Cool MateComment vs Feedback vs Note vs Observation vs Remark
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Comment
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Feedback
Top 1,000 (very common)B2noun
Note
Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
Observation
Top 2,000 (common)B2noun
Remark
Top 2,000 (common)B2noun
| Comment | Feedback | Note | Observation | Remark | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈkɒment/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈkɑːment/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈfiːdbæk/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈfiːdbæk/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/nəʊt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/nəʊt/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌɒbzəˈveɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌɑːbzərˈveɪʃn/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈmɑːk/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈmɑːrk/"]/ |
| Meaning | A statement about something, often to give an opinion. | Information about how well someone did something. | A piece of writing, usually short. | Watching something carefully to learn about it. | A comment or statement about something. |
| Example | Please leave a comment about your experience. | The teacher provided valuable feedback on my essay. | I left a note on the fridge for you. | The scientist made an interesting observation about the behavior of the animals. | Her remark about the weather made everyone laugh. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | B2 | A1 | B2 | B2 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun | noun | noun | noun |
| Collocations | brief, fair, favourable/favorable, have, make, pass, without comment, comment about, comment on, be available for comment, be unavailable for comment, no comment | constructive, favourable/favorable, good, give somebody, provide (somebody with), send, feedback about, feedback on, feedback from | brief, copious, detailed, jot down, keep, make, note of, note on, make a mental note (of something/to do something), brief, little, quick, scribble (somebody), write (somebody), send (somebody), a note of thanks, brief, copious, detailed, jot down, keep, make, note of, note on, make a mental note (of something/to do something), detailed, extensive, explanatory, detailed, extensive, explanatory, five-pound, ten-euro, etc., bundle, roll, wad, high, top, low, play, sing, hit, brighter, cheerful, happier, hit, sound, strike, creep into somebody’s voice, enter somebody’s voice, note of, a note in somebody’s voice | careful, close, detailed, for observation, under observation, observation of, powers of observation, general, accurate, astute, make, offer, observation about, observation from, observation on | brief, passing, occasional, deliver, give, make, apply to somebody/something, be directed at/to somebody, suggest something, in a/the remark, remark about, remark concerning |
| Antonyms | silence, reticence | criticism, disapproval | forget, ignore | neglect, overlook | silence, reticence |
| Common mistakes | Using 'comment' without an object, e.g. 'I will comment' instead of 'I will comment on it.', Confusing 'comment' with 'complement' that refers to something that completes., Using 'commentary' when a short remark is meant. | Using 'feedbacks' as the plural form., Confusing 'feedback' with 'advice' — feedback is specific reactions to a performance., Omitting the object, e.g., saying 'I need feedback' without specifying on what. | Confused with 'notate', which is more about musical or formal notation., Using 'note' as a verb incorrectly in some contexts., Overusing in contexts where 'memo' or 'message' would be clearer. | Confused with 'observance', which means a practice or ritual., Mistaking it for 'observations', which refers to multiple instances of observing., Using 'observation' as a verb; it’s only a noun. | Confused with 'remarkable', thinking they are interchangeable., Omitting the preposition when saying what the remark is about., Using 'remark' as a noun when it should be a verb. |
| Usage notes | Used often in discussions or written feedback. Avoid in formal reports where detailed analysis is needed; suitable for casual conversations. | Used in both formal and informal contexts. Commonly spoken in workplaces and schools. Not typically used in casual conversation without a specific context. | Use 'note' when writing something down to remember or inform. It's more neutral than casual terms like 'jot down'. Avoid it in very formal reports. | Use 'observation' in both formal and informal contexts, like in scientific discussions or daily scenarios. Avoid using it when talking about feelings or opinions. | Used to describe comments made in formal or informal contexts. In formal settings, it's appropriate to use 'remark' to comment on speeches or articles. In informal contexts, it's less common. |
Frequently asked questions: Comment vs Feedback vs Note vs Observation vs Remark
What's the difference between Comment, Feedback, Note, Observation, and Remark?
Comment: A statement about something, often to give an opinion. Feedback: Information about how well someone did something. Note: A piece of writing, usually short. Observation: Watching something carefully to learn about it. Remark: A comment or statement about something.
Are Comment, Feedback, Note, Observation, and Remark the same CEFR level?
Comment: A2, Feedback: B2, Note: A1, Observation: B2, Remark: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Comment, Feedback, Note, Observation, and Remark?
Comment: noun, Feedback: noun, Note: noun, Observation: noun, Remark: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Comment: Please leave a comment about your experience. Feedback: The teacher provided valuable feedback on my essay. Note: I left a note on the fridge for you. Observation: The scientist made an interesting observation about the behavior of the animals. Remark: Her remark about the weather made everyone laugh.
Can I use Comment, Feedback, Note, Observation, and Remark interchangeably?
Not always. Comment, Feedback, Note, Observation, and Remark are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.