negative to change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "negative to change" is not correct in standard written English.
It seems to be an attempt to express resistance or opposition to change, but it lacks clarity and proper grammatical structure. Example: "Many employees are negative to change, which hinders progress within the organization."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The result was to break up the body, using positive and negative to change the dynamic.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The substrate was biased with negative pulses to change the energy of the ions nearby the sample surface during the deposition.

Applied Adhesion Science

But there is also a negative side to change, and that is when the change affects you personally and you didn't see it coming.

Huffington Post

This counselling style thereby aimed to reduce the perceptions of negative outcomes to change.

BMC Public Health

Nor are negative rates likely to change this.

The Guardian - Opinion

"So this thing with a negative stigma started to change to something smarter and cooler-looking, taking on this idea that you could want people to see this".

The New York Times

As a negative effect, resistance to change might distort the R&D department's effort away from radical innovations.

Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization

Once you start thinking negative and trying to change a bunch of things, that's when you get in trouble".

Los Angeles Times

But anticipating and dealing with negative reaction to changed looks is not just for the boldface set.

The New York Times

A DWP spokesman says it is "absolutely committed to supporting disabled people", but he acknowledges that "we need to work together and do more to change negative attitudes".

The Guardian

Turnbull has warned that Labor's proposal to change negative gearing would deliver "a reckless trifecta of lower home values, higher rents and less investment".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "negative to change". Opt for clearer and more grammatically sound alternatives such as "resistant to change" or "averse to change".

Common error

The phrase "negative to change" incorrectly uses the preposition "to". Resistance or aversion to change is more accurately expressed with prepositions like "towards", in phrases such as "negative attitudes towards change", or avoiding the preposition altogether (e.g. "change-negative").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "negative to change" functions as a descriptive phrase, attempting to express opposition or resistance. However, according to Ludwig AI, it is not considered correct in standard written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "negative to change" attempts to convey opposition or resistance to change, it's grammatically incorrect and not recommended for use. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is not standard English. Instead, opt for clearer and more accepted alternatives such as "resistant to change", "averse to change", or "opposed to change". These alternatives ensure clarity and grammatical correctness, making your writing more effective and professional. Although the provided search results showed a few instances of use across diverse sources, including news and scientific publications, its infrequent occurrence and grammatical issues should be considered when choosing the best expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

resistant to change

Uses a more common adjective to describe opposition to change.

averse to change

Employs a different adjective indicating a strong dislike or opposition to change.

opposed to change

Uses the verb "opposed" to convey direct resistance.

against change

A simpler prepositional phrase indicating disagreement with change.

unwilling to change

Focuses on the lack of willingness to embrace change.

hesitant to change

Implies a pause or reluctance before accepting change.

reluctant to change

Similar to hesitant, but suggests a deeper disinclination.

change-averse

A single-word adjective describing someone who avoids change.

resistant to new things

Expresses resistance to novelty and new experiences, including change.

fighting change

Uses a verb expressing active opposition against change.

FAQs

What's a more grammatically correct way to say "negative to change"?

Instead of "negative to change", consider using phrases like "resistant to change", "averse to change", or "opposed to change". These options are more standard and easily understood.

Is "negative to change" considered formal or informal language?

The phrase "negative to change" is generally considered incorrect and unsuitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's best to use more accepted alternatives.

How can I use "resistant to change" in a sentence?

You can use "resistant to change" in a sentence like this: "The team was largely resistant to change, making the implementation of new strategies difficult."

What is the difference between "resistant to change" and "averse to change"?

"Resistant to change" implies a reluctance or opposition, while "averse to change" suggests a stronger dislike or avoidance of change. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.