English UsageComparison guide

No Comment vs. No Comments

“No comment” is the established fixed response used when someone declines to answer or express an opinion. “No comments” is an ordinary plural noun phrase and works when the literal meaning is that there are zero comments, remarks, or responses rather than when giving the conventional refusal.

Quick answer

Say “no comment” to decline to answer a question. Use “no comments” when you literally mean there are no comments, such as “The post has no comments.”

Key details

Core difference“no comment” is a fixed refusal; “no comments” is a literal plural noun phrase
Rule Familyfixed-expression-vs-literal-plural
Termsno comment, no comments

Further guidance

Choice Test

If the phrase could be paraphrased as “I decline to answer,” choose singular “no comment.”

Fixed Response

Use “no comment” as the conventional response when declining to answer or state an opinion.

Plural Use

Use “no comments” when “comments” is a countable plural and the intended meaning is zero remarks or responses.

Sources and evidence

Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.

  1. Comment — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Dictionary evidence for fixed response “no comment” and ordinary plural noun “comments.”

Explore the topic