a negative review

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a negative review" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing feedback or opinions that are unfavorable or critical, typically in the context of products, services, or performances. Example: "After reading a negative review of the restaurant, I decided to choose a different place for dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No author enjoys a negative review.

The New York Times

Neither Humm nor Guidara had ever had a negative review.

The New Yorker

When is a four-star review a negative review?

The New Yorker

Others will post a negative review about your rivals.

The New York Times

Writing a negative review of Eat Pray Love isn't like shooting fish in a barrel.

The Guardian - Film

Could you feel compassion for someone who wrote a negative review of one of your books?

The New York Times - Magazine

Producers also say they may try to dissuade bloggers who want to post a negative review.

The New York Times

For us a negative review is simply to not include it in the magazine".

The New York Times - Style

His website said he was "contemplating suicide" after a negative review in the Financial Times.

The Guardian

People have been suspended for getting a negative review from the secret shoppers," he said.

The Guardian - Business

"We never got a negative review: We never had an empty seat.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When responding to "a negative review", address specific points raised by the reviewer to show you understand their concerns and are willing to improve.

Common error

Avoid making sweeping changes based on a single "negative review". Instead, look for patterns in feedback across multiple reviews to identify genuine areas for improvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a negative review" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence. Based on the examples provided by Ludwig, it denotes a critical or unfavorable evaluation of something, such as a product, service, or performance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a negative review" is a commonly used phrase that denotes unfavorable feedback or criticism. As highlighted by Ludwig, its grammatical function is as a noun phrase, and its purpose is to convey disapproval or point out flaws. The phrase maintains a neutral register, finding frequent use in news and media, as well as wikis. When encountering or discussing "a negative review", it's essential to address specific points and consider the context in order to improve and learn from criticism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unfavorable critique

Replaces "negative review" with synonyms to soften the tone while retaining the core meaning.

a critical assessment

Focuses on the analytical aspect of the review, implying a detailed evaluation with negative findings.

a poor evaluation

Emphasizes the low quality or value assigned during the review process.

a bad write-up

Informal way of describing a negative review, particularly in the context of media or publications.

a thumbs-down

Idiomatic expression indicating disapproval or a negative judgment.

a harsh judgment

Highlights the severity and critical nature of the review.

an excoriating analysis

Conveys a strong sense of criticism and condemnation in the review.

a devastating appraisal

Emphasizes the ruinous effect of the negative review.

a panning

Informal term for a very negative and dismissive review, often in the arts.

a slagging

UK informal: implies severe criticism or harsh negative evaluation.

FAQs

How can I use "a negative review" in a sentence?

You can use "a negative review" to describe unfavorable feedback or critique. For example, "The restaurant received "a negative review" due to its slow service."

What are some alternatives to saying "a negative review"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "an unfavorable critique", "a critical assessment", or "a poor evaluation".

Is it always bad to receive "a negative review"?

Not necessarily. While it's never pleasant, "a negative review" can provide valuable feedback for improvement. Responding constructively to "a negative review" can also demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction.

How should I respond to "a negative review" of my business?

Acknowledge the customer's concerns, apologize if necessary, and explain what steps you're taking to address the issue. Offer a solution if appropriate. A prompt and professional response can mitigate the damage caused by "a negative review".