What is comment? Pronunciation and usage in English

comment means . Learn how to pronounce and use comment through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of comment

commentnoun

/ˈkɒmɛnt/
Definition & pronunciation of comment

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "comment" in English. It's a tricky one for learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Core Sound:

  • "Com-" is pronounced like "come" – as in, "I come to visit." (Sounds like /kʌm/)
  • "-ment" is pronounced like "ment" – as in, "argument." (Sounds like /mənt/)

2. Putting it Together:

When you combine them, it sounds like: "Come-ment" ( /kʌm.mənt/)

3. A Little More Detail (and why it's tricky):

  • The "e" in "comment" is short: Don't say "eh" like in "pen." It's a quick, small “e” sound.
  • Slightly Stressed: The first syllable ("come") is slightly more stressed than the second syllable ("ment"). You'll put a little more emphasis on "come."

Here are a few resources you can listen to:

Tips for practicing:

  • Say it slowly at first: Focus on each syllable and the short "e" sound.
  • Record yourself: Compare your pronunciation to the examples online.
  • Repeat, repeat, repeat! It takes practice to get the rhythm and emphasis right.

Do you want me to:

  • Break down any specific part (like the "e" sound)?
  • Give you a sentence to practice saying "comment"?

Usage and examples with the word comment in English

Let's break down how to use the word "comment" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings and ways to use it. Here's a detailed explanation, broken down into categories:

1. As a Verb (To Offer an Opinion or Observation)

  • Meaning: To express an opinion, reaction, or observation about something. It's essentially to state what you think about something.
  • Examples:
    • "I commented on her painting, saying it was beautiful." (I offered an opinion.)
    • "He commented that the weather was terrible." (He made an observation.)
    • "Please comment on the proposal if you have any suggestions." (Ask for feedback.)
    • "She commented on the actor’s performance." (She gave her reaction.)

2. As a Noun (A Statement or Remark)

  • Meaning: A statement or remark, especially one expressing an opinion or reaction.
  • Examples:
    • "He made a few comments about my dress." (Statements he made)
    • "The critic offered a scathing comment on the film." (A harsh remark)
    • "I read the comments on the website and found them insightful." (Statements left by other people)
    • "Her comment highlighted a key issue." (A point she raised.)

3. In Contexts – Specific Uses

  • Social Media Comments: This is a very common usage now. It refers to a remark made on a post, video, or other content on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. “Leave a comment!” is a frequent request.
  • Legal Comments: In legal settings, a "comment" can refer to a written opinion or observation by a lawyer or expert about a case or legal document.
  • Scientific Comments: In scientific journals, “comment” is used to denote a brief response or additional perspective on a published article.
  • Religious Comments: Referring to biblical interpretations or theological reflections (“He offered a thoughtful comment on the passage.”)

4. Phrases Using "Comment"

  • "Leave a comment": (Verb phrase) - “Leave your comment below!” (Encouraging people to share their thoughts.)
  • "A brief comment": (Noun phrase) – “I just wanted to make a brief comment…” (Suggesting a short remark.)
  • "In response to a comment": – “In response to her comment, he apologized.” (Meaning he reacted to her statement.)
  • "Positive/Negative Comments": (Noun phrases) – “The survey collected positive comments about the service.”

Tips for Using "Comment" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: Pay attention to how "comment" is being used in the sentence. Is it an action (verb) or a thing (noun)?
  • Formal vs. Informal: "Comment" is generally appropriate in most situations, but it can feel a little formal in everyday conversation. You might use more casual words like "say," "think," or "remark" in informal settings.
  • Avoid Redundancy: Don’t say “make a comment” when “comment” itself is a verb. Just say “I commented.”

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What is the context you're thinking about? (e.g., writing an email, social media, a classroom discussion, etc.)
  • Are you trying to use "comment" as a verb or a noun?

Synonyms for the word comment

Idioms of the word comment

no comment
I have nothing to say about that
  • ‘Will you resign, sir?’ ‘No comment!’
  • When asked about the allegations, the chairman replied ‘no comment’.

Practice with vocabulary comment

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. She left a thoughtful ____________ on the blog post, praising the author’s insights.
  2. The manager asked for feedback but didn’t ____________ on the proposal herself.
  3. His ____________ on the situation was both insightful and professional.
  4. Please ____________ if you notice any errors in the report.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. What is the most polite way to ask for someone’s opinion?
    a) Comment
    b) Remark
    c) Feedback
    d) Inquiry

  2. Which word best fits this sentence: “I’d like to ____________ on the new policy before making a decision.”
    a) Discuss
    b) Comment
    c) Analyze
    d) Interrupt

  3. In formal writing, which word is more appropriate: “The professor made a ____________ on the student’s essay.”
    a) Note
    b) Comment
    c) Observation
    d) Criticism

  4. Which word is not related to expressing an opinion?
    a) Explain
    b) Assert
    c) Describe
    d) Silence

  5. What would you say to add your thoughts in a meeting?
    a) “I’d like to comment on this.”
    b) “I’d like to mention this.”
    c) “I’d like to argue this.”
    d) “I’d like to conclude this.”

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: “He gave his opinion about the project during the meeting.”
    Rewrite:

  2. Original: “She made a remark about the presentation that was very helpful.”
    Rewrite:

  3. Original: “Can you provide your thoughts on this issue?”
    Rewrite:

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. comment
  2. comment
  3. analysis
  4. respond

Exercise 2:

  1. c) Feedback
  2. b) Comment
  3. b) Comment
  4. d) Silence
  5. a) “I’d like to comment on this.”

Exercise 3:

  1. Rewrite: He commented on the project during the meeting.
  2. Rewrite: She commented on the presentation, which was very helpful.
  3. Rewrite: Can you give your feedback on this issue?

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