Cool MateComment vs Note vs Remark
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Comment
Note
Remark
| Comment | Note | Remark | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈkɒment/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈkɑːment/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/nəʊt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/nəʊt/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈmɑːk/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈmɑːrk/"]/ |
| Meaning | A statement about something, often to give an opinion. | A piece of writing, usually short. | A comment or statement about something. |
| Example | Please leave a comment about your experience. | I left a note on the fridge for you. | Her remark about the weather made everyone laugh. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | A1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | 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 | 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 | silence, reticence | forget, ignore | 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. | 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 | Used often in discussions or written feedback. Avoid in formal reports where detailed analysis is needed; suitable for casual conversations. | 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: Comment vs Note vs Remark
What's the difference between Comment, Note, and Remark?
Comment: A statement about something, often to give an opinion. Note: A piece of writing, usually short. Remark: A comment or statement about something.
Which is more advanced: Comment, Note, and Remark?
Remark is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Comment, Note, and Remark the same CEFR level?
Comment: A2, Note: A1, Remark: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Comment, Note, and Remark?
Comment: noun, Note: noun, Remark: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Comment: Please leave a comment about your experience. Note: I left a note on the fridge for you. Remark: Her remark about the weather made everyone laugh.
Can I use Comment, Note, and Remark interchangeably?
Not always. Comment, 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.