ending on a note

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ending on a note" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe concluding something, often in a way that leaves a particular impression or feeling. Example: "The presentation was engaging, ending on a note of optimism about the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

At least this bygone era of amplitude is ending on a note of unusual aesthetic strength.

The New York Times

At its best, Tomlinson's is a meditative kind of verse which keeps a close eye on particulars, whether man-made or natural To speak of a life ending on a note of triumph sounds a little odd.

Independent

But ultimately it's a fairly standard TV movie, if an overly long one, ending on a note of sentimental affirmation and, luckily, offering one outstanding central performance.

The New York Times - Arts

Instead, the film dissolves into a series of diminishing anticlimaxes, ending on a note of portentous ambiguity.

The New York Times

Plaudits, too, to Zemeckis for avoiding the potential mawkish pitfalls of the final frames, ending on a note of restrained elegy – romantic, nostalgic and affirmative.

The Guardian - Film

The Sarabande of the English Suite No. 3 began with a succession of chords that evoked proud Spanish guitars but then gradually darkened, ending on a note of bitter loneliness.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

She ends on a note of love.

The New York Times - Books

The saga, however, ends on a note of uncertainty.

The New Yorker

The article ended on a note of disappointment.

The New Yorker

But allow me to end on a note of harmony.

Independent

However, the book ends on a note of optimism.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ending on a note" to effectively communicate the final impression or sentiment of a piece of writing, performance, or event. It adds depth by suggesting not just an end, but a specific concluding feel.

Common error

Avoid using "ending on a note" too frequently in casual conversation or informal writing. Overuse can make your language sound contrived or overly dramatic. Opt for simpler alternatives like "finishing" or "concluding" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ending on a note" functions as a verbal phrase that modifies a subject by describing the manner in which it concludes. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness, highlighting its role in expressing the concluding tone or sentiment of an event, piece of writing, or performance. Examples show it used to describe both positive and negative conclusions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Books

25%

Arts

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ending on a note" is a grammatically correct and commonly used way to describe the concluding tone or feeling of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is often found in news and media contexts, as well as in literary analysis. To ensure clarity and conciseness, consider the level of formality required by the context. Be mindful of overusing the phrase in informal settings, and remember that it can be effectively used to depict both positive and negative conclusions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concluding with a specific tone

Focuses on the manner of conclusion rather than the finality itself.

finishing with a particular emphasis

Highlights the importance or stress given at the end.

closing on a certain theme

Emphasizes the thematic element that the ending reflects.

culminating in a specific feeling

Concentrates on the emotional outcome of the conclusion.

resolving with a distinct impression

Highlights the lasting effect or image created by the conclusion.

terminating with a characteristic trait

Indicates that the conclusion possesses a notable quality.

ceasing with a marked feature

Suggests a noticeable aspect at the point of ending.

halting with a clear signal

Implies a decisive or unambiguous ending.

desisting with a telling detail

Underscores a significant detail that marks the end.

abandoning with a noticeable quality

Focuses on the noticeable feature at the point of abandoning.

FAQs

How can I use "ending on a note" in a sentence?

You can use "ending on a note" to describe how something concludes, emphasizing the final feeling or impression. For example, "The speech was powerful, ending on a note of hope and unity."

What are some alternatives to "ending on a note"?

Alternatives include "concluding with a tone", "finishing with an emphasis", or "closing on a theme", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "ending on a note of optimism" or "ending with optimism"?

"Ending on a note of optimism" is more descriptive and evocative, suggesting a deliberate and artful conclusion. "Ending with optimism" is simpler and more direct, suitable for less formal contexts.

Can "ending on a note" be used for negative conclusions?

Yes, "ending on a note" can describe both positive and negative conclusions. For instance, "The film was unsettling, ending on a note of profound despair."