a true negative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a true negative" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts such as statistics, medical testing, or data analysis to describe a situation where a test correctly identifies the absence of a condition or characteristic. Example: "In the study, the test produced a true negative for patients who did not have the disease, indicating its reliability."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In medical diagnostic tests we talk about sensitivity – the ability of the test to give a true positive result – and specificity – the ability to give a true negative result.

The Guardian

If it did not, it is a true negative (TN).

EPJ Data Science

We interpret this as a support for a true negative finding.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Until now, such a true negative dataset for chemical entity mentions was missing.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Furthermore, the lack of a true negative fraction did not allow the specificity to be determined.

EJNMMI Research

We do not know this, but on the other hand can offer no explanation for a true negative association.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

This smaller subset can be used as a true negative dataset of abstracts that do not mention SACEMs.

Journal of Cheminformatics

The concentration map does not predict diamorphine in this region and thus demonstrates a true negative result for crystalline materials.

Crime Science

We suggest that, ruling out abdominal discomfort, only a minority of CF children presented recurrent abdominal pain with a true negative impact on daily life.

Journal of Cystic Fibrosis

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

At this value, the true-positive fraction is 72.7%, with a true-negative fraction of 53.3%.

Breast Cancer Research

A true-negative result was one that proved negative under both methods.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing diagnostic tests or statistical analyses, clearly define what constitutes "a true negative" to avoid ambiguity. This is especially important in scientific writing.

Common error

Avoid conflating "a true negative" with a false negative. A false negative is an incorrect result indicating the absence of a condition when it is actually present, while "a true negative" correctly indicates its absence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a true negative" functions as a noun phrase that describes a correct negative result in a binary classification scenario. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is frequently used to describe outcomes in statistical testing, medical diagnostics, and data analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

80%

News & Media

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a true negative" is a term used to describe a correct negative result, primarily in scientific and statistical contexts. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and frequently employed to ensure clarity in reporting outcomes where accuracy is critical. When writing, it's important to distinguish "a true negative" from a false negative and to clearly define its meaning within the specific context. Alternative phrases like "a correctly negative result" or "a genuine negative" can be used depending on the nuances you wish to convey. The phrase is mostly used in Science, News & Media and Formal & Business contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a correctly negative result

Focuses on the accuracy of the negative outcome.

an accurate negative finding

Emphasizes the precision and reliability of the negative finding.

a valid negative outcome

Highlights the validity and legitimacy of the negative result.

a genuine negative

Stresses the authenticity and lack of false indications.

a true absence

Simplifies the concept to the actual absence of something.

a correct rejection

Applicable when referring to the correct rejection of a hypothesis or condition.

a verified negative

Indicates that the negative result has been confirmed through verification.

a negative confirmation

Highlights the confirmation of a negative condition.

an actual negative instance

Focuses on the instance being a real and accurate negative.

a precise negative identification

Emphasizes the accuracy in identifying a negative case or absence.

FAQs

What does "a true negative" mean in the context of medical testing?

In medical testing, "a true negative" refers to a test result that correctly indicates that a person does not have a specific disease or condition.

How is "a true negative" different from a false negative?

"A true negative" is a correct result indicating the absence of a condition, while a false negative is an incorrect result indicating the absence of a condition when it is actually present. Understanding this difference is crucial for accurate interpretation of test results.

Where can I find examples of how to use "a true negative" in scientific writing?

You can find examples of how to use "a true negative" in scientific writing by searching academic databases or using writing platforms like Ludwig, which provide context from reliable sources. These examples can help illustrate the correct usage and nuances of the phrase.

What are some alternative ways to express the concept of "a true negative"?

Alternatives include "a correctly negative result", "an accurate negative finding", or "a genuine negative depending on the specific context".