Comments vs. Suggestion — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 8, 2024
Comments provide feedback or opinions on topics, while suggestions offer specific recommendations aimed at improving or solving issues.
Difference Between Comments and Suggestion
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Comments are generally statements that reflect the commenter's thoughts, feelings, or reactions, typically expressed to convey personal opinions or share information. In contrast, suggestions are explicitly aimed at proposing a course of action or an idea intended to help or improve a situation.
Comments can be diverse in nature—positive, negative, neutral, or simply observational; whereas suggestions are inherently constructive or directive, focusing on potential changes or solutions.
Comments allow for a broader range of expression and are often used in discussions to elaborate on or debate a topic. On the other hand, suggestions are more targeted and are usually given with the intent of influencing decisions or behaviors.
While comments may or may not invoke a response or action, suggestions are specifically crafted to prompt consideration or adoption of the proposed idea.
The context in which comments and suggestions are used also differs; comments are common in casual conversations, social media, and various forms of commentary, while suggestions are often found in more formal settings like business meetings, academic feedback, or structured brainstorming sessions.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Purpose
To express opinions, feedback, or reactions.
To propose solutions or improvements.
Nature
Can be positive, negative, or neutral.
Generally constructive and solution-oriented.
Intent
Primarily to communicate or share perspective.
Aimed at influencing or altering approaches.
Typical Context
Social media, conversations, reviews.
Business meetings, academic feedback, advisories.
Response Expected
May or may not seek a direct action.
Often seeks consideration or implementation of ideas.
Compare with Definitions
Comments
An expression of information or observation.
His comment about the weather broke the ice at the meeting.
Suggestion
A proposal offered for acceptance or rejection.
I have a suggestion regarding the project timeline.
Comments
A note explaining, illustrating, or criticizing the meaning of a writing.
The editor added several comments in the margins of the draft.
Suggestion
An idea or plan put forward for consideration.
His suggestion was adopted by the committee.
Comments
A discussion or explanatory note added for information.
The guide included comments on each historical site.
Suggestion
Something that implies or indicates a certain fact or situation.
There was a suggestion of mischief in his smile.
Comments
Feedback given to express what one thinks or feels.
Her comments on the design were very insightful.
Suggestion
The act or instance of putting forward an idea or plan for consideration.
She made a suggestion to improve the workflow.
Comments
A remark expressing an opinion or reaction.
He left a comment under the post disagreeing with its viewpoint.
Suggestion
An indication of a possible benefit or improvement.
Adding a FAQ section was a helpful suggestion for the website.
Comments
Comment a word or paragraph that is either good or bad depending on the circumstances. They are usually left on the end of particular pieces of information, work, actions etc.
Suggestion
Suggestion is the psychological process by which one person guides the thoughts, feelings, or behavior of another person. Nineteenth-century writers on psychology such as William James used the words "suggest" and "suggestion" in the context of a particular idea which was said to suggest another when it brought that other idea to mind.
Comments
A written note intended as an explanation, illustration, or criticism of a passage in a book or other writing; an annotation.
Suggestion
The act of suggesting
Bought the book at my suggestion.
Comments
A series of annotations or explanations.
Suggestion
Something suggested
Are you going to follow my suggestions?.
Comments
A statement of fact or opinion, especially a remark that expresses a personal reaction or attitude.
Suggestion
The sequential process by which one thought or mental image leads to another.
Comments
An implied conclusion or judgment
A novel that is a comment on contemporary lawlessness.
Suggestion
A psychological process by which an idea is induced in or adopted by another without argument, command, or coercion.
Comments
Talk; gossip
A divorce that caused much comment.
Suggestion
An idea or response so induced.
Comments
(Computers) A string of text in a program that does not function in the program itself but is used by the programmer to explain instructions.
Suggestion
A hint or trace
Just a suggestion of makeup.
The first suggestion of trouble ahead.
Comments
(Linguistics) The part of a sentence that provides new information about the topic. Also called rheme.
Suggestion
(countable) Something suggested (with subsequent adposition being for)
I have a small suggestion for fixing this: try lifting the left side up a bit.
Make a suggestion
Traffic signs seem to be more of a suggestion than an order.
Comments
To make a comment; remark.
Suggestion
(uncountable) The act of suggesting.
Suggestion often works better than explicit demand.
Comments
To serve as a judgmental commentary
"Her demise comments on [the Upper East Side's] entire way of life" (Mark Muro).
Suggestion
Something implied, which the mind is liable to take as fact.
He’s somehow picked up the suggestion that I like peanuts.
Comments
To make comments on; annotate.
Suggestion
The act of exercising control over a hypnotised subject by communicating some belief or impulse by means of words or gestures; the idea so suggested.
Comments
Plural of comment
Suggestion
Information, insinuation, speculation, as opposed to a sworn testimony and evidence.
Suggestion
The act of suggesting; presentation of an idea.
Suggestion
That which is suggested; an intimation; an insinuation; a hint; a different proposal or mention; also, formerly, a secret incitement; temptation.
Why do I yield to that suggestion?
Suggestion
Charge; complaint; accusation.
Suggestion
Information without oath; an entry of a material fact or circumstance on the record for the information of the court, at the death or insolvency of a party.
Suggestion
The act or power of originating or recalling ideas or relations, distinguished as original and relative; - a term much used by Scottish metaphysicians from Hutcherson to Thomas Brown.
Suggestion
The control of the mind of an hypnotic subject by ideas in the mind of the hypnotizer.
Willing to wound, and yet afraid to strike,Just hint a fault, and hesitate dislike.
Arthur, whom they say is killed to-nightOn your suggestion.
Suggestion
An idea that is suggested;
The picnic was her suggestion
Suggestion
A proposal offered for acceptance or rejection;
It was a suggestion we couldn't refuse
Suggestion
A just detectable amount;
He speaks French with a trace of an accent
Suggestion
Persuasion formulated as a suggestion
Suggestion
The sequential mental process in which one thought leads to another by association
Suggestion
The act of inducing hypnosis
Common Curiosities
How should one interpret suggestions?
Suggestions should be interpreted as constructive advice aimed at facilitating positive changes or decisions.
What forms can comments take?
Comments can be verbal, written, formal, informal, supportive, or critical.
What is the primary function of a suggestion?
The primary function of a suggestion is to propose ideas or plans aimed at improvement or solving problems.
What forms can suggestions take?
Suggestions are typically more formal and are aimed at being actionable and practical.
How do suggestions drive improvement?
Suggestions drive improvement by offering targeted solutions and encouraging changes in practices or strategies.
Can comments contain suggestions?
Yes, comments can contain suggestions, especially if the commenter is offering a perspective that includes potential solutions.
How do comments affect discussions?
Comments can enrich discussions by introducing various viewpoints and insights.
What is the primary function of a comment?
The primary function of a comment is to express personal opinions, reactions, or feedback.
What should be considered when making a comment?
When making a comment, consider its relevance, tone, and the impact it might have on others.
Why is it important to consider the context of a comment?
The context can influence the meaning and impact of a comment, affecting how it is received.
Why is it important to give clear suggestions?
Clear suggestions are more likely to be understood and implemented effectively.
Can comments be anonymous?
Yes, comments can be anonymous, especially in online settings.
Are anonymous suggestions effective?
While anonymous suggestions can still be useful, their impact might be lessened if the source is not credible.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Buzz vs. HypeNext Comparison
Augment vs. SupplementAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Maham LiaqatCo-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.