in the plus column

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the plus column" is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It is often used to refer to a positive aspect or advantage of a situation or decision. Here is an example: "The new business proposal has several potential risks, but in the plus column, it also has the potential for high profits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"It all goes in the plus column.

The Guardian

So there is much to admire in the plus column.

The Guardian - Sport

Also in the plus column is tall Joe himself.

The Guardian - Music

Then again, Warner has more ticks in the plus column at the minute.

The Guardian - Sport

But there is much in the plus column before the titles roll.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

(Also in the plus column for Newt: he has inspired a Loudon Wainwright ukulele ditty).

The New Yorker

Pristine and beautifully presented sushi were also in the plus column.

The New York Times

Which is a bit of a shame because, on first inspection, it appeared to have stacks in the plus column.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Technology stocks fell yesterday while some old-line consumer stocks had a modest day in the plus column.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Technology stocks shook off early losses and crept back into the plus column in early trading, buoyed by a decline in long-term interest rates.

Forbes

"I expect we'll see the market jump in and out of the plus column today while the market is waiting for tomorrow's CPI and industrial production data," said Peter Cardillo, director of research at Westfalia Investments.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in the plus column", ensure it's followed by a specific and tangible benefit to maintain clarity and impact. For example, "In the plus column, the new policy will increase employee satisfaction."

Common error

Avoid using "in the plus column" without providing concrete examples or details. Saying "There's a lot in the plus column" without specifying what those positives are weakens your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the plus column" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause to indicate a positive aspect or advantage. As Ludwig shows, it's often used to introduce or emphasize benefits within a discussion or evaluation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the plus column" is a common and grammatically sound way to highlight positive aspects or advantages in various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely used across different domains, particularly in news, business, and academic writing. While generally neutral in register, it’s crucial to follow it with concrete examples to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "on the positive side" and "among the advantages", offering slightly different nuances while maintaining the core concept of emphasizing favorable elements. Remember, clarity and specificity are key when leveraging this phrase to strengthen your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the positive side

Focuses on the positive aspects of a situation, rather than a balance sheet.

among the advantages

Highlights specific advantages or benefits.

in the benefit category

Categorizes something as a benefit.

as a positive factor

Emphasizes the positive nature of a factor.

on the credit side

Similar to "in the plus column" but refers to the credit side of something.

in a favorable light

Indicates that something is viewed positively.

to its advantage

Focuses on the advantageous nature of something.

as a merit

Highlights a specific quality that deserves praise.

among the strengths

Highlights the strengths of a situation or entity.

on the upside

Emphasizes the positive aspects and potential benefits.

FAQs

How can I use "in the plus column" in a sentence?

Use "in the plus column" to highlight positive aspects or advantages. For instance, "In the plus column, the project was completed ahead of schedule and under budget."

What does "in the plus column" mean?

It means that something is an advantage or a positive aspect to be considered. It's often used when weighing pros and cons.

What are some alternatives to using "in the plus column"?

You can use alternatives like "on the positive side", "among the advantages", or "as a positive factor".

Is "in the plus column" formal or informal?

It's generally considered neutral and can be used in both professional and informal contexts, although it's more common in news and business writing.