Language tip of the week: making comments

In this weekly post, we bring more useful content from the Macmillan Dictionary to English language learners. In this series of language tips to accompany the Real Vocabulary theme we look at how you can expand your vocabulary in English by using different words and expressions instead of core vocabulary items.

This week’s tip looks at more words and phrases you can use instead of say to talk about written or spoken comments.

comment to make a written or spoken remark, especially one that gives an opinion:
Researchers who read the report commented that it contains many errors. ♦ He commented, ‘Not to use a helmet while abseiling is foolhardy’.
observe to make a written or spoken comment about something, especially something that other people have not noticed:
‘You always arrive at the right time,’ he observed drily. ♦ In his book he observes that the president was an able diplomat.
remark to make a comment or express your opinion about something: used mainly in written English, especially fiction:
‘This is delicious,’ Louise remarked. ♦ My father remarked that I looked unhappy. ♦ People often remark on how alike we look.
point out to make a written or spoken comment about something, especially when this is new or surprising information:
The author points out that many areas of this vast country remain unexplored. ♦ It seems appropriate to point out some fundamental shortcomings in the technique.
express to tell someone about an opinion, feeling or aim:
His teachers expressed concern about his progress. ♦ I would like to express my thanks to my parents for their support. ♦ The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author alone. ♦ The government has reportedly expressed an interest in the plan.