high note

USAGE SUMMARY

"high note" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that was particularly successful, noteworthy, or memorable. An example sentence might be: "The concert ended on a high note with the whole crowd singing along to the last song."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

That high note was just painful.

The New York Times

It ended things on a high note.

The New Yorker

But let's end on a high note.

The New Yorker

The class ended on a high note.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

P9 ITV takings hit high note.

The Guardian

Now that's ending on a high note.

The New York Times

With the early lead, he began hitting high note after high note.

The New York Times - Sports

Homemade desserts end the meal on a high note.

The New York Times

U.S. stocks again finished on a high note.

The New York Times

IRI is certainly going out on a high note.

The Guardian - Business

"And they are obviously going out on a high note".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "high note" to describe the most successful or impressive part of an event, performance, or period. It effectively conveys a sense of culmination and excellence.

Common error

While "high note" is widely understood, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for alternatives like "successful conclusion" or "peak performance" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "high note" primarily functions as a noun, often acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a specific element or moment within a broader context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature. For example, "ending on a high note".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sports

15%

Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "high note" is a common phrase used to denote a peak moment or successful conclusion. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and widely used. While versatile, it's best to consider context and audience to avoid overuse in highly formal settings. Remember to leverage its metaphorical strength when describing moments of excellence or significant achievements across various communicative situations. Alternatives like ""crowning achievement"" or ""grand finale"" can offer subtle yet impactful stylistic variations, depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crowning achievement

Focuses on the most significant accomplishment in a series.

ultimate triumph

Highlights overcoming significant obstacles and achieving victory.

resounding victory

Focuses on a clear and decisive win or achievement.

grand finale

Refers specifically to the concluding part of a performance or event.

outstanding success

Emphasizes the exceptional nature of a positive outcome.

peak performance

Highlights the achievement of maximum efficiency or skill.

major breakthrough

Highlights a significant advancement or discovery, altering the direction of progress.

successful conclusion

Focuses on the positive end result, omitting the nuance of climax or peak.

defining moment

Indicates a turning point or a particularly significant event.

memorable moment

Emphasizes the lasting impact, differing from the sense of a culmination.

FAQs

How can I use "high note" in a sentence?

You can use "high note" to describe the best part of something, like "The concert ended on a "grand finale"" or "The project concluded on a "successful conclusion"".

What's the difference between "ending on a high note" and simply "ending well"?

"Ending on a high note" implies not just a positive conclusion, but a particularly impressive or memorable one, a "crowning achievement" that leaves a lasting positive impression. "Ending well" is more general.

What are some alternatives to "high note" in a business context?

In a business setting, consider using phrases like "peak performance", "outstanding success", or ""successful conclusion"" for a more formal tone.

Is it appropriate to use "high note" in academic writing?

While understandable, "high note" might be too informal for some academic contexts. Consider using phrases like "significant achievement" or "major breakthrough" for greater precision and formality.