Cool MateComment vs Feedback vs Observation vs Remark vs Statement
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Comment
Feedback
Observation
Remark
Statement
| Comment | Feedback | Observation | Remark | Statement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈkɒment/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈkɑːment/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈfiːdbæk/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈfiːdbæk/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌɒbzəˈveɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌɑːbzərˈveɪʃn/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈmɑːk/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈmɑːrk/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈsteɪtmənt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈsteɪtmənt/"]/ |
| Meaning | A statement about something, often to give an opinion. | Information about how well someone did something. | Watching something carefully to learn about it. | A comment or statement about something. | A clear expression of something in words. |
| Example | Please leave a comment about your experience. | The teacher provided valuable feedback on my essay. | The scientist made an interesting observation about the behavior of the animals. | Her remark about the weather made everyone laugh. | The statement on the wall explained the museum's rules. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | B2 | B2 | B2 | A1 |
| 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 | 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 | brief, short, bald, issue, put out, release, condemn, in a/the statement, statement about, statement on, brief, short, bald, issue, put out, release, condemn, in a/the statement, statement about, statement on, bank, credit-card, tax, prepare, publish, file |
| Antonyms | silence, reticence | criticism, disapproval | neglect, overlook | silence, reticence | silence, question |
| 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 '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. | 'Statement' is often wrongly used as a verb., Confused with 'statements' when referring to multiple examples., Misunderstanding the context; it should not be used for casual opinions. |
| 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 '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. | Use 'statement' in both spoken and written contexts to convey information or opinions. It is appropriate in formal discussions and reporting but may feel overly formal in casual conversations. |
Frequently asked questions: Comment vs Feedback vs Observation vs Remark vs Statement
What's the difference between Comment, Feedback, Observation, Remark, and Statement?
Comment: A statement about something, often to give an opinion. Feedback: Information about how well someone did something. Observation: Watching something carefully to learn about it. Remark: A comment or statement about something. Statement: A clear expression of something in words.
Are Comment, Feedback, Observation, Remark, and Statement the same CEFR level?
Comment: A2, Feedback: B2, Observation: B2, Remark: B2, Statement: A1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Comment, Feedback, Observation, Remark, and Statement?
Comment: noun, Feedback: noun, Observation: noun, Remark: noun, Statement: 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. Observation: The scientist made an interesting observation about the behavior of the animals. Remark: Her remark about the weather made everyone laugh. Statement: The statement on the wall explained the museum's rules.
Can I use Comment, Feedback, Observation, Remark, and Statement interchangeably?
Not always. Comment, Feedback, Observation, Remark, and Statement 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.