end on a down note

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "end on a down note" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used to describe a situation that concludes in a negative or disappointing way. For example, "The team's performance this season ended on a down note when they lost the championship game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

But why end on a down note?

The New York Times

Sorry to end on a down note.

The New Yorker

But that's not surprising: charming as Moby is, his long-players always end on a down note.

Vice

How you do this will depend on your situation, just make sure not to end on a down note.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

American Samoa's improbable week ended on a down note as Samoa scored in the 90th minute Saturday night for a 1-0 victory.

The New York Times

The exhibition ends on a down note with a display of first editions of books by Rachel Carson, author of the environmentalist cri de coeur "Silent Spring" (1962).

The New York Times - Arts

Minnesota's season ended on a down note after the Gophers won six of their last seven games to make an impressive run at the N.I.T. title.

The New York Times - Sports

Then, after a tidy selection of Eastern European abstraction that flaunts the museum's Chagalls and Brancusis, "Picasso and the Avant-Garde" ends on a down note.

The New York Times - Arts

The Chinese team's qualifying session ended on a down note when the uneven bars specialist He Kexin tumbled off the low bar in the midst of a breathtaking routine.

The New York Times - Sports

The banner week ended on a down note, though, as nine shows closed on Sunday; some of the shows were limited engagements because they had holiday themes or stars with other commitments, like "Donny & Marie: A Broadway Christmas," and "The Pee-wee Herman Show," while others had been struggling to sell tickets, like "Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson" and "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown".

The New York Times

12.13am GMT 49ers 3-0 Seahawks end of 1st quarter Across midfield and Seattle on the move until Wilson is TAKEN DOWN on 3rd & 9! NaVorro Bowman has the sack that stalls what seemed like a promising drive, and the first quarter ends on a down note for the Seahawks.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "end on a down note" to frankly and concisely describe situations where the conclusion is disappointing or negative, setting realistic expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "end on a down note" in situations that are only mildly negative. It's best reserved for genuinely disappointing or unfortunate conclusions, not minor setbacks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "end on a down note" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe the conclusion of an event, period, or situation in a negative or disappointing manner. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "end on a down note" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe a situation that concludes in a negative or disappointing way. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for neutral and even informal contexts and has a strong presence in News & Media. While not extremely common, it is readily recognized and effectively communicates a sense of disappointment or anticlimax at the end of something. When using it, ensure the situation warrants the negative connotation to avoid overdramatization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conclude on a negative note

Replaces "end" with "conclude" and "down" with "negative", slightly formalizing the tone.

finish on a sour note

Substitutes "down" with "sour", emphasizing disappointment or displeasure.

close on a discouraging note

Replaces "end" with "close" and "down" with "discouraging", highlighting the disheartening nature of the conclusion.

leave on a bad taste

Shifts the metaphor to a lingering unpleasant feeling, implying a negative aftereffect.

end with disappointment

Simplifies the phrase, focusing on the feeling of disappointment at the end.

end in anticlimax

Indicates a disappointing resolution after building expectation.

end unhappily

Uses a simple adverb to describe the unsatisfactory conclusion.

end without resolution

Focuses on the lack of a satisfying conclusion or solution.

end pessimistically

Highlights a conclusion marked by a lack of optimism.

end in failure

Emphasizes the unsuccessful or unsuccessful nature of the ending.

FAQs

How can I use "end on a down note" in a sentence?

You can use "end on a down note" to describe a situation that concludes negatively. For instance, "Despite the team's initial success, their season "ended on a down note" after a series of losses".

What are some alternatives to "end on a down note"?

Alternatives include "conclude on a negative note", "finish on a sour note", or "close on a discouraging note", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "ended on a down note"?

Yes, "ended on a down note" is grammatically correct. The past tense form, "ended", is used to describe something that has already concluded.

What's the difference between "end on a down note" and "begin on a down note"?

"End on a down note" refers to a negative conclusion, while "begin on a down note" refers to a negative start. They describe opposite points in a sequence of events.