negative words

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "negative words" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing language, tone, or sentiment that conveys negativity or unfavorable meanings. Example: "In her essay, she analyzed the impact of negative words on people's perceptions and emotions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Negative words.

The New York Times

In Northern Ireland top negative words were fire and time.

The Guardian

The linguists also considered the top positive and negative words from different parts of the UK.

The Guardian

Whenever possible, exchange negative words for more positive terms, or at least choose something softer.

The Guardian - Opinion

One of the most negative words she could use in describing someone was "passive".

The New Yorker

His negative words scared investors and put up the cost of green technologies.

The Guardian

The most frequently used negative words included "idiot," "incompetent" and "clown".

The New York Times

The top three negative words or phrases were "bad," "disaster" and "God help us".

The New York Times

On it, negative words have the same effect as a bat flying into a bridal shower.

The New York Times - Magazine

The researchers found that negative words hurt.

Science Magazine

D. MPQA finds it more positive with less negative words.

EPJ Data Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for constructive communication, consciously replace "negative words" with more neutral or positive alternatives to foster a more encouraging environment.

Common error

Be careful to not always assume automatically that "negative words" are always bad: sometimes, depending on the context, "negative words" can be necessary for clarity, emphasis, or even humor. Context and intent matter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "negative words" functions as a noun phrase, identifying a category of words characterized by their unfavorable or critical connotations. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is widely used to describe language that conveys negativity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "negative words" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to vocabulary that conveys unfavorable sentiments. As Ludwig AI explains, it's important to use "negative words" judiciously, balancing the need for clarity with the potential to create a pessimistic tone. While avoiding excessive negativity is generally advisable, remember that "negative words" serve a purpose in expressing criticism or warning of potential problems. Understanding the context and intended impact is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hurtful words

Directly addresses the capacity of words to inflict pain.

unfavorable language

Focuses on the negative aspect being communicated through language.

destructive language

Focuses on the damaging effect negative words can have.

damaging words

Highlights the potential for harm caused by specific words.

detrimental vocabulary

Highlights the potentially harmful nature of the word choice.

toxic language

Focuses on the poisonous or harmful nature of the words.

pessimistic terms

Emphasizes the gloomy or hopeless outlook conveyed by the words.

adverse comments

Emphasizes the opposing or unfavorable nature of the remarks.

critical remarks

Shifts the focus to the act of making negative statements.

offensive language

Highlights the potential of the words to cause hurt or upset.

FAQs

How can I identify "negative words" in a text?

Look for words that convey unfavorable sentiments, criticism, disapproval, or negativity. Dictionaries and sentiment analysis tools can help identify such terms. Consider also the context, as a word's meaning can shift.

What are some examples of "negative words"?

Examples include "bad", "terrible", "awful", "hate", "disgust", "fail", "problem", "difficult", "impossible", and "reject". This is not an exhaustive list, but it highlights the range of emotions and situations these words can describe.

How can I avoid using "negative words" in my writing?

Focus on using positive framing and choosing words that convey encouragement and hope. Where appropriate, replace "negative words" with "positive language" to create a more optimistic tone.

Is it always wrong to use "negative words"?

No, "negative words" serve a purpose in expressing negative emotions or criticism. However, overuse can lead to a pessimistic or aggressive tone. Balance the use of "negative words" with positive or neutral terms.