a positive result

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a positive result" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing outcomes, findings, or conclusions that are favorable or beneficial. Example: "After conducting the experiment, we were pleased to report a positive result that supports our hypothesis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it's a positive result.

The Guardian

The collaboration produced a positive result.

The New York Times - Health

What, for example, constitutes a positive result?

The Guardian - Sport

And sort of a positive result.

The Guardian - Sport

"We have a positive result," Papy said today.

The New York Times - Sports

So Leicester could conceivably get a positive result.

The Guardian - Sport

Is there anything that could have triggered a positive result?

Columbia University

A positive result would be her one ticket in.

The New York Times

But the staggering number of donations had a positive result.

The Guardian

The pilot study showed a positive result for NSAIDs.

Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry

A biopsy of the lesion came back with a positive result.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing medical test results, clarify whether "a positive result" indicates the presence or absence of a condition, as the interpretation can vary.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a positive result" always signifies something good. In medical testing, for instance, it often indicates the presence of a disease or condition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a positive result" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a finding or outcome that is considered favorable or indicative of a desired condition. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

42%

Sports

7%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a positive result" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that indicates a favorable or desired outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile and applicable across various contexts, from medical testing to sports and scientific experiments. While frequently found in news and scientific sources, it maintains a neutral register. Remember to consider the specific context to ensure accurate interpretation, particularly in medical settings where "positive" may indicate the presence of a condition. Consider using alternative phrases such as "a favorable outcome" or "a beneficial result" to add nuance or clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a positive outcome

Simply replaces "result" with "outcome", maintaining the same positive connotation.

a favorable result

Replaces "positive" with "favorable", emphasizing the advantageous nature of the outcome.

a beneficial result

Substitutes "positive" with "beneficial", highlighting the helpful or advantageous aspect of the outcome.

a successful outcome

Replaces "result" with "outcome" and "positive" with "successful", focusing on the achievement of desired goals.

a favorable outcome

Combines "favorable" with "outcome" to stress the pleasant or approving nature of the final result.

a welcome result

Replaces "positive" with "welcome", emphasizing the agreeable or pleasing nature of the result.

a good result

Uses the more general term "good" instead of "positive", indicating a satisfactory outcome.

a fruitful result

Replaces "positive" with "fruitful", suggesting a productive or advantageous outcome.

a constructive result

Uses "constructive" in place of "positive" to highlight the helpful and improving nature of the result.

an encouraging result

Emphasizes that the result is heartening or inspiring using the term "encouraging".

FAQs

What does "a positive result" mean in medical terms?

In a medical context, "a positive result" typically indicates the presence of a specific condition, disease, or substance being tested for. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for accurate interpretation.

What's the difference between "a positive outcome" and "a positive result"?

While similar, "a positive result" often refers to a specific finding or measurement, whereas "a positive outcome" is broader, referring to the overall favorable consequence of an event or process.

How to use "a positive result" in a sentence?

You can use "a positive result" to describe anything from a scientific experiment to a sports game. For example, "The experiment yielded a positive result, confirming our hypothesis" or "The team needed a positive result to advance to the next round".

What can I say instead of "a positive result"?

You can use alternatives like "a favorable outcome", "a beneficial result", or "a successful result" depending on the context.