on a depressing note

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a depressing note" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to transition to a more somber or negative topic after discussing something more positive or neutral. Example: "We had a wonderful time at the party, but on a depressing note, we learned that our favorite restaurant is closing down."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The women overhear this conversation and the entire evening takes on a depressing note as a result.

The New Yorker

But it ends on a depressing note: despite the brief flare of outrage, Mr Davies concludes, little has really changed, with an unaccountable and arrogant press holding the whip hand over a cowed and compliant government.The second book, by Mr Mulcaire, is not quite so much fun.

The Economist

RS: Well, let's end on a depressing note—.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Ending our conversation on an appropriately depressing note, Califano quotes some final statistics: While illegal drug use has leveled off among youth, usage is still way ahead of what it was in 1989.

Forbes

He was on a Guggenheim fellowship, at work on a depressing novel set in a hospital.

The Guardian - Books

And on that depressing note, I'll give the final word to Marisca.

Vice

The magazine Progressive Architecture considered it "a vibrant note on a depressing street".

The New York Times

Stop on a good note!

WikiHow

This little gesture of acknowledgment put the finishing touches on a depressing picture.

The New Yorker

The chain of events then took on a predictable and depressing life of their own.

Huffington Post

It is a little depressing to note from the comments on the Magistrate's Blog post on the topic that this comes at the same time that Pink Tape is being recommended to magistrates by their own magazine.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the depressing note is relevant to the overall context. Avoid introducing negativity that feels out of place or forced.

Common error

Avoid using "on a depressing note" too frequently within a single piece of writing, as it can become repetitive and lose its impact. Consider alternative transitions or varying your language to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a depressing note" functions as a transitional phrase, specifically a prepositional phrase used adverbially. It serves to introduce a statement or observation that is somber, negative, or disheartening. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in various contexts, from news articles to personal anecdotes.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on a depressing note" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that functions as a transitional element to introduce negative or somber information. Ludwig indicates its usage is correct. While its frequency is rare, it appears primarily in News & Media contexts. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "on a somber note". Be mindful of overuse to maintain its impact. The phrase serves the communicative purpose of preparing the audience for potentially unwelcome news, acting as a linguistic cushion. The expert rating reflects its correctness and source authority, balanced with its somewhat limited frequency. The generated FAQs cover common questions regarding usage, alternatives, and register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a somber note

Replaces "depressing" with a more formal synonym, "somber", maintaining a serious tone.

on a sad note

Uses the simpler and more common word "sad" instead of "depressing", slightly lowering the formality.

to end on a low note

Emphasizes the conclusion being negative, shifting focus from the note itself to the act of ending.

on a discouraging note

Replaces "depressing" with "discouraging", highlighting the disheartening aspect.

to conclude with a disappointment

Highlights the feeling of disappointment, broadening the scope of the negativity.

on a pessimistic note

Uses "pessimistic" to suggest a lack of hope, adding a specific type of negativity.

turning to darker matters

Indicates a shift to more serious or negative topics, using broader language.

shifting to a bleak outlook

Emphasizes the pessimistic or hopeless nature of the topic being introduced.

with a heavy heart

Highlights the speaker's sadness or regret when introducing the negative point.

unfortunately

A simple adverb to introduce bad news, lacking the nuance of "depressing note".

FAQs

How can I use "on a depressing note" in a sentence?

You can use "on a depressing note" to introduce a negative or somber point, often after discussing something more positive or neutral. For example, "The team won the championship, but "on a depressing note", their coach announced his retirement."

What are some alternatives to saying "on a depressing note"?

Alternatives include "on a sad note", "on a somber note", or "to end on a low note". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality desired.

Is it appropriate to use "on a depressing note" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "on a depressing note" may be perceived as slightly informal for highly academic or business writing. Consider using a more formal alternative like "on a somber note" or directly stating the negative point without the introductory phrase.

What's the difference between "on a depressing note" and "on a sad note"?

"On a depressing note" implies a deeper sense of gloom and discouragement compared to "on a sad note". "Depressing" suggests a more prolonged or impactful negative feeling, while "sad" is generally lighter and more immediate.