Cool MateRemark vs Say something
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Remark
Top 2,000 (common)B2noun
Say something
Top 1,000 (very common)
Most common: Say something
| Remark | Say something | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈmɑːk/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈmɑːrk/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //seɪ ˈsʌmθɪŋ//🇺🇸 //seɪ ˈsʌmθɪŋ// |
| Meaning | A comment or statement about something. | To speak or express an idea |
| Example | Her remark about the weather made everyone laugh. | Please, just say something to him. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | 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 | say something nice, say something important, say something funny |
| Antonyms | silence, reticence | stay silent, keep quiet, say nothing |
| Common mistakes | 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. | Omitting the object; saying just 'say' instead of 'say something', Using with incorrect tenses, like 'says something' for past, Using in overly formal writing |
| Usage notes | 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. | Commonly used in conversations and informal settings, but can also be appropriate in neutral situations. Avoid in highly formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Remark vs Say something
What's the difference between Remark and Say something?
Remark: A comment or statement about something. Say something: To speak or express an idea
Which is more common: Remark and Say something?
Say something is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Remark: Her remark about the weather made everyone laugh. Say something: Please, just say something to him.
Can I use Remark and Say something interchangeably?
Not always. Remark and Say something 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.