it has been negative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it has been negative" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, experience, or outcome that has been unfavorable or disappointing over a period of time. Example: "The feedback from the clients has been negative, prompting us to reevaluate our approach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

On the other hand, it has been negative for me because I couldn't say anything.

The Guardian - Sport

While the index rose to minus 1.9, it has been negative since May.

The New York Times

Of those questioned, 61% see the Arab spring as positive overall, while 22% think it has been negative.

The Economist

In the 1970s and 1980s it was less then 2%; in the 1990s, it has been negative, an average rate of minus 8.6% so far.

The Economist

I got rid of the hepatitis and since then every single time I have tested for HIV it has been negative.

Independent

PAGE B1 CNBC'S CLOSEUP Whether the attention is positive or negative -- and much of it has been negative -- it is certain that this financial season is CNBC's reason for being.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

And 61percentt said they thought the campaign's tone had recently been positive, while only 17percentt said it had been negative.

The New York Times

While 29 percent said the impact of illegal immigration on Hispanics living here had been positive, 31 percent said it had been negative, a sharp increase since 2007.

The New York Times

A fourth-generation screening HIV test for the detection of p24 antigen and HIV 1/2 antibodies (Abbott Molecular inc., Chicago, Illinois) was positive, although it had been negative when he was checked 6 months prior to presentation.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Indeed, most publicity around free schools has been negative; last year, it was revealed that Ofsted failed free schools at a much higher rate than other types of school.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some media reaction has been negative, too.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it has been negative", ensure the context clearly indicates what 'it' refers to. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your writing.

Common error

Avoid vague references by ensuring "it" has a clear antecedent. Instead of "It has been negative", specify: "The market response has been negative" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has been negative" functions as a statement expressing an unfavorable condition or outcome. As illustrated by Ludwig, it describes a state that is undesirable or disappointing over a period of time.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

33%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it has been negative" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for conveying unfavorable outcomes or conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is generally correct for describing disappointing results. The phrase appears commonly in News & Media and Science contexts, maintaining a neutral register. For formal settings, consider alternative expressions like "it has been detrimental" to enhance precision and formality. Ensure clarity by specifying what "it" refers to, avoiding vague references for a stronger impact. The phrase is more common than rare, but attention to context and reference is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has not been positive

A softer way of saying something is negative, implying a lack of benefit.

it has had a negative impact

Emphasizes the impact of something being negative, focusing on the consequence.

it has been detrimental

Indicates a more harmful or damaging effect than simply being negative.

it has been adverse

Indicates opposition or antagonism; a more formal alternative.

it has proven unfavorable

Highlights that something has turned out to be disadvantageous or adverse.

it has been disappointing

Highlights the feeling of discouragement or disillusionment caused by something.

it has yielded poor results

Focuses on the unsatisfactory outcome or consequences of something.

it has gone badly

Describes a situation that has developed or progressed in a negative way.

it has backfired

Suggests an action produced an opposite and undesirable effect.

it has declined

Implies a downward trend or deterioration in quality or condition.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it has been negative" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "it has been detrimental", "it has proven unfavorable", or "it has had a negative impact".

What does "it has been negative" mean?

The phrase "it has been negative" indicates that something has had an unfavorable or adverse outcome over a period of time. It suggests a disappointing or undesirable result.

Is "it has been negative" grammatically correct?

Yes, the phrase "it has been negative" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English writing and speech.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it has been negative"?

Use "it has been negative" when describing situations where something has consistently produced unfavorable results or outcomes. For example, "The project's progress it has been negative due to unforeseen circumstances."