Notice versus comment

[Maloy]

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #57 "Chit Chat: At the pub", question 9

Charles: The one thing I've ......... is that he doesn't say anything.

(a) remarked
(b) connected
(c) commented
(d) noticed

English Grammar Tests, Elementary Level

ESL/EFL Test #57 "Chit Chat: At the pub", answer 9

Charles: The one thing I've noticed is that he doesn't say anything.

Correct answer: (d) noticed

Your answer was: incorrect
Charles: The one thing I've commented is that he doesn't say anything.
_________________________

difference between this two?

Maloy

[Alan]

Hi,

If you use 'commented', you would have to add 'on'. Notice means observe and comment on means make a remark about.

A
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English as a Second Language
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[Ltvan82]

My answer was 'remarked'. Can you please explain the difference between 'notice' n 'remark', sir?

[Ttg]

Dear teacher:
I have known that the word 'noticed' is perfectly acceptable here, but I still want to know whether the word 'remarked' would also be fit.
As far as I know, 'remark' has a meaning of to notice, observe as in I remarked a slight accent in her speech. Not like the word 'notice', 'remark' can be used as a transitive verb, so I think there is no need to add a preposition like 'on'.
In the light of above, I'm now confused about why the word 'remarked' is not selected. Would you like to explain it to me?
Many thanks in advance.

[Alan]

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Hello,

'Remark' is I would say more commonly used as a noun but of course can also be used as a verb. As a verb it is an alternative to 'say' when using direct speech. In your sentence:

[Ttg]

Thank you for your reply, Alan.

I'm afraid I didn't fully follow your point. You said:

[Alan]

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Hi Ttg,

Thanks for your reply and for the dictionary reference. To me the verb 'remark' suggests 'make a remark/comment'. It can broadly therefore mean 'say'. It can also introduce another clause as in: Remark that .... Remark on ...... Remark how ... and so on. All I can say is that I would never use 'remark' with a direct object as you have shown in your dictionary reference. I see that the reference you quote form the OALD adds 'dated/formal'. I can possibly recall seeing it in the writing of a novelist like Jane Austen (1775-1817) and that probably explains why I wouldn't use it.

I hope this doesn't confuse you further. My only comment is that it would be better to avoid 'dated' forms of the language.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Passive Voice

[Ttg]

Thank you very much, Alan.
Now I can say: 'Point taken'.

[Baotet]

Hi Mr Alan
I do not understand 'dated' forms mean.

May be I need some examples from you.