on a completely different note

USAGE SUMMARY

"on a completely different note" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to transition to a different topic or idea in a conversation or piece of writing. For example: We've discussed the importance of physical fitness, but on a completely different note, let's talk about the importance of psychological well-being.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

On a completely different note, Travis Kniffin, asks, "What is your favorite book by John Berger?" Unanswerable — because with Berger it's the incredible range of the work that counts.

The New Yorker

On a completely different note, the rest of the survey is an interesting read if you need to catch up on the platform wars.

TechCrunch

On a completely different note, Ben Stein's anti-evolution, anti-intellectual diatribe movie Expelled recently opened to (mostly) intensely negative reviews.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

On a completely different note, I want to send a birthday wish to my lovely wife, who today reaches a certain milestone age that I did a year ago.

Los Angeles Times

On a completely different note, I wrote my personal memoir, Rebooting My Brain, for both women struggling to overcome a life crisis, as well as brain injury caregivers and survivors.

Huffington Post

If you're on a completely different note, tighten the string to make the note higher, or loosen it to make it lower.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

(Note: I'm white, and what people of colour go through on the internet is on a completely different level).

Vice

But now it's taken on a completely different meaning.

The Guardian

But Leviev is on a completely different level.

The New York Times - Magazine

But this was on a completely different scale.

The Guardian

His style was summed up by the Dublin Evening Herald thus: "He seems to be addressing a completely different audience in a completely different programme on a completely different planet".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a completely different note" to clearly signal a shift in topic, especially when the new topic is unrelated to the previous one. This helps maintain clarity and prevents confusion for the reader or listener.

Common error

Avoid using "on a completely different note" when the new topic is still loosely related to the previous one. Instead, use transitional phrases that indicate a connection, such as "furthermore" or "in addition".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a completely different note" functions as a discourse marker, signaling a transition to a new and unrelated topic. It serves to alert the audience that the speaker or writer is shifting focus, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

29%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on a completely different note" is a transitional phrase used to introduce an unrelated topic, signaling a clear departure from the previous subject. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although most common in News & Media. Alternatives include "switching gears" and "turning to another matter". When using this phrase, ensure that the new topic is genuinely unrelated to avoid miscommunication. The frequency of use is uncommon, so it adds style without being overly repetitive. It helps maintain clarity by setting expectations for a new subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on an unrelated topic

Emphasizes the lack of connection to the previous topic.

moving on to a different subject

Slightly longer and more explicit.

let's shift our focus

Implies a deliberate change in attention.

turning to another matter

More formal and direct.

to diverge momentarily

Formal and signals a temporary departure from the main topic.

switching gears

More concise and informal.

changing the subject

More direct and potentially abrupt.

in other news

Mimics a news broadcast transition.

by the way

More casual and conversational.

now for something completely different

Humorous and emphatic shift, influenced by Monty Python.

FAQs

How can I use "on a completely different note" in a sentence?

You can use "on a completely different note" to introduce a new, unrelated topic. For example, "We've been discussing budget cuts; on a completely different note, did you see the new company policy?"

What are some alternatives to "on a completely different note"?

Alternatives include "switching gears", "turning to another matter", or "moving on to a different subject", depending on the level of formality desired.

When is it appropriate to use "on a completely different note"?

It's appropriate when you want to signal a clear departure from the current subject to something entirely unrelated. This helps avoid confusion and keeps the conversation or writing organized.

Is "on a completely different note" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally considered neutral in tone. While not overly formal, it's suitable for both professional and casual settings when a distinct topic change is needed.