Cool MateNote vs Remark
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Note
Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
Remark
Top 2,000 (common)B2noun
Most common: Note
| Note | Remark | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/nəʊt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/nəʊt/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈmɑːk/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈmɑːrk/"]/ |
| Meaning | A piece of writing, usually short. | A comment or statement about something. |
| Example | I left a note on the fridge for you. | Her remark about the weather made everyone laugh. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | 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 | 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 | forget, ignore | silence, reticence |
| Common mistakes | 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 '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 | 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. | 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: Note vs Remark
What's the difference between Note and Remark?
Note: A piece of writing, usually short. Remark: A comment or statement about something.
Which is more common: Note and Remark?
Note is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Note and Remark?
Remark is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Note and Remark the same CEFR level?
Note: A1, Remark: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Note and Remark?
Note: noun, Remark: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Note: I left a note on the fridge for you. Remark: Her remark about the weather made everyone laugh.
Can I use Note and Remark interchangeably?
Not always. Note 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.