carries a negative connotation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "carries a negative connotation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a word or phrase that has a negative meaning or is seen as negative by people. For example, "The word 'slacker' carries a negative connotation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

"To a lot of people, Boo carries a negative connotation.

The New York Times

THE word "syndrome" usually carries a negative connotation and is most commonly associated with a disorder.

The New York Times

In the ever-changing 21st century, even the word "habit" carries a negative connotation.

The New York Times

It usually carries a negative connotation as particles may jam and stick inside equipments.

Powder Technology

The word almost always carries a negative connotation; it never (as here) characterizes that which is desirable.

The New York Times - Books

Yet the very word "lonely" carries a negative connotation, Professor Cacioppo said, signaling social weakness, or an inability to stand on one's own.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

"I think that landfills carry a negative connotation with them," Mr. McCain said.

The New York Times

The idea of adding justices to the Supreme Court — "court packing" — has carried a negative connotation since President Franklin D. Roosevelt sought to expand the court in the late 1930s.

The Washington Post

Jason Post, a spokesman for the mayor, said that while the term ballot security may have once carried a negative connotation, "to the mayor now in New York it is ensuring the integrity of the system".

The New York Times

And the term 'blogger' now seems to carry a negative connotation.

Forbes

Reverse mortgages continue to carry a negative connotation thanks to late-night television commercials that leave many suspicious of their viability as a retirement income tool.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "carries a negative connotation", ensure the context clearly establishes what is causing the negative association. Providing specific examples or reasons strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a term's negative connotation is universally understood. Specify the audience or group for whom the connotation is negative to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "carries a negative connotation" functions as a descriptor, attributing a negative association to a particular word, phrase, or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in English writing, serving to highlight subjective or emotional undertones.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

28%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "carries a negative connotation" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to denote a negative association with a particular word or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, it serves to inform readers about potential biases or emotional undertones. While various alternative phrases exist, such as "has negative overtones" or "implies disapproval", the original phrase remains a clear and effective choice for conveying its intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bears a negative implication

Stresses the implicit negative meaning contained within the phrase.

has negative overtones

Highlights the subtle, underlying negative implications.

is associated with negativity

Focuses on the connection to negative feelings or ideas.

is laden with negative associations

Highlights the abundance and intensity of negative connections.

has a pejorative sense

Focuses on the demeaning or disparaging aspect of the meaning.

evokes negative feelings

Focuses on the emotional response triggered by the phrase.

suggests something unfavorable

Emphasizes the uncomplimentary or adverse implication.

implies disapproval

Highlights the element of judgment and lack of approval.

is viewed unfavorably

Shifts the focus to the perspective of those holding a negative view.

is tainted by a bad reputation

Emphasizes the damaged or spoiled aspect of the reputation.

FAQs

How can I use "carries a negative connotation" in a sentence?

You can use "carries a negative connotation" to describe a word or concept that has a generally unfavorable association. For example: "The term 'landfill' "carries a negative connotation" due to environmental concerns".

What are some alternatives to saying "carries a negative connotation"?

Alternatives include phrases like "has negative overtones", "implies disapproval", or "is viewed unfavorably", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Does "carries a negative connotation" imply that the connotation is always justified?

No, the phrase "carries a negative connotation" simply indicates that a negative association exists, regardless of whether it's justified. The negativity may be based on misconceptions or prejudices.

Is there a difference between "carries a negative connotation" and "has a negative denotation"?

Yes. "Denotation" refers to the literal or dictionary definition of a word, whereas "connotation" refers to the feelings or associations it evokes. A word can have a neutral denotation but still "carries a negative connotation".