would comment on matters relating to any talks.· We want an independent inspectorate that is able to comment on all those matters.
VERB· I have been asked to comment particularly on the applicability of some of these to the publishing trade.· They were shown photographs by Steichen, Demachy, Puyo and others and asked to comment on them.· Sixth-formers were asked to comment on the Prospectus in terms of its content, layout, readability, positive aspects and drawbacks.· Rudi once asked the class to comment on a passage he had assigned.· It is clear from everyone I asked to comment that I was not alone in thinking the evening was a resounding success.· Mr Johnson asked his boss to comment on them.· However, the new police Commissioner, Sir Philip Game, put forward fresh arguments when asked to comment.· Coun Nilsson offered to withdraw her remarks saying there was no need to ask Coun Jackson to comment.
· He declined to comment on the parallel with the Oxleas case.· Pittman declined to comment on the cost.· The site's original developers, NuHomes Construction, declined to comment.· Spokesmen for all four firms declined to comment.· Tonight the Chanel Company declined to comment.· Last night Ford declined to comment on the long-awaited Jaguar/GM statement although the company is expected to respond shortly.· Rouse and Hughes Co. executives declined to comment on the negotiations.
· Guitarist Eric Faulkner refused to comment last night.· Mr Goldinger has refused to comment.· He has refused to comment on the agreement.· Jobs also could not be reached for comment, but he has steadfastly refused to comment on Apple.· The lenders Dorend have refused to comment on the case.· They refused to comment to reporters.· Officials at both Roots and Skyservice are refusing to comment on their intentions, citing competitive concerns.· Reynolds and Campbell have refused to comment.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► acid remark/comment/tone etc
- Another defence to an action for defamation is that of fair comment.
- If its people called you a liberal subversive in the pay of effete capitalist Western powers it was regarded as fair comment.
- There is no wrong done if it is true, or if it is fair comment on a matter of public interest.
- This is fair comment; and the last clause in particular is, surprisingly, manifestly true, explain it how we may.
- This was fair comment at the time; some of it doubtless justified.
- To say that temperament is to a certain degree putty in the owner's hands, is fair comment.
- Some people sitting across from us began passing remarks about the fair-skinned lady in a sari.
- They interrupt because they are unwilling to let pass a remark from which an intricate leap can be performed.
- We had a ritual, starting with the real estate pages, passing remarks on the latest tacky towers.
- He thought the remark was melancholy, sadly philosophical, a throwaway line for an aimless afternoon.
- Lopez says, a throwaway line for a throwaway job.
WORD FAMILYnouncommentcommentaryverbcomment
to express an opinion about someone or something SYN remarkcomment on People were always commenting on his size.comment that Smith’s lawyer commented that the decision was ‘outrageous’.► see thesaurus at say