Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
a genuine negative
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "a genuine negative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is authentically or truly negative, often in contexts such as feedback, reviews, or assessments. Example: "The report received a genuine negative response from the audience, indicating that improvements were necessary."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
Collectively, we view this as compelling evidence for a genuine negative HFC over a simple spurious pattern.
Science
A comparison of a genuine negative class with one generated from random data for miRNA target prediction has been reported [ 14, 15] showing that the two negative classes did not produce the same results.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
We concluded that the probability of failing to identify a genuine point mutation (false negative) in this region is very small, for three reasons.
Science
However, failure to detect nominal association with ANTXR2 in HLA-B27-negative AS probably reflects reduced statistical power rather than a genuine epistatic interaction.
However, it is encouraging that significant (or near significant) negative correlations were observed on all three schizotypy scales, which we believe is highly suggestive of a genuine association.
Science
This remains a genuine problem.
News & Media
To find a genuine music.
News & Media
Pinball is a genuine subculture.
News & Media
(This was a genuine misspeak).
News & Media
A genuine friend to everyone.
News & Media
It was a genuine search".
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "a genuine negative" when you want to emphasize that the negative aspect is real and not fabricated or misinterpreted.
Common error
Avoid using "a genuine negative" when you actually mean a significant or important negative. "Genuine" emphasizes authenticity, not necessarily impact.
Source & Trust
95%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "a genuine negative" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It emphasizes the authenticity or reality of a negative aspect, distinguishing it from something that might be spurious or misinterpreted, as supported by Ludwig.
Frequent in
Science
50%
News & Media
50%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "a genuine negative" is used to highlight the authentic and verifiable nature of something negative, rather than a false or misleading one. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English. While the phrase is infrequent in usage, it is suitable for academic, scientific, and professional contexts where clarity and accuracy are paramount. Related phrases, such as "a real drawback" or "an authentic disadvantage", can be used as alternatives depending on the specific context. Remember that "genuine" emphasizes authenticity, not necessarily impact or importance.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
a real drawback
Focuses on the reality of the negative aspect as a disadvantage.
an authentic disadvantage
Highlights the authenticity and the nature of being at a disadvantage.
a legitimate downside
Emphasizes the legitimacy of the negative aspect.
a valid shortcoming
Focuses on the validity of the imperfection or deficiency.
a true failing
Highlights the factual nature of the failure or deficiency.
a verifiable defect
Focuses on the defect's ability to be verified or proven.
a bona fide flaw
Uses "bona fide" to stress the genuineness of the flaw.
a certain deficiency
Focuses on the sureness of the lack of something necessary.
a veritable problem
Uses "veritable" to confirm that the problem is true and real.
a clear disadvantage
Focuses on the easy to see and understand nature of the disadvantage.
FAQs
How can I use "a genuine negative" in a sentence?
You can use "a genuine negative" to describe an authentic negative aspect or result. For example, "The study showed "a genuine negative" correlation between exercise and stress levels".
What's a good alternative to "a genuine negative"?
Depending on the context, alternatives include "a real drawback", "an authentic disadvantage", or "a legitimate downside".
Is it redundant to say "a genuine negative"?
While "negative" inherently implies a lack of something positive, "genuine" reinforces that the negative aspect is real and not an error or misinterpretation. It's not strictly redundant but adds emphasis.
When should I use "a genuine negative" instead of "a significant negative"?
Use "a genuine negative" when you want to stress the authenticity of the negative finding. Use "a significant negative" when you want to emphasize the importance or impact of the negative finding.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
95%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested