negative toll

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'negative toll' is not grammatically correct, nor is it commonly used in spoken or written English.
The phrase 'toll' can be used to describe a tax or payment someone is required to pay, a price, a cost, or a consequence. For example, "The negative toll from unemployment is felt in every community."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It is rather unfortunate that one moment, a snapshot in time, has taken such a negative toll on his life and his career.

The New York Times - Sports

These results have thus provided a window for their exploitation as drug candidates against parasitic diseases such as malaria, leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis that continue to exert a negative toll on our population.

Natural Products and Bioprospecting

But according to recent research conducted by Arizona State University (ASU), killing off the pika is unnecessary and may actually taking a negative toll on the environment.

Vice

Failing to meet the unreasonable goals we set for ourselves can in turn take a negative toll on our self-worth.

Huffington Post

In his letter, Kaine cited an October Senate Armed Services hearing with Defense Department officials whom he said "unequivocally reiterated that sequestration and furloughs have had a negative toll on morale for civilian and non-civilian federal employees".

Huffington Post

Yet the negative toll of toxic chemicals and pollution on our bodies is probably as dramatic as emissions are for the planet, or plastics are for the oceans, the direct link is just harder to make.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

This holds true when the regulator is constrained to set non-negative tolls, but also for unconstrained tolling.

Transportation Research Part B: Methodological

Many mechanisms are involved to limit TLR4 responses to these commensal bacteria: decreased expression of TLR4, decreased IL-1 receptor-activated kinase (IRAK) activity, increased expression of molecules involved in TLR4 negative signaling (Toll-interacting protein (Tollip), single immunoglobulin IL-1-related receptor (SIGIRR), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors γ (PPARγ) [60].

Plosone

While IMD is mostly involved in defense against Gram-negative bacteria, Toll is generally activated by Gram-positive bacteria and fungi (see [ 21] for a review on Drosophila immunity and [ 48] for T. castaneum).

BMC Genomics

Membrane bound ST2 (mST2) is a negative regulator of toll like receptors (which is an important component of innate immunity).

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials

Recently, we demonstrated that pediatric CD patients have decreased duodenal expression of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and the negative regulator of Toll-receptor signaling (Tollip), and increased expression of TLR9 and interleukin 8 (IL-8), which is a marker of intestinal inflammation [ 18].

BMC Gastroenterology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common and grammatically accepted alternatives like "negative impact", "adverse effect", or "harmful consequence" to ensure clarity and credibility in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "negative toll" if you intend to convey a negative impact or consequence. The word "toll" often refers to a charge or fee, so using it with "negative" can be confusing. Instead, clearly state the adverse effect using phrases like "negative impact" or "adverse effect".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "negative toll" functions as a noun phrase where "negative" modifies "toll". However, as Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is not grammatically correct and less adopted in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "negative toll" appears in some contexts, Ludwig AI identifies it as not grammatically correct and less frequently used. The phrase aims to convey adverse effects or consequences, similar to "negative impact" or "adverse effect". Given its potential for misinterpretation, it's advisable to opt for clearer and more widely accepted alternatives. The occurrences are balanced between news media and scientific publications, suggesting a neutral register, but grammatical ambiguity warrants careful consideration when choosing this phrase in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negative impact

Focuses solely on the "impact" to convey the adverse effect, removing the potentially misleading word "toll".

adverse impact

Replaces "toll" with "impact", focusing on the effect rather than the cost.

adverse consequences

Highlights the unwanted "consequences" that arise from a situation.

detrimental effect

Substitutes "negative" with "detrimental" and "toll" with "effect", highlighting the damaging nature.

damaging effect

Focus on the destructive power or "effect" of something on something else.

harmful consequence

Replaces "negative" with "harmful" and "toll" with "consequence", emphasizing the result.

damaging repercussions

Uses stronger terms like "damaging" and "repercussions" to intensify the negative impact.

serious implications

Shifts the focus to the "implications", highlighting the potential long-term consequences.

heavy burden

Emphasizes the "burden" or weight caused by a negative situation.

high cost

Directly addresses the "cost", either literal or figurative, associated with a negative situation.

FAQs

What does "negative toll" mean?

While not grammatically standard, "negative toll" is sometimes used to describe the adverse impact or consequence of something. However, it's better to use clearer alternatives like "negative impact" or "adverse effect".

Is it correct to say "negative toll"?

The phrase "negative toll" isn't grammatically incorrect but it's not a common or preferred expression. More precise and widely accepted alternatives include "harmful consequence" or "detrimental effect".

What can I say instead of "negative toll"?

You can use alternatives like "negative impact", "adverse effect", or "harmful consequence" to express the same idea with greater clarity.

What is the difference between "negative toll" and "negative impact"?

"Negative toll" is a less common and potentially confusing way to express a negative consequence. "Negative impact" is a more standard and easily understood phrase that clearly conveys the adverse effect of something.