a high note on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a high note on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a positive or successful aspect of something, often in a metaphorical sense related to music or achievement. Example: "The concert ended on a high note, leaving the audience cheering for an encore."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Despite one moment of strain on a high note on Tuesday, Mr. Fouchécourt exemplifies a tradition of French singing rarely heard today: His words are set with perfect clarity on the vocal line, his vibrato is unobtrusive, and his voice is so placed in the mask of his face that it reaches into the theater with bright presence.

The New York Times - Arts

"If you have a little dog, get him barking," she said as she plucked a high note on the violin.

The Guardian - Music

If "pitch" describes how high or low a sound is, how would you play a high note on a xylophone or a low note on a clarinet?

The Guardian

Therefore, we have made the decision to end this incredible journey on a high note on January 26 with our original stars intact".

The New York Times

Financial markets ended the week on a high note on both sides of the Atlantic after better US jobs news and renewed faith in the European Central Bank sent shares, bonds and oil prices surging.

The Guardian - Business

Starting on a High Note On the evening of November 10th, the audience at New York's Metropolitan Opera was treated to the briefest of delights when Audrey Luna, a coloratura soprano, hit an A above high C — the highest note ever sung in the Met's hundred-and-thirty-seven-year history.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Last year certainly ended on a high note for I.B.M., the world's largest computer company.

The New York Times

It went out on a high note, and on its own terms, so I suppose we can take some small comfort in that.

The Guardian

The show ended on a high note ― why drag it on, other than to see the remarkable cast reconvene?

Huffington Post

His effective, heavy-vibrato falsetto seems disembodied: it just appears without an exhaling sound before it, like a clear, high note on a guitar.

The New York Times

Last night's show ended on a high note, with hints of a soapy future.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a high note on" to emphasize a particularly successful or positive aspect within a broader context, often in situations where closure or culmination is involved. Be mindful of the tone of the surrounding content; this phrase works best when aiming for a celebratory or optimistic feel.

Common error

Avoid using "a high note on" in contexts that are inherently negative or tragic. While it can add emphasis, it is best reserved for scenarios where a positive or successful element genuinely exists, not as a means to gloss over or trivialize difficult situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a high note on" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a prepositional complement. It identifies a positive or successful element in relation to something else, often indicating a favorable aspect or accomplishment. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is considered correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a high note on" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig, typically employed to emphasize a positive or successful element within a given situation. Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as having a neutral register, leaning slightly towards informal. It commonly appears in news and media contexts, highlighting achievements or positive aspects. When aiming for formal or scientific writing, consider alternatives like "a successful element of" or "a positive aspect of" to maintain a more professional tone. The phrase serves to add emphasis and optimism when used judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a highlight in

Emphasizes a prominent or best part, differing by directly pointing out the peak moment.

a peak in

Indicates the highest point or culmination, differing by focusing on the apex.

a positive aspect of

Focuses on the favorable quality or feature, shifting from a musical metaphor to a general positive attribute.

a bright spot in

Indicates a positive or hopeful aspect, often used to contrast with negative surroundings.

a successful element of

Highlights the achievement or accomplishment within something, emphasizing success rather than musicality.

a strong point of

Focuses on the strength or advantage, moving away from the musical connotation.

an impressive feature of

Highlights something remarkable, emphasizing its ability to impress.

a notable aspect of

Emphasizes the noteworthiness or significance, differing by focusing on its importance.

a favorable element of

Highlights the positive or advantageous quality, focusing on benefits.

an encouraging sign for

Focuses on positive indications or portents for future prospects, differing by focusing on future implications.

FAQs

How can I use "a high note on" in a sentence?

You can use "a high note on" to describe something ending positively or successfully. For example, "The project concluded "on a high note", exceeding all expectations."

What's the difference between "a high note on" and "on a high note"?

"On a high note" generally describes the manner in which something ends, while "a high note on" emphasizes a specific positive aspect. For instance, ending "on a high note" implies overall success, while finding "a high note on" suggests a standout positive detail.

What can I say instead of "a high note on"?

You can use alternatives like "a highlight in", "a peak in", or "a strong point of" depending on the specific context.

Is "a high note on" suitable for formal writing?

While "a high note on" is understandable in formal writing, it's best to consider the context. Alternatives like "a successful element of" or "a positive aspect of" might be more appropriate for professional or academic settings.