a positive negative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a positive negative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a situation or outcome has both positive and negative aspects, often to highlight a paradox or complexity. Example: "The feedback I received was a positive negative; while it pointed out my mistakes, it also encouraged me to improve."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

A positively (negatively) higher coefficient means the existence of a positive (negative) correlation between i-th and j-th peaks throughout the spectra.

Plosone

This international mobility of capital implies that each country may have either a positive, negative or balanced foreign asset position.

SERIEs

[Grist] A positive negative?

The New York Times

A positive (negative) correlation increases (decreases) the real contact.

Journal of Theoretical and Applied Physics

A positive (negative) correlation decreases (increases) the interfacial separation.

Journal of Theoretical and Applied Physics

+ means a positive (negative) effect from the precedent to the pointed variable.

European Journal of Futures Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Summery cotton dresses in wide stripes, with a positive-negative effect, looked fresh.

The New York Times

At each voltage level, a positive-negative 10 mV shift of the synaptic equilibrium potential was simulated and the new gsyn* values were estimated.

Plosone

RMCE was performed using a positive-negative selection strategy previously described (Long et al., 2004).

DMM Disease Models and Mechanisms

Next, we used a positive-negative double selection to isolate cells that retained the Z chromosome following excision of its endogenous centromere.

Developmental Cell

The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the FluoroType® MTB PCR assay in study B was 71%and96%6%, respectively.> -wrap-foot> a+, positive;–, negative.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a positive negative" to concisely describe situations where benefits and drawbacks are intertwined, creating a nuanced perspective. For example, "The project's tight deadline was a positive negative; it forced efficiency but also increased stress."

Common error

While "a positive negative" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can sound ambiguous. Opt for more precise language that clearly outlines both the positive and negative aspects to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a positive negative" functions as a modifier, typically used to describe a situation, event, or outcome that presents both beneficial and detrimental aspects. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this usage is acceptable in English. For instance, 'We've had some predators looking around at our players, which is a positive negative,' illustrates its use in describing a complex situation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a positive negative" describes a situation presenting both benefits and drawbacks. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and usability in English. Though grammatically sound, it’s relatively rare and most commonly appears in science and news media. When employing this phrase, consider that alternatives like ""a mixed blessing"" or ""constructive criticism"" might offer more clarity, particularly in formal contexts. Use "a positive negative" to acknowledge complexity, but ensure the context supports the intended nuanced understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A beneficial drawback

This alternative directly combines a positive aspect (beneficial) with a negative aspect (drawback), similar to "a positive negative" in its straightforwardness.

A mixed blessing

This alternative conveys a situation with both advantages and disadvantages, similar to "a positive negative" but with a stronger emphasis on the inherent contradiction.

Paradoxical advantage

This alternative emphasizes the contradictory nature of an advantage arising from something seemingly negative, closely mirroring the concept of "a positive negative".

A double-edged sword

This phrase highlights the duality of a situation, where it can be both beneficial and harmful, akin to the contradictory nature of "a positive negative".

A bittersweet experience

This alternative emphasizes the emotional aspect of having both positive and negative elements, differing from the more neutral tone of "a positive negative".

A necessary evil

This phrase implies that something negative is unavoidable to achieve a positive outcome, carrying a stronger negative connotation than "a positive negative".

Constructive criticism

This alternative refers to feedback that is intended to improve something, even if it includes negative points, focusing on the improvement aspect.

Ambivalent outcome

This alternative denotes a result containing mixed and contradictory elements, somewhat akin to "a positive negative" but focusing on results rather than feelings.

A qualified success

This option signifies success that is limited or not absolute, sharing the characteristic of partial positivity with "a positive negative".

Chiaroscuro effect

Referencing the artistic technique, this implies a stark contrast between light and dark, highlighting the distinct duality of "a positive negative".

FAQs

How can "a positive negative" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a positive negative" to describe situations that have both good and bad aspects. For instance, "The company's restructuring was "a positive negative"; it streamlined operations but led to layoffs."

What are some alternatives to "a positive negative"?

Alternatives include "a mixed blessing", "a double-edged sword", or "constructive criticism", depending on the specific context.

Is "a positive negative" grammatically correct?

Yes, "a positive negative" is grammatically correct, although its usage is more nuanced. It's used to describe a scenario where there are both positive and negative attributes.

When is it appropriate to use "a positive negative"?

It's appropriate when you want to acknowledge both the benefits and drawbacks of a particular situation or decision. It's particularly useful when the positive and negative aspects are closely linked or interdependent.